As spring approaches and the Australian bass get back on the bite, enthusiastic anglers will start to dust off their gear. Before the first cast of the season, it is worth checking that your paperwork is in order, because the rules that apply to recreational fishing in New South Wales carry real consequences when they are not followed.

Most people who fish recreationally in NSW must pay the NSW recreational fishing fee. This is commonly called a fishing licence. It applies whether you are fishing in saltwater or freshwater, including from the shore, a boat or a jetty, and when collecting bait or shellfish.

Who Needs to Pay the Fee?

The fee is generally compulsory for recreational fishers unless an exemption applies. Common exemptions include:

• children under 18;
• some pensioner concession card holders;
• Aboriginal people fishing in accordance with cultural traditions; and
• people fishing on certain charter boats where the operator holds the required endorsement.

If you are relying on an exemption, you should carry proof of that exemption with you.

What Does a NSW Fishing Licence Cost?

The usual recreational fishing fees set by the NSW Government are:

• 3 days: $7
• 1 month: $14
• 1 year: $35
• 3 years: $85

Fees are set by the NSW Government and can change, so it is worth confirming the current amount at the time of purchase.

Where Can You Get a Licence?

A NSW recreational fishing licence can usually be obtained:

• online through Service NSW or the NSW fishing fee portal;
• through the Service NSW app, where available;
• from many fishing tackle shops, caravan parks, outdoor stores and other authorised agents; and
• in some cases by phone or through other NSW Government payment channels.

Whichever method you use, carry proof of payment with you, either digitally or as a printed receipt.

What Happens if You Fish Without a Licence?

If a person is required to hold a licence and is caught fishing without one, they may receive an on-the-spot fine. In more serious cases, the matter can proceed to court, where higher penalties may apply. Fisheries officers may also inspect catches, equipment, boats and receipts.

The Other Rules That Apply

A fishing licence is only one part of the picture. Recreational fishers must also follow laws about:

• size limits, meaning fish below or above certain sizes must be released;
• bag and possession limits, meaning only a set number of fish may be kept;
• protected species, which must not be taken;
• closed seasons and closed waters;
• permitted fishing gear, including rules about nets, traps, lines and hooks; and
• fishing in marine parks, aquatic reserves, sanctuary zones and conservation areas.

Fishing in a conservation area or sanctuary zone can be treated particularly seriously. These areas may restrict or completely prohibit fishing in order to protect habitats and marine life. Breaching those rules can result in substantial fines, prosecution, seizure of fishing gear or catch, and, in serious cases, court-imposed penalties.

Who Enforces the Rules?

Recreational fishing laws in NSW are mainly enforced by NSW fisheries officers. Depending on the location, enforcement may also involve NSW Police, marine park officers, National Parks and Wildlife officers, or other authorised compliance officers.

In recent years, officers have also used drones to conduct surveillance of illegal fishing hotspots. High resolution cameras can capture images of anglers, their boats and vessel registration numbers from a considerable distance.

If You Receive a Fine or a Court Attendance Notice

A fisheries fine is easy to dismiss as a minor matter, but the penalties that follow a court appearance can be significant, and decisions made early can affect the outcome. If you have received a penalty notice or a court attendance notice relating to fishing, it is worth understanding your options before you respond, including whether to pay, seek a review, or defend the matter.

For more than 40 years, we have guided Penrith and Western Sydney clients through matters that affect what matters most to them, from everyday penalty notices to complex court proceedings. A bad day fishing may still beat a good day working, but a day in court is another matter entirely.

Contact our experienced team to discuss your situation and understand where you stand.