NSW Recreational Fishing Fee (compulsory)

If you live or are a visitor in NSW and would like to fish in either fresh or salt water you are required by law to pay a fee which will give you a receipt showing the payment for a NSW Recreational Fishing Fee.  Recreational fishing licences issued in other states or countries are not valid for fishing in NSW waters, if you are line fishing (hand or rod), bait collecting, spear fishing, collecting invertebrates or prawn netting the fee is required.

Persons under the age 18 yrs, adults assisting persons under the age of 18 using a single rod or to gather prawns using a single net/scoop.

Person fishing in a private dam with two hectares or less of surface water.

Aboriginal persons who are party to a registered Native Title claim, a member of a local land council or in the company of someone who is taking part in a tradition culture activity.

Holders of a current Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Card issued by either Centrelink or the Department of Veterans Affairs

It is the responsibility of fishers to ensure they are within the law at all times as the fishing regulations may change, if you are unsure as to whether you are exempted you can go to the NSW Government website at www.industry.nsw.gov.au

 NSW Recreational Fishing Fee as follows:

3 Days = $6

1 Month = $12

1 Year = $30

3 Years = $75

Note: If you are fishing with a guide or on board a charter vessel they should hold an exemption certificate which will cover you but always check if you need one before going fishing or collecting.

You can obtain a receipt at many outlets in NSW, including tackle shops, caravan parks, local shops or service stations or at:  www.industry.nsw.gov.au

Make sure that the receipt is given to you in a plastic waterproof bag to protect from water damage, a good idea is to keep the top part of the receipt in the tackle box and the bottom part in your wallet. If you lose your receipt and you get caught they can check if you have purchased a NSW Recreational Fishing Fee by looking up your fishers personal details when you purchase the receipt, if you need to replace it call: 02 9527 8411.  Replacement cost is $6 or you can download a form from the above website.

Fishing fees collected are placed in trusts which can only be spent on projects that will improve the recreational fishing in NSW, anyone wishing to apply for funding to improve recreational fishing in either salt or fresh water can apply for funds at the above site. Small grants are available for fishing clubs, local community groups or councils to improve facilities such as fishing platforms, fish cleaning tables, measuring stations and other infrastructure. On a bigger scale the Game fish tagging program has been set up to understand the movement and growth of tuna, billfish, sharks and sportfish. This will provide valuable scientific information and is the largest tagging program in the world. Artificial reefs are being installed up and down the coast which will improve recreational fishing and help create new habitats. A program has been designed to educate primary school children across NSW about sustainable fishing and fishing in a safe and responsible manner. Volunteers across the NSW state provide education to the children on a face to face level passing on their knowledge about the rules and regulations and the values of sustainable recreational fishing

A good DVD to promote fishing safety in saltwater or fresh water has been produced by The Recreational Fishing Alliance (RFA) of NSW, check out their website www.safefishing.com.au