With Australia Day celebrations on the horizon and anglers gearing up for a big long weekend of fishing fun, the Department of Primary Industries (DPI) is urging fishers to make sure they do the right thing.
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“With Australia Day falling on a Monday this year, we are expecting big numbers of people hitting the water taking advantage of the three day break,” Mr Andrews said.
“Conditions at this time of year are perfect, with recent rains across much of the State providing the perfect conditions for a good spot of fishing.
“To ensure everyone has their fair share of fun, DPI fisheries officers will also be on patrol, targeting illegal fishers keen to spoil the weekend for everyone else.
“Fishers are reminded that changes to NSW recreational fishing rules came into effect in November. And while a three-month advisory period is still in place to allow recreational anglers time to adjust to those new rules, fisheries officers will be on the water educating anglers about the changes.”
Fishers must also hold a current NSW recreational fishing licence, unless exempt, for any fishing activity including angling, prawning, shellfish gathering and spear fishing, and the licence must be carried on the person at all times.
“Anyone found without a licence faces a $200 on the spot fine. Additionally, a penalty of $75 can apply if you do not have the licence in your immediate possession,” Mr Andrews said.
“Fishers must follow the rules for bag and size limits and should only catch sufficient fish for their immediate needs and release all others using best practice catch and release techniques.”
Key changes to rules which have been in effect since November 3, include:
- Bag limit reduced from 20 to 10 for Flathead species (other than Dusky Flathead), Bream and Tarwhine, Tailor, Blue Swimmer Crab, Trevallies and Luderick. The possession limit of 20 remains for these species;
- Spawning closure for Australian Bass and Estuary Perch extended to four months to protect early migrating bass. Catch and release is permitted during the closure;
- Number of witches hats/hoop nets/lift nets reduced from five to four and the number of crab traps is increased from one to two in saltwater.
- Change of marking requirements of recreational nets and traps to specify trap type, fisher’s initial and surname, year of birth and postcode;
- Five hoop nets are permitted to be used to take yabbies in Lakes Lyell, Lake Wallace and Googong Dam; and revised Murray cod minimum size of 55cm and a maximum size of 75cm.
For detailed information on recreational fishing rules, including bag and size limits for each species, visit www.dpi.nsw.gov.au/fisheries/recreational/regulations
To view a video explaining the changes, and for more information, visit
Fishers are encouraged to report suspected illegal fishing by contacting your local fisheries office or by phoning the Fishers Watch Phoneline on 1800 043 536
You can Purchase your licence fee online for:
$7 - 3 days
$14 - 1 month
$35 - 1 year
$85 - 3 years