NSW Fishing Licence – The Complete Guide in 2023

Fishing is a great way to spend your time outdoors, and if you live in New South Wales (NSW), then you’ll need a NSW fishing licence. But don’t worry – getting one doesn’t have to be complicated! In this blog post, we’ll take an in-depth look at the ins and outs of obtaining an NSW fishing licence.

We’ll discuss the cost of purchasing one, who needs it and who can fish without it, how to get one quickly and easily, as well as all the benefits that come with having an official licence for recreational angling. Plus there are rules & regulations for using your license correctly – so make sure you read up on them too before hitting those waters! So what are you waiting for? Get ready to discover everything about nsw fishing licences right here!



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NSW Fishing Licence – Tip #1

What is a NSW Fishing Licence?

An NSW Fishing Licence is a permit issued by the New South Wales Government that allows you to legally fish in certain waters within the state. It’s important to have one if you want to go fishing, as it ensures that you are following all relevant laws and regulations.

The cost of an NSW Fishing Licence varies depending on how long it is valid for, with prices ranging from $7 for a three-day licence up to $35 for an annual licence. There are also discounts available for seniors and concession card holders.

Anyone over 18 years old who wants to fish in New South Wales must have a valid fishing licence, unless they meet specific exemptions such as Aboriginal people or persons with disabilities who hold an exemption certificate. Children under 18 can usually fish without needing a licence, provided they are supervised by someone with one.

Getting your NSW Fishing Licence is easy – simply head online and fill out the application form at ServiceNSW or visit your local tackle shop where staff will be able to help you apply. You’ll need proof of identity such as your driver’s license or passport when applying online or in person at any ServiceNSW centre so make sure you bring this along too.

It’s important that anglers understand their responsibilities when using their NSW Fishing Licences – these include not taking more than what has been allocated per species (bag limit) as well as adhering strictly to size limits set out by the Australian Fisheries Management Authorities (AFMA). Additionally, licences must be renewed each year before expiry date otherwise, penalties may apply including fines of up to $500 or even imprisonment in some cases.

Key Takeaway: 

A NSW Fishing Licence is essential for anyone over 18 years old who wants to fish in New South Wales, with prices ranging from $7 for a three-day licence up to $35 for an annual licence.



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Cost of an NSW Fishing Licence

Your fishing licence fee cost varies depending on the duration you’re after. The pricing is as follows:

  • 3-Day Fishing Licence  – $7.00
  • 1-Month Fishing Licence – $14.00
  • 1-Year Fishing Licence – $35.00
  • 3-Year Fishing Licence – $85.00

Finally, it is important to note that all fees paid towards a NSW Fishing Licence go directly towards supporting conservation efforts throughout New South Wales, ensuring that future generations can continue to enjoy this wonderful sport of fishing.

If you’re looking to fish in NSW, it’s important to understand the cost of a fishing licence and who needs one. In the next section, we’ll look at who needs a fishing licence in NSW and how to obtain one.



NSW Fishing Licence – Tip #3

Who Needs a Fishing Licence in NSW?

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Anyone over the age of 18 needs to pay an NSW recreational fishing fee and carry the receipt showing proof of payment in order to legally fish in either freshwater or saltwater. This applies even if you’re just spearfishing, collecting bait or hand lining, as it is still considered recreational fishing. It doesn’t matter whether you are a professional angler or an amateur; everyone who fishes recreationally must have a valid licence.

It is important for anglers in NSW to understand the rules and regulations regarding fishing licences. Knowing who needs a licence and who can fish without one will help you ensure that your fishing experience is safe, legal, and enjoyable. Now let’s take a look at who can fish without a licence in NSW.

Key Takeaway:

In NSW, anyone over the age of 18 needs to purchase a recreational fishing licence in order to legally fish. Exemptions may apply for minors, and those with disabilities can obtain special licences at discounted cost. It is important to be aware of all regulations when fishing as penalties such as fines or suspension cancellation of licence privileges can apply for breaching them.



NSW Fishing Licence – Tip #4

Who Can Fish Without a Licence in NSW?

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It’s important to know who is exempt from paying the recreational fishing fee in New South Wales.

In order to fish in both freshwater and saltwater environments within the state of New South Wales, all recreational fishers must purchase an NSW fishing license–unless they meet certain exemptions, including:

  1.  NSW residents under 18 years old.
  2.  Adults who are assisting a child under the age of 18 to fish with a single rod, net, or scoop;
  3.  NSW residents over 65 years old and hold a valid NSW seniors card.
  4.  NSW residents with disabilities may apply for a special licence at discounted cost.
  5.  NSW residents who only plan to fish in private dams with a surface area of 2 hectares or less
  6. – Aboriginal and Indigenous people

Cardholders of a:

  1. – Pensioner Concession – Centrelink
  2. – Pensioner Concession – Department of Veterans (DVA)
  3. – Department of Veterans (DVA) TPI’ (Totally and Permanently Incapacitated) or EDA’ (Extreme Disablement Adjustment)
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Exemptions for both pensioners and veterans are outlined on the website of the Department of Primary Industries (DPI). Additionally, if you’re fishing through a charter, hire boat or with an instructor’s guidance – you may be excused from paying your fee

In NSW, recreational fishers must have a valid fishing licence to take or attempt to take fish from any waters. For more information on how to obtain a fishing licence in NSW, read the next heading for details.

Key Takeaway:

In New South Wales, people under 18 years of age, seniors over 65 years of age, NSW residents with disabilities and those with certain types of concession cards are exempt from paying the recreational fishing fee. It is important to be familiar with all regulations when fishing as penalties can apply for breaching them.



NSW Fishing Licence – Tip #5

How to Get a NSW Fishing Licence

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Getting a NSW Fishing Licence is easy and straightforward. Whether you’re an experienced angler or just starting out, you can get your licence quickly and easily online, in person or over the phone.

Online:

You can apply for a NSW fishing licence online through the Service NSW website. All you need to do is fill out an application form with your personal details, choose the type of licence that best suits your needs and pay by credit card. Once approved, you will receive an email confirmation with instructions on how to print off your licence at home.

In Person:

If you prefer to apply for a fishing licence in person, simply visit one of the many authorised agents located throughout New South Wales such as bait & tackle shops and post offices. When applying in person make sure to bring along some form of identification such as driver’s license or passport so that they can verify who you are before issuing your fishing permit.

Over The Phone:

You can also call up 1300 369 365 and request a fishing permit over the phone using their secure payment system (Visa/Mastercard).



Having a valid NSW Fishing Licence is important for all NSW residents and visitors who enjoy recreational fishing. Not only does it help protect NSW fisheries, but it also gives you the peace of mind that you are helping to sustain the NSW fish stocks for generations to come.

Getting a NSW Fishing Licence is the first step to making sure you can enjoy your time on the water safely and legally. Now that you know how to get one, let’s look at some of the benefits of having a licence.

Key Takeaway:

An NSW Fishing Licence provides access to legalised fisheries and helps maintain sustainable fish stocks for future generations. To obtain a licence, you can apply online, in person or over the phone with an authorised agent.



NSW Fishing Licence – Tip #6

Benefits of Having an NSW Fishing Licence

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Having a valid NSW Fishing Licence is essential for anyone wanting to fish in the state. Not only does it provide access to certain areas and species of fish that are not available without one, but it also ensures anglers comply with the rules and regulations set out by Fisheries NSW.

Not many realise that the fees collected from NSW Fishing Licences are reinvested back into NSW fisheries research, management and monitoring programs. This helps keep our rivers, creeks and estuaries healthy for both the fish species that inhabit them and the recreational fishers who enjoy them.

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All the profits from NSW Recreational Fishing Fees are allocated to the Recreational Fishing Trusts and utilized for recreational fishing enhancement in New South Wales, such as:

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These trusts adhere to a set of legal rules overseen by two committees, each composed of recreational anglers- one focusing on saltwater and another devoted exclusively to freshwater activities.

Key Takeaway:

Having a NSW Fishing Licence provides many benefits such as access to legalised fisheries, helps maintain healthy fish stocks and ensures anglers comply with the rules & regulations. The fees collected from NSW fishing licences are also reinvested back into NSW fisheries research, management, monitoring programs and recreational fishing enhancements.



NSW Fishing Licence – Tip #7

Renewing Your NSW Fishing Licence

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Renewing your NSW Fishing Licence is a simple process that can be done online or in person.

Online Renewal:

To renew your licence online, you will need to log into the MyServiceNSW portal and select ‘Fishing Licences’ from the menu. You will then be prompted to enter your details and payment information before being issued with an updated licence. It is important to note that if you have changed any of your personal details since last applying for a fishing licence, these must also be updated at this time.

In-Person Renewal:

If you prefer not to use the online service, you can visit one of the many Service NSW centres located across New South Wales and apply for a renewal in person. When doing so, it is important to bring along proof of identity such as a driver’s license or passport as well as any relevant paperwork such as medical certificates or other documents required by law. Once all documentation has been provided and approved, you will receive an updated fishing licence on site which will remain valid until its expiry date.

It is important to remember that failure to renew your fishing licence before its expiry date could result in penalties, including fines; therefore it is essential that anglers take care when ensuring their licences remain current at all times.

Renewing your NSW Fishing Licence is a simple process that can be done quickly and easily online. However, it’s important to remember the consequences of not having a valid licence, which we’ll discuss in the next section.

Key Takeaway:

Renewing your NSW Fishing Licence is easy and can be done online or in person. You must bring proof of identity and other relevant documents when applying for a renewal in person. Costs vary depending on the length of the licence, with discounts available for some people. Failure to renew could result in penalities and fines.



NSW Fishing Licence – Tip #8

Penalties for Not Having a Valid NSW Fishing Licence

It is important for all anglers to be aware of the penalties for not having a valid NSW fishing licence. In New South Wales, anyone aged 18 or over must have a current recreational fishing fee before they can fish in any public waters. This includes estuaries, rivers and offshore waters.

Failing to obtain a valid NSW fishing licence can result in on-the-spot fines of $200 or a maximum penalty of $2200.

It is also important to remember that illegal activity harms our environment, depleting fish stocks and reducing the amount of fish available for everyone else. This is why it is essential that we all do our part by obtaining a valid licence when going out on the water. Now let’s take a look at what happens if you lose your licence.

Key Takeaway: 

It is important for all anglers to obtain a valid NSW fishing licence, as failure to do so can result in on-the-spot fines of $200 or a maximum of $2200.



NSW Fishing Licence – Tip #9

What happens if I Lose My NSW Fishing licence?

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Losing your fishing licence can be a stressful experience, especially if you’re in the middle of a fishing trip. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to replace it quickly and easily.

First, contact the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) on 02 4424 7499 during business hours. You will need to provide some basic information such as your name and address, as well as details about where and when you purchased the original licence. The DPI will then issue you with a new plastic card for an A$8 processing fee.

Alternatively, if time is of the essence or if you don’t want to pay for a replacement card, then you can download a digital copy of your fishing licence from their website instead. This option is free but requires that all relevant information has been provided at the time of purchase – so make sure this is done correctly. Once downloaded onto your device, simply show it to any fisheries officer who requests proof of licence while out on the water or at any other official inspection point.

Key Takeaway:

It’s important to replace your fishing licence if you lose it, and there are two options available: contact the NSW Department of Primary Industries for a physical card (for an $8 fee) or download a digital copy from their website.



NSW Fishing Licence – Tip #10

What Happens if I Change My Address?

If you move house or change your address for any reason, then it is essential that you update NSW Fisheries with the new details. This can be done quickly and easily:

  • Online via their website
  • By phone at 02 4424 7499 (during business hours),
  • Emailing DPI at recfish.licensing@dpi.nsw.gov.au,



NSW Fishing Licence – Tip #11

Conclusion

In conclusion, a NSW Fishing Licence is an important document that all anglers should have in order to fish legally and safely. It helps protect our fisheries from overfishing and ensures that everyone gets to enjoy the natural wonders that our state has to offer. The cost of a licence is relatively inexpensive compared to the potential fines for not having one, so it’s worth investing in one if you plan on fishing regularly. With this information about NSW Fishing Licence, we hope you are now ready to go out and enjoy your time on the water!

If you’re looking to make the most of your fishing experience, then look no further than LandBasedAnglers.com! We have all the resources and information you need to get started or enhance your skills as an angler in Australia. From licensing requirements for NSW Fishing Licence, safety tips on how to stay safe out at sea, and even recommendations for great spots near you – we’ve got it all covered!



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