Do I need a fishing licence?

If you want to fish in NSW waters, freshwater or saltwater, the law requires you to pay the NSW recreational fishing fee and carry the receipt as proof.

This applies to:

  • spear fishing
  • hand lining
  • hand gathering
  • trapping
  • bait collecting
  • prawn netting

The receipt is also required when in possession of fishing gear in or near waters.

Exemptions from the recreational fishing licence

Find out more about fishing in NSW