Do You Need a Fishing Licence in Queensland? Things You Need to Know

Fishing is an enjoyable pastime in Queensland’s waters, which boast an abundance of marine life. When planning to fish in Queensland’s waters, one question will likely arise: Do I require a fishing licence in Queensland?”

This is a common question among anglers, and the answer will depend on your method, type of fishing you intend to do, location and fishing regulations in your state. Learning these regulations is essential to ensuring legal fishing activities as well as contributing towards sustainable practices within fishing.

Do You Need a Fishing Licence in Queensland?

Queensland fishing regulations aim to manage fish populations, protect aquatic ecosystems, and ensure sustainability within the fishing industry. But not everyone requires a license – its necessity largely depends upon several factors including type of fishing activity performed, where you conduct it, residency status of its applicant etc.

Queensland Fishery Licence General Rule

For recreational fishing in Queensland, no general fishing licence is generally necessary for most forms of freshwater and saltwater fishing (this includes activities like boat fishing and shore fishing), although there may be certain exceptions and restrictions that need to be considered when setting this rule in motion. Let’s go through them more in detail here.

Key Exceptions:

1. Stocked Impoundments (Freshwater): Stocked impoundment permits are required for recreational fishing in dams and reservoirs. These permits regulate species fishing in these impoundments and ensure sustainable use of these stocked waters.The SIP is available for individual days or seasonal or annual passes. Permits are inexpensive, making freshwater fishing accessible without complicated requirements.
2. Commercial Fishing: If you’re engaging in commercial fishing activities (e.g., for profit or selling your catch), you will need a commercial fishing licence. Commercial licences are issued by the Queensland Government and come with specific conditions regarding where, when, and how you can fish.
3. Fishing in Certain Protected Areas: Queensland’s national parks and MPAs have stronger laws to safeguard delicate ecosystems. Fishing may require additional licenses or be restricted in these places.These limits protect Queensland’s natural habitats, especially the Great Barrier Reef, a UNESCO World Heritage site and marine biodiversity hotspot.
4. Fishing for Certain Species: In certain cases, you may need a special licence or permit to fish for specific species, especially if those species are protected, threatened, or vulnerable. For example, fishing for certain species of turtles, dugongs, and protected fish species may require special permits.
5. Age and Residency Exceptions: While most visitors and residents can fish without a licence, there are some exceptions for young anglers. Children under the age of 18 do not require a fishing licence for recreational fishing, but again, this applies mostly to saltwater and non-protected freshwater environments.

Where to Get a Fishing Licence or Permit in Queensland

• Stocked Impoundment Permits: These can be obtained either online via the Queensland Government website, or at participating retail locations across Queensland.
• Marine Park Permits: Permits can be purchased from local marine park authorities either online or directly at their offices in order to gain entry.
• Commercial Fishing Licences: These licenses are issued by the Department of Agriculture and Fisheries (DAF), and require an application process before being granted.

Important Fishing Regulations You Should Know

While not everyone needs a fishing licence in Queensland, all anglers must follow the local fishing regulations designed to maintain sustainable fishing practices. Some of these rules include:

1. Catch Limits: Fish populations need protection, so there are regulations limiting how many and what sizes of fish you can catch from species such as barramundi, snapper and bream that you may catch. These restrictions help ensure their populations don’t become overexploited.
2. Size Limits: These limits indicate the minimum and maximum sizes for certain species, such as barramundi which has minimum limits of 58 cm in some areas and 120 cm elsewhere. These restrictions exist in order to protect young fish so they may reach reproductive maturity before being caught and harvested for consumption.
3. Fishing Gear Restrictions: Certain methods of fishing such as nets or traps may be prohibited in certain environments; always double-check that you’re using appropriate gear, particularly when fishing in marine or protected environments.
4. Closed Seasons: Many species of fish have closed seasons during which fishing isn’t allowed in order to promote breeding and replenishment of stocks, so always check the rules regarding your target species before fishing.
5. Protected Species in Queensland: Queensland has established a list of protected species which must not be fished at any cost, such as endangered sea turtles, dugongs, and certain shark species.

Do You Need a Fishing Licence in Queensland If You’re a Tourist?

Tourists visiting Queensland for fishing trips must abide by local rules, which include obtaining a stocked impoundment permit if fishing stocked waters.

Tourists do not require a general fishing licence when fishing saltwater or most freshwater, although if targeting protected species or fishing in protected areas or targeting restricted species. Check with local authorities in advance if targeting protected areas to avoid penalties.

Can You Fish Without a Licence in Queensland?

Yes, in most instances fishing without a licence in Queensland is permissible as long as you fish in non-protected areas and follow size and bag limits, without targeting restricted or protected species. If fishing at impoundments, commercial zones or restricted zones, then a permit will likely be necessary.

Frequently Asked Questions

Conclusion

Queensland fishing licence differ based on where and the type of fishing activity that will take place, which will ultimately dictate whether or not you need a license to enjoy fishing recreationally. Most recreational anglers can fish without needing a general fishing licence; however, certain cases such as impoundment fishing require permits for specific species. Before embarking on your adventure fishing adventure make sure you are well informed of regulations in place so you are fishing sustainably and legally to help preserve Queensland’s rich aquatic environment for generations to come.