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| Frequently Asked Questions  What size fish can I catch?
See our recreational fishing size limits page.
How many fish can I take?
See our recreational fishing bag and possession limits page.
When does the rock lobster season start?
The season starts on the first Saturday in November each year. A great time of the year for you to go fishing but not so good for the rock lobster! See our recreational rock lobster fishing page.
When can I set my pot for the opening of the rock lobster season?
Pots may be set from 1 pm the day prior to the opening, but may not be pulled until after midnight.
What is a special rock lobster licence for?
Following a review of the Rock Lobster and Giant Crab Management Plan, the rules for the Special Rock Lobster Licence have been changed. A recreational fisher who holds a rock lobster licence (either rock lobster dive, ring or pot) may apply for one 14 day special rock lobster licence per season where their possession limit is 15 rock lobster instead of 10. The daily bag limit of 5 rock lobster still applies.
Where can’t I set my net?
Gill netting is not allowed at night, between one hour before sunrise and one hour after sunset except for graball nets set in Macquarie Harbour. There are a large number of areas where netting is either banned or restricted. See our map showing net and line area restrictions.
Are there any line fishing regulations?
No licence is needed for rod and line fishing in marine waters. Any number of lines with up to five hooks may be used.
There are area restrictions on the use of set lines, which is any line with one to five hooks that is not in physical contact with a person or attached to a vessel. To avoid lines being classed as set lines, fishers fishing from the shore, rocks, jetties and wharves must remain in physical contact with their line/s at all times. Fishers fishing from a boat must be in physical contact with their line/s, or the line/s must be attached to the boat, or they will be classified as set lines. See our map showing net and line area restrictions.
What is a set line?
A set line is an unattended line, either a dropline or a longline, with up to 30 hooks. A licence is required to use this gear and area restrictions apply. A person may only use one set line at a time. In waters more than 150 metres deep, you can join your set line to the lines of up to 3 other people on your boat, provided no person uses more than 30 hooks or more than a total of 120 hooks are used. Not more than 4 set lines are permitted on a boat and each person must be present when the line is set and retrieved.
A dropline is set vertically with one end weighted and a buoy attached to the other. A longline is set horizontally, weighted at both ends and with a buoy attached at each end. Both longline and dropline buoys must be clearly marked with your set line licence number and either the letters "LL" for longline or "DL" for dropline. The buoys must be at least 195mm in diameter.
Droplines may not be used in Shark refuge areas, No netting areas and some other waters.
When do I need a licence?
You don’t need a licence to fish with a rod and line in marine waters. You do need a licence for freshwater fishing or to dive for rock lobster, abalone and scallops or to use gillnets, beach seine nets and rock lobster pots and rings. See the Recreational Sea Fishing Licence page.
Why do we have shark refuge areas?
Sharks, skates and rays are an important part of the marine environment and are particularly vulnerable to over-fishing. They can easily be accidentally caught and may drown or be severely damaged. Shark refuge areas are important habitats that are critical to the breeding of school sharks, rays and stingrays. There are several Shark refuge areas in Tasmania. It is illegal to take any shark, skate or ray (other than elephant fish) in a shark refuge.
I’m doing a school project on Aquaculture. Where can I get information?
Right here on this website. Have a look at our A-Z search guide of the site. You might also like to have a look at the websites of the Tasmanian Aquaculture & Fisheries Institute (TAFI): www.utas.edu.au/tafi and the CSIRO: www.marine.csiro.au.
What fines apply to illegal fishing?
Large fines apply for illegal fishing. The smallest fine is $100 but most fines are much bigger. There are special penalties of ten times the value of fish involved. Special penalties of $1,000 apply to rock lobster offences and $300 for misuse of a net, so make sure you know the rules and do the right thing.
How do I become a Fishcare Volunteer?
Being a Fishcare Volunteer is serious fun while helping ensure that we have fish for the future. Find out how to become a volunteer.
Where are the fish biting?
The best source of this information is from local knowledge. Check out local newspapers, webpages or visit the local tackle shop for the best information. Also check out our pages on hot fishing spots around Tasmania.
What is ghost fishing?
Ghost fishing is fishing when you don’t mean to be fishing e.g. when your net gets away or is snagged on the bottom and continues to fish when it’s not meant to. Discarded nets and line can kill marine wildlife.
Why can’t I keep everything I catch?
If everyone did this, then there wouldn’t be enough fish to breed and sustain the population. Tasmania's fishing rules are based on ecological and biological knowledge of Tasmanian fish stocks and the aquatic environment and fishers have the opportunity to comment on any proposed changes to the rules before they are made.
Fishing is one of the most popular recreational activities in Tasmania, hence this high level of participation could put significant pressure on fish stocks if fishers don’t do the right thing. Good fishing practises such as quickly returning undersized and unwanted fish will help us enjoy our fisheries for years to come and can prevent the need for stricter fishing restrictions.
Why are there restrictions on the length of time nets can be left in the water?
By ensuring that people put their nets regularly, there is a greater chance that undersize and unwanted fish caught in the net can be released alive. See the net fishing page.
What is the function of marine reserves?
Tasmania has marine nature reserves set aside to protect underwater and coastal habitats and fish stocks for the future. They benefit the whole community. See our Marine Reserves and Research Areas page.
How should I handle fish I want to let go?
Be gentle and be quick. Only handle the fish with wet hands or wet material. See our good fishing practices page.
Can I use nets to catch fish recreationally?
A limited range of nets are available for recreational use and a sea fishing licence is required to use some of these nets. See the net fishing page.
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