Keep safe and check the weather before heading out. Happy Fishing !
Hear what Fletcher the fish has to say
- Ensure you get your licence in plenty of time before you plan to go fishing
- Don't leave your licence purchase to the last minute, even if you plan to do it on-line.
- Only major Service Tasmania shops will be open for business during the Christmas/ New Year period.
- The Recreational Fisheries Section will be closed for phone enquires from 3 PM December 2017 until 9AM 2 January 2018.
- You can purchase, check if your licence is current, get your licence number or change your details on line.
Not only fish get caught!
If you are buying rock lobster this festive season make sure it is a legally caught commercial rock lobster and has a Government-issued tag to distinguish it from recreational rock lobster.
All lobsters taken by recreational fishers and aborigines engaged in an aboriginal activity must have the central tail fan clipped or have a 10 mm hole.
If you are offered a “deal” please contact Fishwatch on 0427 655 557 with the details.
Remember it is illegal to sell, buy, barter or raffle recreationally caught fish. Both the seller and the purchaser are liable for prosecution.
Hints about measuring your catch
Use an accurate measuring device. Make sure it is thin or has a chamfer that can go hard into fits hard into the middle notch between the antennal horns.
Further information on how to accurately measure your catch is available on our website
Can I take more than the catch limit and sort my catch later?
You must sort your catch as soon as practical. This means releasing all undersize and berried rock lobster, as well as keeping within your individual catch limits.
For divers, this means that you should measure your catch as you go because you cannot exceed your bag limit. It is not an excuse to say that you have taken more than the bag limit and were going to release the smaller ones (known as ‘high grading’) or undersize fish once getting back to the boat or shore.
Gear Setting & Retrieval FAQs
Can someone set or pull my fishing gear without me on the boat?
No. A person must be personally involved in setting or retrieving fishing gear with their markings. A person with more fishing gear in the boat than authorised fishers may be considered to be using excess gear. It is also immoral and illegal to interfere with another persons gear.
Do I have to set or pull my own pot or net?
The licence holder or aboriginal engaged in a fishing activity must be participating in the fishing activity. A light bodied person or a person with a disability may be assisted by another person in pulling or setting their gear.
What happens if the weather is too rough and I cannot retrieve my gear? Your safety is important. If you cannot retrieve your gear due to bad weather, wait until the weather improves. If it will be more than the setting time limit, phone Fishwatch on 0427 655 557 and provide your details including your licence number.
Flathead Reminder
Sand and Tiger Flathead size limit have a minimum size limit of 32 cm. There are different limits for Bluespotted and Rock Flathead. Be responsible and assist to rebuild our most important recreational fishery - Gently put the little ones back and handle and release unwanted fish so they survive. Find out about Responsible Fishing.
Know the Rules
Make sure you have the latest Recreational Sea Fishing Guide - paper version or Phone App before heading out.
Rec Guide and App and Further Information
Recreational Fisheries Section, DPIPWE
Phone: 1300 720 647
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Web: www.fishing.tas.gov.au
Facebook: www.facebook.com/FisheriesTasmania
