Recreational Fishing

Methods � line fishing, collecting invertebrates, diving and spearfishing

No more than 4 rods or lines to be used or set by any one person at any one time.
No more than 3 hooks or 3 gangs of hooks attached per line (a gang of hooks should have no more than 5 hooks).
One line may have 6 single hooks with lure attached to be used by the method of hand jigging only.
No more than 3 treble hooks attached to a lure.
Jagging is illegal (hooking, or attempting to hook, fish other than through the mouth).
Drift lines are banned.

All invertebrates are subject to bag limits and some are also subject to size limits.

All lobsters and crabs carrying eggs must be returned immediately to the water. Check all females as the eggs are plainly visible under the tail. It is an offence to remove any eggs.
Invertebrates may not be shucked (removed from their shells) at the waterside unless they are to be used immediately as bait.
Collecting invertebrates is prohibited within Intertidal Protected Areas such as Sydney Harbour and some zones within Aquatic Reserves (www.environment.nsw.gov.au) and NSW Marine Parks (www.mpa.nsw.gov.au).
Octopus cannot be taken from ocean rock platforms in NSW or from rock platforms in Sydney Harbour.
Removal of oysters from an oyster lease is theft and attracts heavy fines.

Collecting methods that may damage the environment are not permitted. You may not dig or use a yabby pump in seagrasses, mangroves or salt marshes.

Hand picking may be used to take fish, gloves are permitted.

A single blade knife with a blade longer than it is wide may be used to help gather invertebrates.

Pliers may be used to help gather invertebrates except on rock platforms.

Hand (nipper pumps are commonly used to collect saltwater pink nippers.
Barrel diameter not to exceed 85mm

May only be used as an ancillary aid for retrieval of fish caught when line fishing.

You cannot use a spear/ spear gun to take blue, brown or red groper.
You cannot take fish with a spear/ spear gun whilst using a light.
Spearfishing on ocean beaches (except the last 20 metres at each end of the beach) is not permitted.
Many entrances, coastal lagoons and other tidal waters are closed to spearfishing as are some areas within Aquatic Reserves and Marine Parks.
Lobsters can only be taken when snorkelling � no SCUBA or hookah allowed. No hook or other implement is allowed.
The only species which can be taken when SCUBA diving or using hookah apparatus are scallops and sea urchins.
All invertebrates including abalone, turban snail, sea urchin and rock lobster must not be removed from their shells or processed in any way in, on, or adjacent to any waters.
Abalone are susceptible to a parasite called Perkinsus. Whilst not harmful to humans, some areas may be closed to protect stocks.

For any further information about fishing rules or closures contact your local NSW DPI Fisheries office.