Be prepared: buy your fishing licence before the long weekend

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NSW Fisheries is urging holidaymakers wanting to fish over the Australia Day long weekend to buy their recreational fishing licence before they head off.

"Over the Christmas/New Year period bait and tackle shops, and other licence agents, reported huge numbers of people buying their licences at the last minute," NSW Fisheries Director-General, Mr Steve Dunn, said.

"This long weekend is also a popular fishing time, so we want to make the process of getting a licence as easy as possible for fishers and licence agents.

"Buying your licence in advance will go a long way to relieving the burden on small bait and tackle shops.

"You can buy a NSW recreational fishing licence from more than 1100 outlets, including major bait and tackle shops, NSW Fisheries offices and Shell Select service stations, over the phone on 1300 369 365 or over the internet at www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au

Licences are $5 for three days, $10 for one month, $25 for one year and $70 for three years.

"If you're a regular fisher, we recommend buying a one-year or a three-year licence," said Mr Dunn.

Mr Dunn said the NSW recreational fishing licence has been in place in both saltwater and freshwater areas since March 2001 and has been widely publicised.

All funds from the licence are placed into trusts overseen by anglers and support a wide range of Statewide programs to improve recreational fishing including freshwater fish stocking, research, conservation, education and compliance.

Mr Dunn also reminded anglers to ensure they know all the rules, pack their safety gear and check the weather and tides.

"The long weekend is a popular time for fishing, and NSW Fisheries wants to ensure everyone is licensed and abides by bag and size limits.

" New 2003/04 fishing guides detailing NSW fishing rules are now available free from NSW Fisheries offices and bait and tackle shops."

Anglers caught without a licence face an on-the-spot fine of $200.

For further information: Kristina Resanceff (02) 8437 4948 or 0438 247 571