Fisheries officers tour freshwater hotspots

The State Government will be running a major campaign this month to help educate anglers in popular freshwater fishing spots across eastern inland NSW.

A large team of fisheries officers from the NSW Department of Primary Industries (DPI) will be speaking directly to anglers and their families to answer questions and spread awareness about the Recreational Fishing Licence.

Hundreds of people camp on rivers, streams and impoundments east of the Great Divide during the January holiday break.

The vast majority of them fish in a very responsible way and are very passionate about the future of recreational fishing in NSW.

The DPI wants to ensure everyone understands the benefits of a fishing licence and also important issues such as bag and size limits and species identification.

DPI Fisheries Officers will also be on the look out for illegal netting and other practices that impact on the sustainability of fish stocks.

This may include illegal gear such as traps and excess lines and fishing in closed waters, fishing of the protected eastern cod and illegal eel fishing.

Up to 30 Fisheries Officers from coastal and inland districts will participate in the operation, using marked DPI Fisheries patrol boats and vehicles as well as motor cycles and canoes.

They expect to cover waterways including the Northern Rivers, Glenbawn Dam in the Hunter and the Shoalhaven River in the south.

Most anglers need a recreational fishing licence to fish or gather bait in NSW waters. Licences are available from most tackle stores and Kmart stores in the State or online.. You can buy a recreational fishing licence for three days for $5, one month for $10, one year for $25 or three years for $70.

Officers can issue a $200 on-the-spot fine if you don't have a current licence with you.