What types of fishing do I need a licence for?​​​

​You need a recreational sea fishing licence for the types of fishing specified below.  You don't need a licence to fish with a rod and line in marine waters in Tasmania - more information.

For freshwater fishing, contact Inland Fisheries.

​Rock Lobster Pot	​​Not available to children under 10 years.  Check season dates, rules and catch limits before you buy.
​Rock Lobster Dive	​Not available to children under 10 years.  Check season dates, rules and catch limits before you buy.
​Rock Lobster Ring	​Not available to children under 10 years.   Check season dates, rules and catch limits before you buy.
​Abalone	​​Information about abalone rules and catch limits.
​Scallop	​Check seasons, catch limits and rules before you buy.
​Graball Net	​Not available to children under 10 years. Information about which nets are allowed and how to mark them.
​Mullet Net	​Not available to children under 10 years. Information about which nets are allowed and how to mark them.
Beach Seine Net​	​Information about which nets are allowed and how to mark them.
​Set Line	​Not available to children under 10 years. Information about setlines and how to mark them and area restrictions.

Aboriginal Fishing - Aboriginal fishers are exempt from holding a fishing licence. More information.

Licence fees

​Standard Licence:	$55.30 - first licence (base fee of $47.40 plus $7.90 for first licence). Each additional licence type - $7.90.​
​Concession Licence: Commonwealth Pension, DVA Concession, Government Seniors card holders and persons under 16. Health Care Card holders are not eligible.	​$31.60 - first licence (base fee of $23.70 plus $7.90 for first licence). Each additional licence type - $7.90.
​Additional Licence:	​$7.90 - add a licence type plus cost of the new licence type.
​Replacement Licence:	​$7.90 - replacement licence card.  Order a replacement card online.
​Special Rock Lobster Licence: (increased possession limit for 14 days)	​$47.40 - must hold a recreational rock lobster licence. Western Region only.   See information and conditions.

When does my licence expire?

​Check biotoxin and season status first Before buying a rock lobster licence, check the BIOTOXIN EVENTS webpage for the open/closed status of Eastern Region Biotoxin Zones. Check that the recreational season is open where and when you intend to fish. Fee refunds are not granted if you are unable to fish in some areas due to biotoxin or season closures.

Buy, check or renew licence

You cannot legally fish or use licensed gear until your licence is issued. You don't need your card to go fishing but you can print out a copy of your licence or keep a copy of your receipt ​number to take with you. Licences are valid from the date of purchase until 31 October 2019.

Other licensing options:

• Visit a Service Tasmania shop IN PERSON to buy your licence: or
• Check if your licence is current.

Having trouble buying or renewing your licence?  Read our Troubleshooting Guide.

Licence cards

You can receive your licence​ by email OR be sent a plastic licence card to your postal address within 21 days.

If you lose or wish to apply for a plastic card later, you can order a replacement card online or at Service Tasmania at a cost of $7.90. You can receive your reminder notice by email or elect to receive it by post.

Recreational Sea Fishing Guide

If you ask for a plastic card, you'll be sent a printed Fishing Guide in the mail. If you receive your licence card electronically, you can use the Tas Fish Guide App on your phone or pick up a copy of the printed Guide at Service Tasmania or stockists.

Licence numbers

The licensing system issues you with a unique licence number that you can reactivate in future years so you can have the same buoy markings from year to year.   Check your licence number here.

If you held a Tasmanian recreational sea fishing licence in the past then your old number will normally be available.

Marking your gear

You must put your licence number on rock lobster pot buoys, unattended rings, graball nets, mullet nets and set lines. You must also identif​y the gear type by marking your buoy with a letter (G for graball net, M for mullet net, P for pot, LL for longline and DL for dropline) in clear figures at least 70 mm high X 12 mm wide.

Marker buoys must be at least 195 mm in diameter, spherical in shape and specifically designed as a buoy.  Other buoys may be attached, but must not have any markings.