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Recreational fishing from a boat

You require a recreational boat fishing licence for any fishing activity from a powered boat including line fishing, crabbing, spearfishing and catch and release fishing activities.

Aerial image of boat in the water

When do you require a Recreational Fishing from Boat Licence (RFBL)?

For any fishing activity from a powered boat including:

  • line fishing (handline, rod and line, squid jigging)
  • crabbing
  • spearfishing
  • catching octopus
  • dip netting for prawns.

You also require an RFBL:

  • if you are returning your catch to the water
  • when a powered boat is used to transport your catch or fishing gear from a land-based location, including an island or sandbar.

You are required to produce your licence when requested by a Fisheries and Marine Officer.

Apply for a recreational fishing licence

When you do not require a RFBL

If you are:

  • fishing from a boat without a motor, such as a rowboat
  • fishing from a licensed fishing tour operator’s vessel or fishing charter boat
  • fishing with a person who holds an RFBL (refer to Bag and boat limits below)
  • taking part in a fishing activity for which you already hold a current licence, such as rock lobster or abalone. For example, if you have a licence to fish for rock lobster and that is the only fishing activity taking place on the boat, you do not require a RFBL.

Bag and boat limits

Unlicensed fishers may fish if one or more people on board hold an RFBL, provided the total catch of everyone on board stays within the bag limit of the licensed fisher(s). It is the licensed fisher’s(s’) responsibility to ensure this rule is followed.

Note: this rule only applies to the RFBL and not to other recreational fishing licences.

In addition to bag limits, boat limits may also apply. To legally take the boat limit on a powered vessel, there must be two or more RFBL holders on board. This includes boats used for recreational crabbing.