Fishing licences
What does the licence cover?
A Victorian recreational fishing licence covers all forms of recreational
fishing in Victorian waters. This includes lakes, rivers and marine waters.
Can I use this licence interstate?
No. This licence is only valid for fishing in Victorian waters.
Can I buy a licence for a future date?
Yes. You can buy a licence for up to 3 months ahead.
Why do I have to pay for a licence?
The money collected from Victorian recreational fishing licences is spent on
programs and initiatives to improve fishing in Victoria including:
- Better infrastructure, such as jetties and boating facilities
- Improved access to waterways
- New fishing reefs
- Improved fish production and stocking
- Ongoing school education and children’s fishing programs.
What happens if I don’t buy a licence?
Officers from Victorian Fisheries Authority do licence checks regularly.
If you’re found without a current licence, the officer can issue you
with an infringement notice. In extreme cases, you can be taken to court.
Offences and penalties related to recreational fishing are outlined in the
Fisheries Act 1995.
Can I buy my licence in person, instead of online?
Yes. You can still buy recreational fishing licenses at any authorised agent (External link).
However, if you want a digital licence, you must buy it
online. You'll be able to access your digital licence immediately if you buy it
online.
Will I get a physical licence sent to me?
If you purchase a 1- or 3-year licence and select the plastic card option, the Victorian Fisheries Authority will send you a physical card.
All licences can be digital if you have a Service Victoria account.
If you don’t have a Service Victoria account, or don’t want to create one, we’ll email your 3- and 28-day licences.
What should I do if I lose my physical or electronic licence?
Please contact the Victorian Fisheries Authority or fill out our
feedback form.
Plastic cards aren't reissued, but we’ll send you an email with your licence details and help you access your digital licence if you have a Service Victoria account.
Can I lend or transfer ownership of my licence to someone else?
No, but you can buy someone else a licence at the same time you buy yours.
Fishing
What kinds of species can be fished and how many fish can I take?
Most species can be fished and size and catch limits apply. Check the
Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide
to see what can’t be taken from Victorian waters or
download the Recreational Fishing App.
Fisher cards
Can anyone apply for a fisher card?
If you’re under 18 years, you can apply for the junior fisher card. If
you’re 70 years and over, you can apply for the senior fisher card. If
you’re between 18 to 70 years, you’ll need to buy a fishing
licence for recreational fishing in Victorian waters.
Can I get a digital fisher card?
No. The fisher cards are plastic only.
Do I need to get a junior fisher card for my child?
Both the junior and senior fisher cards are optional. You don’t have to
get one to go fishing.
How we use your info
We collect personal info the Victorian Fisheries Authority (VFA) needs to
issue fishing licences and fisher cards. The Fisheries Regulations 2019
permits VFA to issue fishing licences.
You can’t apply for a fishing licence or fisher card without giving this
info.
We’ll share this info:
- with VFA
- where permitted by law
If you have a fishing licence or fisher card and want to access your info,
contact us
or
VFA .
To learn more about how we handle your info, see our
Privacy and Security Policy
or the
VFA Privacy Policy .
