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Recreational fishing rules

The Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) is the government agency responsible for managing South Australia’s fish stocks on behalf of the government and community.

PIRSA manages the fishing activities of an estimated 356,000 recreational fishers.

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About recreational fishing rules

Recreational fishers must follow rules and restrictions in state waters relating to:

  • fish size, bag and boat limits, and possession limits
  • the correct types of fishing gear, including registering and marking your gear
  • temporal and spatial fishing closures
  • the complete protection of some species
  • responsible fish handling and reporting, including aquatic pests.

You do not need a licence for recreational fishing in South Australia. However, you will need a permit when fishing in certain reservoirs.

Find the rules on the SA fishing app

The free SA fishing app is a must-have guide with all the information you need to fish in South Australia.

Access the recreational fishing rules on the go, or on the water.

Download the SA fishing app

Fishwatch Hotline

Call the Fishwatch Hotline for information about:

  • rules and regulations
  • licensing and registration
  • reporting shark sightings

24 hours a day, 7 days a week

Freecall 1800 065 522 Go to Reporting (Fishwatch)
Page last reviewed: 29 Oct 2024

 

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