Anyone who’s attempting to take fish from any public waters in Victoria should hold a recreational fishing licence (RFL). Your preferred method of fishing doesn’t matter, whether you use bait, spears, lines, shellfish, or you go yabby fishing. Also, you need a recreational fishing licence if you possess or use any type of fishing equipment in or next to the Victorian waters.
Bear in mind, however, that any angler below the age of 18 or above 70 is exempted from holding an RFL. Other people who don’t necessarily need RFLs include holders of Victorian Seniors Card, Veterans’ Affairs Pensioner Card, Veterans’ Affairs Repatriation Health Card, and Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Card.
Buying a Fishing Licence in Victoria
But how much does it cost to acquire a recreational fishing licence in Victoria? You can buy four different RFLs, with prices ranging from $10 to $100.70 depending on whether you’re buying it online or not. The Victorian Fisheries Authority provides the following licenses:
- 3-day licence: $10
- 28-day licence: $21.20
- 1-year licence: $37.20
- 3-year licence: $100.70
Types of Recreational Fishing Licences in Victoria
You want to make sure that you have the right fishing licence upon being confronted by fisheries officers. In essence, you’re required to own of the following fishing licences:
Digital/printed fishing licence
You can get a printed or digital fishing licence through Service Victoria. And they send you a confirmation email upon purchasing the licence. With that in mind, you simply need to create an account with Service Victoria and download their mobile app to buy your licence.
Plastic fishing licence
Plastic fishing licences are the most common RFLs. And you can buy a 1-or3-year licence from authorised agents at standard fees or online at a slightly discounted price.
Handwritten recreational fishing licence
You can also approach any authorised agent in your area and ask them to write a fishing licence for you, of course, at a fee.