How to Get a Victorian Fishing Licence: Requirements & Fees
Fishing is one of Victoria’s most popular recreational activities, offering countless opportunities across its rivers, lakes, and coastline. Whether you’re targeting trout in alpine streams, flathead along the coast, or casting for snapper offshore, having the right licence is essential. A Victorian fishing licence is required for most anglers aged 18 to 70 and ensures you can fish legally while supporting sustainable fishing practices. In this guide, we’ll walk you through who needs a licence, the types available, how to obtain one, and the associated fees—so you can enjoy fishing in Victoria with confidence.
Victorian Fishing Licence Eligibility
Who Needs a Victorian Fishing Licence?
In Victoria, anyone aged 18 to 70 must hold a valid fishing licence to fish in public waters. This licence covers all forms of recreational fishing, including line fishing, yabby and prawn collection, bait gathering, and even spearfishing.
You also need a licence if you are carrying fishing equipment in, on, or near public Victorian waters, even if you’re not actively fishing.
Who Can Fish Without a Licence?
Not everyone in Victoria needs a recreational fishing licence. Certain groups are exempt from the requirement, including:
Children under 18 years old
Adults over 70 years old
Indigenous Australians (Aboriginal people or Torres Strait Islanders)
Victorian Seniors Card holders
Veterans’ Affairs Pensioner cardholders
Veterans’ Affairs Repatriation Health cardholders (TPI-coded)
Commonwealth Pensioner Concession cardholders (DSP, DSP Blind, AGE, AGE Blind, or CAR-coded)
These exemptions allow eligible individuals to fish in Victorian waters without purchasing a licence, though all other fishing regulations—such as bag limits and seasonal restrictions—still apply.
Types of Victorian Fishing Licences
Victoria offers several types of recreational fishing licences, allowing anglers to choose one that fits the length and frequency of their fishing trips. The main types include:
3-Day Licence – Ideal for short trips or tourists visiting Victoria. Provides access to public waters for three consecutive days.
28-Day Licence – Suitable for longer vacations or seasonal anglers. Covers four weeks of fishing in public waters.
Annual Licence – Best for regular anglers who fish throughout the year. Available at a lower cost if purchased online.
3-Year Licence – Designed for frequent fishers who want a longer-term solution. Buying online offers additional savings.
Each licence type grants the holder full access to recreational fishing in Victoria’s public waters, including freshwater lakes, rivers, estuaries, and coastal areas. Choosing the right licence depends on your fishing habits, trip duration, and frequency of visits.
How to Obtain a Victorian Fishing Licence
Getting a Victorian fishing licence is straightforward, with options for both online and in-person purchases:
Online – The easiest and often cheapest method, especially for annual and 3-year licences. Visit the Service Victoria website, fill in your details, and pay using a credit card or PayPal. After purchase, you’ll receive a confirmation email, which serves as proof of your licence. You can also download the Service Victoria mobile app to store a digital version of your licence, eliminating the need to carry a physical card.
In-Person – If you prefer a face-to-face option, licences are available at authorised retail agents across Victoria. These include fishing tackle shops and selected service centres. You’ll receive either a paper or plastic licence, depending on the type and location of purchase.
Both methods give you access to all public Victorian waters for recreational fishing, and online purchases often include small discounts for annual or 3-year licences.
Victorian Fishing Licence Fees
The cost of a Victorian recreational fishing licence varies based on the duration and the method of purchase. As of July 1, 2025, the fees are as follows:
Licence Type | Online Price | Full Price |
3-Day | $10.00 | $10.00 |
28-Day | $24.00 | $24.00 |
1-Year | $39.70 | $42.20 |
3-Year | $108.30 | $114.30 |
Purchasing your licence online offers a discount for the 1-year and 3-year options. Additionally, you can pre-date your licence up to 3 months ahead to ensure continuous coverage. Licences are GST exempt, and the fees are updated annually on July 1. For more details or to purchase a licence, visit the Service Victoria website or the Victorian Fisheries Authority website.
Additional Tips & Considerations
Even with a valid Victorian fishing licence, it’s important to follow local fishing rules and best practices:
Follow Fishing Regulations – Always check size limits, bag limits, and seasonal restrictions for the species you’re targeting to ensure sustainable fishing.
Keep Your Licence Accessible – Whether digital or physical, carry proof of your licence while fishing, as Fisheries Officers may request to see it.
Plan Ahead – When fishing in remote Victorian waters, reliable electricity can make a big difference—whether for keeping phones charged, running a portable fridge, or powering essential fishing equipment. A portable power station is a practical solution for anglers who want the freedom to enjoy extended trips without worrying about energy access. With solar recharging options and the ability to support multiple devices, it offers peace of mind in areas far from the grid.
For those seeking a premium choice, the EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Portable Power Station stands out. This expandable unit (2–6kWh) can power up to 13 devices at once, combining plug-and-play setup with safe LFP battery chemistry and durability of over 3000 cycles. Its fast recharging via solar or AC ensures you never run out of power, making it a dependable partner for any fishing adventure.
EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Portable Power Station
Learn Fishing Techniques – Beginners can benefit from guides on fishing basics such as knot tying, bait selection, and understanding local fish species. In Victoria’s diverse waterways, from estuaries to inland lakes, these skills can greatly improve your chances of success. For those heading out on watercraft, reading up on fishing from boat is essential—not only for boosting catch rates but also for ensuring safety on the water, especially with changing weather and tidal conditions common in Australian waters. Many local fishing clubs and government resources provide step-by-step advice, making it easier for newcomers to build confidence while staying compliant with regulations.
These considerations help ensure a safe, legal, and enjoyable fishing experience across Victoria.
Conclusion
Obtaining a Victorian fishing licence is a simple but essential step for anyone planning to fish in Victoria’s freshwater or saltwater areas. Whether you’re a local angler or visiting the state, having the correct licence ensures you can enjoy recreational fishing legally and responsibly. By understanding who needs a licence, the different types available, how to obtain one, and the associated fees, you’ll be fully prepared for your next fishing adventure.
To enhance your fishing experience, especially for extended trips, consider using the best solar generators for fishingto power your equipment sustainably. Always follow local regulations, keep your licence accessible, and respect the environment to help preserve Victoria’s fishing opportunities for years to come.
FAQs
Who is exempt from a VIC fishing licence?
In Victoria, certain individuals do not need a recreational fishing licence. Exemptions include children under 18, adults over 70, Indigenous Australians (Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander), Victorian Seniors Card holders, and eligible Veterans’ Affairs pensioners or Repatriation Health cardholders. Commonwealth Pensioner Concession cardholders also qualify for exemption. These exemptions are designed to make fishing more accessible to specific groups while still ensuring responsible fishing practices. Even if exempt, anglers must still follow local fishing rules, including bag limits, size restrictions, and seasonal closures. For a full list of exemptions, consult the Victorian Fisheries Authority website.
What is the fine for not having a fishing licence in Victoria?
Fishing in Victoria without a valid licence can result in fines issued by Fisheries Officers. The penalty varies depending on the situation, but first-time offenders can expect fines starting around several hundred Australian dollars. Repeated or serious breaches may result in higher penalties or legal action. In addition to fines, authorities may confiscate any caught fish or equipment. Having a valid fishing licence is the easiest way to avoid fines and enjoy recreational fishing legally. For the most accurate and current fine amounts, visit the Victorian Fisheries Authority website or contact them directly.
Do you need a recreational fishing licence in Victoria?
Yes, anyone aged between 18 and 70 who plans to fish recreationally in Victoria must hold a valid fishing licence. This includes freshwater and saltwater fishing, using any method such as line fishing, bait collection, yabbying, prawning, or spearfishing. Even carrying fishing gear near public waters requires a licence. The licence ensures that recreational fishing is regulated and sustainable, protecting fish populations for future generations. Exceptions apply for certain groups, such as children, seniors over 70, Indigenous Australians, and some pensioners. Licences can be obtained online or at authorised retail outlets throughout Victoria.