Anglers Reminded To Be Licensed

September 30, 2002

Anglers wetting a line over the October long weekend are being reminded they must hold a NSW Recreational Fishing Licence, the Director of Fisheries, Steve Dunn, said today.

"The October long weekend is when most anglers dust off their gear for another season's fishing and it's timely to remind people that a fishing licence is required, and that many fish have bag and size limits," he said.

"The October long weekend marks the start of the NSW trout fishing season with declared trout waters open to recreational fishing from midnight on Friday, October 4."

"I urge all anglers to check daily bag and possession limits - brochures are available from tackle shops, their nearest NSW Fisheries office, or from our web site."

"In particular anglers in western NSW are reminded that Murray Cod are protected during their breeding season until December 1."

NSW Fisheries staff will be out in force over the long weekend to ensure anglers comply with NSW fishing rules.

"Fisheries staff will be checking licences and watching out for any illegal fishing practices."

Mr Dunn said, since March last year, anglers fishing anywhere in NSW have been required to buy a recreational fishing licence. All funds from the licence are put back into better recreational fishing.

"All licence fees are placed into Recreational Fishing Trusts which are overseen by anglers and support a wide variety of state-wide programs to improve recreational fishing, including the state's record breaking fish stocking program."

Licences are $5 for three days, $10 for one month, $25 a year, or $70 for three years.

They can be bought on the Internet at www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au, at more than 1100 agents including boat and tackle stores, Shell Select service stations in NSW, Victoria, Queensland and the ACT, or by calling 1300 369 365.

Further information about bag and size limits can be obtained via the NSW Fisheries website at www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au or from any NSW Fisheries office.

More press releases here...