Inland fishing equipment
The number, shape and size of recreational fishing equipment used to catch fish in Victoria is important in determining whether it is legal or illegal to use.
In addition, some types of legal equipment cannot be used in certain locations (e.g. closed waters), at certain times (closed seasons) or to catch some species (e.g. spear guns to take rock lobster).
Not all the fishing gear for sale in tackle shops or online is legal to use in Victorian waters.
Inland waters
Inland waters are any waterway from its mouth to its source and any inlet or lagoon connected with it and any swamp, lake, lagoon, backwater, billabong, dam, river, stream or public water storage reservoir. Inland waters do not include the Gippsland Lakes, Lower Lake of Mallacoota Inlet, Lake Tyers and Wingan Inlet and Victorian waters that are not inland waters such as (but not limited to) Port Phillip Bay and Western Port.
Summary of legal equipment for inland waters
The following equipment can only be used to catch or attempt to catch fish (including invertebrates species) in Victoria’s inland waters. Before you use this equipment you must be aware of the rules that govern its use.
Click here for more information on using equipment in inland waters.
| Equipment Type | Maximum number permitted in inland waters |
|---|---|
| Lines with hooks | 2 |
| Hooks per line | 2, or 1 bait jig |
| Baited lines with no hook | 10 |
| Bait pump (hand-operated suction) | 1 |
| Bait traps - labelled | 2 |
| Dip/landing net | 1 |
| Hand cranking electric reels | Can be used. Click here for more information. |
| Bait net (hauling net) | Can be used in certain waters only. Click here for more information. |
| Hoop nets - labelled | Up to 5 hoop nets can be used in 11 river systems. In all other inland waters a combined maximum total of 10 hoop nets and/or open top lift nets can be used. Click here for more information. |
| Open top lift net - labelled | Open top lift nets cannot be used in 11 river systems. In all other inland waters a combined maximum total of 10 hoop nets and/or open top lift nets can be used. Click here for more information. |
Hand-held spears and spear guns cannot be used in inland waters.
Barbless gaffs can only be used to assist in landing your catch. Click here for more information.
Labelling your gear correctly
Hoop nets and bait traps must be attached to a tag that remains above the water’s surface with the recreational fisher’s full name and telephone number OR full name and recreational fishing licence number clearly and legibly written.