Marine fishing equipment
The number, shape and size of 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.
Marine waters
Marine waters are the Gippsland Lakes, the 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 marine waters
The following equipment can only be used to catch or attempt to catch fish (including invertebrates species) in Victoria’s marine 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 marine waters.
| Equipment Type | Maximum number permitted in marine waters |
|---|---|
| Lines per person | 4 |
| 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 | Can be used in certain waters only. Click here for more information. |
| Handheld spear (barbless) | Can be used in certain waters only. Click here for more information. |
| Spear gun | Can be used in certain waters only. Click here for more information. |
Open top lift nets cannot be used in marine waters
Barbless gaffs can only be used to assist in landing your catch. Click here for more information.
Labelling
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 place of residence clearly and legibly written.