Rock Lobster FAQ
What equipment can I use and possess while rock lobster fishing?
The only permitted equipment when taking or attempting to take rock lobster in Victoria is underwater breathing apparatus to assist with diving and recreational hoop nets when fishing from the shore or a boat.
The use of snares, gaffs, probes, rods, hooks, nets (other than hoop nets), baited equipment or any other piece of equipment to take rock lobster is strictly prohibited.
Fisheries Officers regularly engage in underwater diving operations to check fishers are doing the right thing.
Tagging of rock lobsters once out of the water is also a requirement. For more information, please visit vfa.vic.gov.au/recreational-fishing/tagging-of-recreationally-caught-rock-lobsters.
Below is a table detailing which equipment can be used, can't be used and their legal status.
Equipment | Description | Status |
|---|---|---|
Snare/Gaff | Prescribed as commercial fishing equipment | ILLEGAL to possess |
Hook | Clearly detailed – cannot use or possess whilst underwater dive fishing | ILLEGAL to possess |
Hoop net – used whilst diving | Cannot use/possess other "equipment" whilst underwater dive fishing. To be used from the shore or boat only. | ILLEGAL to possess |
Speargun/Hand-held Spear | Can possess ONLY – Not use in any way in connection with taking rock lobster | LEGAL to Possess – NOT use |
Catch/mesh bag – Containing fish of any kind or empty | Considered "equipment" – Cannot use | LEGAL to Possess – NOT use |
Lever/Stick/Bar/Probe/Prong – baited or unbaited | Cannot use/possess any items of this nature (including hand-spears with no prong), as it is considered other "equipment" whilst underwater dive fishing | ILLEGAL to possess |
Chemical (Dishwashing liquid/etc) | For example squirting into a crevice. This is considered "equipment" used to take rock lobster and is also an environmental offence. | ILLEGAL to Use |
Bait only (in hand) | Is not "equipment", no regulatory provision prohibits it. | Legal to possess and use |
Bait attached to string/stockings/anything artificial | Items of this nature are considered "equipment", the use of which is prohibited. | ILLEGAL to Use |
Dive equipment (ie. removed fins) | Cannot use this "equipment" directly in the taking of rock lobster. Diving equipment is for assisting with diving only. | ILLEGAL to use |
Torch | Torch is "equipment", however it is used to assist with diving, not directly involved with the physical taking of rock lobster. | Legal to possess |
Camera equipment (i.e. GoPro attached to pole) | Cannot use this "equipment" directly in the taking of rock lobster. To assist with filming diving activity only. | Legal to posses |
Can I use a snare or gaff to collect rock lobster?
No, a snare or gaff cannot be used or possessed during the collection of rock lobster. 'Snare' and 'gaff' are specifically prohibited by the Act and Regulations.
Can I use a hook or similar device to collect rock lobster?
No, any hook, or device that can be described as a hook, cannot be used or possessed during the collection of rock lobster. A 'hook' is specifically prohibited by the Actand Regulations.
Can I use bait on the end of a stick to attract rock lobster before collecting it with my hand?
No, any baited 'equipment' cannot be used to assist in the collection of rock lobster.
Can I use bait held in my hand to attract rock lobster before collecting it with my hand?
Yes, bait alone is not considered 'equipment' so it can be used in the collection of rock lobster.
Can I use a catch bag with fish in it to attract rock lobster before collecting it with my hand?
No, any baited 'equipment' cannot be used to assist in the collection of rock lobster. A catch bag may be possessed for the purpose of holding fish or rock lobster, but cannot be used directly in the collection, or catching, of rock lobster.
Can I use a hoop net, or item that fits within the definition of a hoop net, to catch rock lobster whilst diving?
No, a hoop net cannot be used in conjunction with underwater dive fishing. A hoop net can only be used from above the surface in accordance with the regulations.
Can I carry a spear gun or hand held spear whilst diving for rock lobster?
Yes, you can carry a spear gun or hand-held spear whilst diving for rock lobster. You cannot use these items in any way in the collection, or catching of rock lobster however.
Can I use any sort of lever, stick, bar, probe, prong or hand-spear without a prong to pry rock lobster out of a hole or crevice?
No, any equipment of this nature cannot be used to assist in the collection, or catching, of rock lobster.
Can I use bait on a string or within any artificial bag or stocking to lure rock lobster out of a crevice or hole before collecting it by hand?
No, any 'equipment' of this nature cannot be used to assist in the collection, or catching, of rock lobster. Bait alone is permitted.