FREE TARGET ONE MILLION ONE MILLION VICTORIANS #target1million

VICTORIAN A GUIDE TO FISHING RULES AND PRACTICES 2021 GUIDE 2 Introduction 55 Waters with varying bag and size limits 2 (trout and salmon) 4 Message from the Minister 56 Trout and salmon regulations 5 About this guide 60 Year-round trout and salmon 6 Target One Million 61 Trout and salmon family fishing 9 Marine and estuarine fishing 63 Spiny crays 10 Marine and estuarine scale fish 66 Yabbies 20 Sharks, skates and rays 68 Freshwater shrimp and mussels 23 Crabs INTRODUCTION 69 Freshwater fishing restrictions 24 Shrimps and prawns 70 Freshwater fishing equipment 26 Rock lobster 70 Using equipment in inland waters 30 Shellfish 74 Illegal fishing equipment 33 Squid, octopus and cuttlefish 74 Bait and berley 34 Molluscs 76 Recreational fishing licence 34 Other invertebrates 76 Licence information 35 Marine fishing equipment 78 Your fishing licence fees at work 36 Using equipment in marine waters 82 Recreational harvest food safety 40 Illegal fishing equipment 82 Food safety 40 Bait and berley 84 Responsible fishing behaviours 41 Waters closed to recreational fishing 85 Fishing definitions 41 Marine waters closed to recreational fishing 86 Recreational fishing water definitions 41 fisheries reserves 86 Water definitions 42 ’s marine national parks 88 Regulation enforcement and sanctuaries 88 Fisheries officers 42 Boundary markers 89 Reporting illegal fishing 43 Restricted areas 89 Rule reminders 44 Intertidal zone fishing restrictions 90 Fishing safety 44 Intertidal zone restrictions 90 Fishing is a fun and healthy 45 Intertidal restrictions for different activity for everyone Victorian waters 90 Rock fishing 45 Intertidal zone equipment restrictions 91 Safe boating 46 Freshwater fishing 92 Wind warnings and forecasts 47 Freshwater scale fish (native) 92 Heads – 53 Freshwater scale fish (introduced) know your boundaries 54 Freshwater scale fish (trout and salmon) 93 Aquatic pests 54 Waters with seasonal closures 95 Contacts (trout and salmon) How to contact the The 2021 Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide Victorian Fisheries Authority has been funded by the Victorian Government 3 using Recreational Fishing Licence fees. General enquiries: ✆ 136 186. To report a fishing offence: 13 3474 (13 FISH) Information for hearing impaired callers Callers who are deaf, hearing impaired or have communication difficulties may call through the National Relay Service. To contact us via Voice Relay, dial 1800 555 727 or via Teletypewriter (TTY) on 133 677. INTRODUCTION Information in another language For assistance with fishing information in a language other than Chinese and Vietnamese please arrange a translator to call 136 186.

Giờ đây đã có Tài liệu Hướng MIỄN PHÍ MỤC TIÊU MỘT TRIỆU MỘT TRIỆU NGƯỜI DÂN VICTORIA CÂU BẮT THỦY SẢ dẫn Câu bắt cá N #target1million Giải trí tiếng Việt hoàn toàn mới của chúng tôi!

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指南 请立即致电 2021 136 186索取 MESSAGE FROM restoring the Lakes through the 4 THE MINISTER implementation of a Recreational Plan. With commercial netting finishing up in April this year, further steps are now being taken to boost black bream and dusky flathead numbers in the Lakes. Boosting fish habitat, improving water quality and changing bag and size limits of key recreational species are also key elements of the plan. It’s also important to acknowledge that your fishing fees play a fundamental role in all of

INTRODUCTION the work we do, by allowing us to invest in the COVID-19 had a significant impact on things which improve your fishing experience recreational fishing in 2020, with the stay at across the state. home restrictions prohibiting activities such as fishing for periods of time throughout Whether that be through our fish stocking the year. program that will see the release of 8 million fish in 2021 and 10 million in 2022, or through These restrictions were crucial in keeping grassroots projects such as new fish cleaning our state safe and I would like to take this tables at Williamstown and Warrnambool, opportunity to thank every recreational fisher none of this would be possible without that did the right thing throughout this period. your support. While it was a difficult year, I am very proud So I would like to thank you for your of the work that has been done to improve involvement with recreational fishing in recreational fishing in this state and am very Victoria throughout 2020 and into 2021. excited for the things in store for 2021. It is through your contribution that we’re We’re delivering on our promise to improve able to improve the fishing experience for access to Crown land for families to fish and people, and continue our work to ensure camp on, allowing more Victorians to get Victoria becomes the best place in the out fishing more often. Improving access to country to go fishing. Crown water frontage is a key commitment in our $35 million Target One Million plan and represents a once-in-a-generation opportunity to create easier access for fishers and campers. The Hon Melissa Horne Ensuring the health and sustainability of Minister for Boating and Fishing our waterways is also a significant priority for this government, which is why we are

Stay connected and get the most up-to-date VFA news and stories on social media!

Victorian Fisheries @fisheriesvic @VicFisheries Victorian Fisheries The Poddy Authority Authority Mullet podcast ABOUT THIS GUIDE 5 This fishing guide is produced by the Victorian Changes since the last edition Fisheries Authority (VFA). Please contact the The 2021 Victorian Recreational Fishing VFA if you wish to make comments about the Guide includes changes to regulations. guide or to obtain further copies. These are: For more information about the VFA, visit • Changes to regulations for bream the website at www.vfa.vic.gov.au or call (all species including tarwhine). These the Customer Service Centre on 136 186. changes apply to the Gippsland Lakes and their tributaries, and are effective from ISSN 1442-7494 April 1, 2021. See page 12 for more info. Copyright © Victorian Fisheries Authority, • The addition of specific fishing regulations 2021. This publication is copyright. No part for spider crabs, including giant spider INTRODUCTION may be reproduced by any process except crabs. See page 24 for more info. in accordance with the provisions of the • Added further information regarding Copyright Act 1968. safety while diving for abalone. See page All requests and enquiries should be directed 31 for more information. to the Victorian Fisheries Authority Customer This publication is a guide only. Fishing rules Service Centre (call 136 186) or email can sometimes change between editions. [email protected] It is the responsibility of fishers to be aware Authorised by Melissa Horne, of any changes that are made to fishing 1 Spring Street, rules and regulations. Design, production, print management: You can do this by: Celsius Design • routinely checking the Fisheries Notices on Project Manager: Joel Peterson the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s website Photographs: Marc Ainsworth, • contacting the Customer Service Centre ✆ Cara Cummings, Corey Green, John Cahill, 136 186 The Nature Conservancy, Knox City Council, • subscribing to the Nibbles newsletter Zac Carpenter, Gippsland Ports, Geelong • following us on social media (see page 4). City Council, Dave Anderson. Illustrations: Alexis Beckett, Krystii Melaine, General disclaimer Paul Lennon, NSW Department of Primary This publication may be of assistance to you, but the State of Victoria and its employees do not guarantee that the Industries, Illustration © R.Swainston/ publication is without flaw of any kind or is wholly appropriate anima.net.au, AFN/Trevor Hawkins. for your particular purposes and therefore disclaims all liability Front cover: Dean and Vera Cummings for any error, loss or other consequences which may arise from you relying on any information in this publication. with a brown trout. Photo: Cara Cummings This publication is a guide only, it does not replace the (@codandyella) Fisheries Act 1995, or other Acts and subordinate legislation applying to, or affecting recreational fishing. This guide summarises the law at the time of publication and cannot be used as a defence in court. Fishing laws change from time to time. It is your responsibility to ensure that you are acting within the law.

Subscribe to the Fisheries’ e-newsletter for recreational anglers Nibbles www.vfa.vic.gov.au/nibbles A roundup of recreational fishery management highlights 6 TARGETINTRODUCTION ONE MILLION for plan Million One Target The state government has committed to delivering its its delivering to committed has government state The Increase stocking from 3 to 5 million fish ayear fish 5million 3to from stocking Increase authority astatutory Victoria Fisheries Make mouths river Lakes’ Gippsland at netting Ban fishing clubs Victorian to $2,000 of over 180 grants Deliver Rock Blue at restrictions boating Remove Pondage Hazelwood at fishery barramundi exciting an Create Beechworth at fisheries cod trout Open program stocking amarine Establish Save Lake Toolondo Bay Phillip Port in netting commercial Remove Phase 1:Phase 2014–2018 Target Million One get more Victorians fishing more often. SUCCESS LIST SUCCESS fishing, which will will which fishing, recreational

Target One Million 7 Phase 2: 2018–2022 The state government has extended its commitment to recreational fishers in Victoria, building on its Target One Million plan to get more people fishing, in more places, more often. The renewed plan will invest over $35 million to:

Open inland to kayaks, canoes and tinnies with electric motors

Scrap parking and launching fees at all Victorian public TARGET ONE MILLION TARGET boat ramps

Stock Melbourne metro lakes with native Murray cod, golden perch and silver perch

Phase out commercial netting in the Gippsland Lakes through a compulsory buy out

Stock eastern king prawns into Lake Tyers

Mandate access to Crown land river frontage covered by grazing licences for recreational fishing and camping

Deliver the Fishing for All initiative and continue the successful Vic Fish Kids Program

Build a new $7 million native fish hatchery in northern Victoria

Increase stocking to 10 million fish by 2022

Invest $600,000 in new fishing platforms and cleaning tables in Port Phillip Bay

Invest $2.5 million in reef development in Port Phillip Bay to improve fish habitat

Develop a fishing tourism ‘destination’ plan to boost regional visitation and business opportunities

Recreational fishing is important to our social and economic wellbeing. It is one of our most treasured pastimes, contributing significantly to families and communities. By working with fishers, Target One Million will deliver on its commitments to help get more families outdoors. TOP TIPS FOR ON-WATER FISHING SAFETY

BOATING 1. Wear a lifejacket - the right one for your activity, boat and location 2. Check the marine weather report - before you go out and while you are out 3. Be able to raise the alarm in an emergency – carry a GPS-enabled distress beacon 4. Put your mobile phone in a waterproof pouch 5. Check your batteries and fuel before you go out

PADDLING 1. Wear a lifejacket 2. Check the weather 3.Carry waterproof communication 4. Practise getting back on before going into deep water 5. Don’t overload your fishing kayak

transportsafety.vic.gov.au/msv 9

TOP TIPS FOR ON-WATER Marine and FISHING SAFETY estuarine fishing Whether it’s fishing for snapper in Port Phillip Bay, chasing tuna BOATING in Portland or catching dusky flathead in Gippsland, we want you to enjoy the awesome marine and estuarine fishing Victoria 1. Wear a lifejacket - the right one for your activity, has to offer. boat and location 2. Check the marine weather report - before you go out and while you are out 3. Be able to raise the alarm in an emergency – carry a GPS-enabled distress beacon MARINE AND ESTUARINE FISHING 4. Put your mobile phone in a waterproof pouch 5. Check your batteries and fuel before you go out

PADDLING 1. Wear a lifejacket 2. Check the weather 3.Carry waterproof communication 4. Practise getting back on before going into deep water 5. Don’t overload your fishing kayak

Marine and estuarine fishing 10–34

Marine fishing equipment 35–40

Waters closed to recreational fishing 41–43

Intertidal zone fishing restrictions 44–45

It’s important you know and follow the rules so we can keep Victoria’s recreational fisheries in great shape for the future. Happy fishing!

transportsafety.vic.gov.au/msv SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 MARINE AND ESTUARINE SCALE FISH 10 For all species of fish that are not listed in pages 10–34, a bag limit of 5 applies. Measuring your catch Scale fish: the legal size of fish must be checked at the first available opportunity. Measure fish from the tip of the snout with the mouth closed to the end of the tail. Fish that you wish to keep should be dispatched immediately and placed on ice. Unwanted and unrequired fish Undersize, oversize, unwanted fish (e.g. puffers, toadies) or fish that are not required (you don’t want to keep) must be returned to the water immediately and without harm or injury.

MARINE AND ESTUARINE FISHING Albacore and skipjack tuna Scientific name: Thunnus alalunga and Katsuwonus pelamis. Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit: a combined total of 5 albacore and/or skipjack tuna. Albacore and skipjack tuna: these fish can’t be filleted in or on Victorian waters. They must be kept whole or in carcass form until you’re away from the water. It’s okay to fillet your fish on cleaning tables at the boat ramp (see definition of carcass on page 85). See page 18 for other tuna. Albacore

Anchovy, pilchard and other clupeoids Scientific name: Clupeidae and Engraulidae. Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit: a combined total of 40 for one or more species of clupeoid species. Note: does not apply to purchased bait. Australian sardine (pilchard)

Australian herring (Tommy rough) Scientific name: georgianus. Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit: a combined total of 20 Australian herring and/or Australian salmon. Note: Australian herring can be mistaken for juvenile Australian salmon: see page 11 for diagrams that show the differences between the species. Australian herring

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 MARINE AND ESTUARINE SCALE FISH 11 Australian salmon Scientific name: Arripis trutta and Arripis truttaceus. Minimum legal size: 21 cm. Bag limit: a combined total of 20 Australian salmon and/or Australian herring. Australian salmon

Small eyes Smooth scales Large eyes Dark vertical bars Distinguishing features of Australian salmon and Australian herring: Black tips on tail Yellow pectoral fin Clear pectoral fin Rough scales

Australian salmon juvenile Australian herring

Barracouta

Scientific name: Thyrsites atun. MARINE AND ESTUARINE FISHING Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit: 20.

Barracouta

Billfish including , marlin and broadbill Scientific name: Istiophoridae; Xiphias gladius. Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit: a combined total of 1 billfish from all species including swordfish, marlin and broadbill. Swordfish

Broadbill Striped marlin

Black cod Scientific name: Epinephelus daemelii. Protected species: taking or possessing is prohibited.

Black cod

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 MARINE AND ESTUARINE SCALE FISH 12 Blue groper Scientific name: Achoerodus viridis and Achoerodus gouldii. Protected species: taking or possessing is prohibited. Female blue groper

Male blue groper Juvenile blue groper

Boarfish (all species) Scientific name: Pentacerotidae. Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit: a combined total of 1 for one or more species of boarfish. Boarfish MARINE AND ESTUARINE FISHING Bream (all species including tarwhine) Scientific name: Acanthopagrus Spp. and Rhabdosargus sarba. Minimum legal size: 28 cm. Maximum legal size: 38 cm (maximum size applies to black bream in Gippsland Lakes and tributaries only from 1 April, 2021) Bag limit: a combined limit of 10 for one or more species. Note: Bream can’t be filleted in or on Victorian waters. It must kept in whole or carcass form until you’re away from the water. It’s okay to fillet your bream on cleaning tables

at the boatFreeston rampe Creek (see definition of carcass on page 85). Bream

Nicholson River

Mitchell River Bairnsdale Lakes Entrance

Lake King

Perry River

Avon River

Thomson River Lake Wellington Sale

La Trobe River Lake Coleman

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 MARINE AND ESTUARINE SCALE FISH 13 Estuary perch (including Australian bass and hybrids) Scientific name: Macquaria colonorum. Minimum legal size: 27 cm. Bag limit: : a combined total of 5 for one or more species of estuary perch, Australian bass and hybrid species. All other Victorian Waters: a combined total of 5 fish (of which Estuary perch no more than 2 can be Australian bass). Note: Estuary perch can be mistaken for Australian bass; see page 47 for diagrams that show the differences between the species.

Flathead (all species except dusky flathead) Scientific name: Platycephalidae. Minimum legal size: 27 cm. Bag limit: a combined total of 20 for one or more species of flathead (excluding dusky flathead). Flathead MARINE AND ESTUARINE FISHING Dusky flathead Scientific name: Platycephalus fuscus. Minimum legal size: 30 cm. Maximum legal size: 55 cm. Bag limit: 5. This fish can’t be filleted in or on Victorian waters. Dusky flathead It must be kept whole or in carcass form until you’re away from the water. It’s okay to fillet your fish on cleaning tables at the boat ramp (see definition of Single, large dark blotch (may be absent or faint in carcass on page 85). some fish)

Distinguishing features of dusky flathead and southern blue spotted May have Lack of dark (yank) flathead: 3–5 dark blotches on blotches lower half of tail Southern blue spotted (yank) flathead Dusky flathead

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 MARINE AND ESTUARINE SCALE FISH 14 Flounder (all species) Scientific name: Rhombosoleidae. Minimum legal size: 23 cm. Bag limit: a combined total of 20 for

one or more species of flounder. Flounder

Garfish (all species) Scientific name: Hemiramphidae. Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit: a combined total of 40 for one or more species of garfish. Garfish

Gemfish Scientific name: Rexea solandri. Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit: 5. Gemfish MARINE AND ESTUARINE FISHING Goatfish (all species) Scientific Name: Mullidae. Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit: a combined total of 20 for one or more species of goatfish. Goatfish

Gurnard (all species) Scientific name: Triglidae. Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit: a combined total of 10 for one or more species of gurnard. Gurnard

King George whiting Scientific name: Sillaginodes punctata. Minimum legal size: 27 cm. Bag limit: 20. This fish can’t be filleted in or on Victorian waters. It must be kept whole or in carcass form until you’re away from the water. It’s okay to fillet your fish on cleaning tables at the boat ramp (see definition of carcass on page 85). King George whiting

Leatherjacket (all species) Scientific name: Monacanthidae. Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit: a combined total of 20 for one or more species of leatherjacket.

Six spine leatherjacket Toothbrush leatherjacket

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 MARINE AND ESTUARINE SCALE FISH 15 Ling (all species) Scientific name: Genypterus spp. Minimum legal size: 30 cm. Bag limit: a combined total of 5 for one or more species of ling. Ling

Longfin pike and snook Scientific name: Dinolestes lewini and Sphyraena novaehollandiae. Minimum legal size: 30 cm. Bag limit: a combined total of 10 longfin pike or snook. Longfin pike

Snook

Luderick MARINE AND ESTUARINE FISHING Scientific name: Girella tricuspidata. Minimum legal size: 23 cm. Bag limit: 10.

Luderick

Mackerel (all species of Trachurus and Scomber except yellowtail scad) Scientific name: Trachurus and Scomber. Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit: a combined total of 40 for one or more species of mackerel (except yellowtail scad). Slimy mackerel

Morwong (all species) Scientific name: Latridae. Minimum legal size: 23 cm. Bag limit: a combined total of 5 for one or more species Banded of morwong. morwong

Adult dusky morwong Juvenile dusky morwong

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 MARINE AND ESTUARINE SCALE FISH 16 Mullet (all species) Scientific name: Mugilidae. Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit: a combined total of 40 for one or more species of mullet. Mullet

Mulloway Scientific name: Argyrosomus japonicus. Minimum legal size: 60 cm. Bag limit: 5.

Mulloway

Seahorses, seadragons and pipefish

MARINE AND ESTUARINE FISHING Scientific name: Syngnathidae. Protected species: taking or possessing is prohibited.

Seahorses

Silver trevally Scientific names: Pseudocaranx spp. Minimum legal size: 20 cm. Bag limit: a combined total of 20 for one or more species of silver trevally.

Silver trevally

Snapper Scientific name: Chrysophrys auratus. Minimum legal size: 28 cm. Bag limit: 10 (of which no more than 3 fish may be equal to or exceed 40 cm in length). This fish can’t be filleted in or on Victorian waters. It must be kept whole or in carcass form until you’re away from the water. It’s okay to fillet your fish on cleaning tables at the boat ramp (see definition of carcass on page 85). Juvenile snapper (pinky) Snapper

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 MARINE AND ESTUARINE SCALE FISH 17 Southern rock cod and beardie (red cod, bearded rock cod, large tooth beardie, slender beardie) Scientific name: fish of the genera Lotella and Pseudophycis. Minimum legal size: 23 cm. Bag limit: a combined total of 20 for one or more species of rock cod and beardie. Southern rock cod

Sweep (all species) Scientific name: Scorpdidae. Minimum legal size: 23 cm. Bag limit: a combined total of 10 for one or more species of sweep.

Sweep

Tailor (skipjack) MARINE AND ESTUARINE FISHING Scientific name: Pomatomus saltatrix. Minimum legal size: 23 cm. Bag limit: 20.

Tailor

Toadies and puffers Scientific name: Tetraodontidae. Unwanted species: Must not be eaten. Must be returned to the water immediately and without harm or injury. Fines apply if you don’t. Toadfish

Puffer

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 MARINE AND ESTUARINE SCALE FISH 18 Tuna (southern bluefin, yellowfin and big eye) Scientific name: Thunnus maccoyii and Thunnus spp. Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit: a combined total of 2 southern Southern bluefin bluefin, yellowfin and/or big eye. Possession limit for southern bluefin tuna: 2 and < 160 kg in any other form. This is the maximum number of a particular type of fish that a person can possess at any one time anywhere in Victoria (including your home). See page 10 for albacore and skipjack tuna. Yellowfin These fish can’t be filleted in or on Victorian waters. They must be kept whole or in carcass form until you’re away from the water. It’s okay to fillet your fish on cleaning tables at the boat ramp (see definition of

MARINE AND ESTUARINE FISHING carcass on page 85). Big eye

Warehou (haddock) (all species) Scientific name: Seriolella spp. Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit: a combined total of 20 for one or more species of warehou. Warehou

Whiting (other than King George) Scientific name: Sillaginidae/Odacidae. Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit: a combined total of 20 for one or more species of whiting (other than King George whiting). Grass whiting

Wrasse (parrot fish) (all species excluding blue groper) Scientific name: Labridae. Minimum legal size: 27 cm. Bag limit: a combined total of 5 for one or more species of wrasse (excluding blue groper). Wrasse (parrot fish)

Juvenile bluethroat wrasse Female bluethroat wrasse Male bluethroat wrasse

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 MARINE AND ESTUARINE SCALE FISH 19 Yellowtail kingfish Scientific name: Seriola lalandi. Minimum legal size: 60 cm. Bag limit: 5.

Yellowtail kingfish

Yellowtail scad Scientific name: Trachurus novaezelandiae. Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit: 40.

Yellowtail scad

Going Roc k Fishing? MARINE AND ESTUARINE FISHING 去磯釣？

A message from Life Saving Victoria supported by the Victorian Government – Wear a lifejacket – – Fish with a friend – 與朋友一起磯釣

– Check the weather conditions before – you leave home – 享受美好時光，但要安全釣魚 – Enjoy your time but fish safe ly – For more information go to : –

lsv.com.au/research/rockfishing

A message from Life Saving Victoria supported b y the Victorian Government

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 SHARKS, SKATES AND RAYS 20 Measuring your catch Shark: Measure shark from the rear most gill slit to the base of the tail fin on any side of the body. Rays: Measure rays from wing tip to wing tip (i.e. the maximum distance across the body).

Elephantfish Scientific name: Callorhinchus milii. Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit: 1. This fish can’t be filleted in or on Victorian waters. It must be kept whole or in carcass form until you’re away from the water. It’s okay to fillet your fish on cleaning tables at the boat ramp (see definition of carcass on page 85). Elephantfish

Gummy shark

MARINE AND ESTUARINE FISHING Scientific name: Mustelus antarcticus. Minimum legal size: 45 cm (partial length). Bag limit: a combined total of 2 gummy shark and/or school shark. This fish can’t be filleted in or on Victorian waters. It must be kept whole or in carcass form until you’re away from the water. It’s okay to fillet your fish on cleaning tables at the boat ramp (see definition of carcass Gummy shark on page 85). Minimum legal size: 45 cm (partial length)

School (snapper) shark Scientific name: Galeorhinus galeus. Minimum legal size: 45 cm (partial length). Bag limit: a combined total of 2 school shark and/or gummy shark. This fish can’t be filleted in or on Victorian waters. It must be kept whole or in carcass form until you’re away from the water. It’s okay to fillet your fish on cleaning tables at the boat ramp (see definition of carcass School shark on page 85). Minimum legal size: 45 cm (partial length)

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 SHARKS, SKATES AND RAYS 21 Shark (all species other than school and gummy shark, great white shark, greynurse shark and elephantfish) Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit: 1 of each species. These fish can’t be filleted in or on Victorian waters. They must be kept whole or in Bronze whaler shark carcass form until you’re away from the water. It’s okay to fillet your fish on cleaning tables at the boat ramp (see definition of carcass on page 85).

Port Jackson shark MARINE AND ESTUARINE FISHING

Broadnose sevengill shark

Skates, rays and guitarfish (all species) Minimum legal size: no minimum. Maximum legal width: 1.5 m. Bag limit: a combined total of 1 skate, ray or guitarfish. Must not be taken within 400 m of any pier, jetty, wharf, rock wall or breakwater. These fish can’t be filleted in or on Victorian waters. They must be kept whole or in carcass form until you’re away from the water. It’s okay to fillet your fish on cleaning tables at the boat ramp (see definition of carcass on page 85). Southern fiddler ray (banjo shark) Measure rays from wing tip to wing tip.

Smooth ray Southern eagle ray

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 SHARKS, SKATES AND RAYS 22 Great white shark and greynurse shark Scientific name: Carcharodon carcharias and Carcharias taurus. Protected species: taking or possessing is prohibited. Great white shark

Greynurse shark Great white shark interaction: handling procedures • Fishers must not target great white shark. • For your safety, do not attempt to If taken incidentally, fishers must release remove the hook. Take great personal them unharmed as quickly as possible. care when severing the or trace. Use a line cutter and cut as close

MARINE AND ESTUARINE FISHING • For your safety, do not attempt to remove the shark from the water. as practicable to the shark. Keep the shark in the water alongside • You can assist in research by the boat to minimise stress and injury emailing details of the interaction to the shark. to Russ Bradford (CSIRO) at [email protected]

Be SharkSmart

• Never swim, dive or surf alone • Keep informed of the latest sightings at emv.vic.gov.au • Always swim between the flags on patrolled beaches • Avoid swimming in areas that sharks may be attracted to • Watch for signs of a shark such as unusual behaviour of wildlife or fish

Help others be informed – vfa.vic.gov.au/shark-smart

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 CRABS 23 Crabs (all species except European green shore crab, spider crabs including giant spider crab and giant crab*) Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit (outside of restricted areas): • 30 crabs or, Pale lines on • 1 litre of whole crabs 5th leg with legs and dense Purple swimming Distinctive coat of short Restricted areas: spots paddle red/brown hairs on • You can’t collect crabs in waters less shell walking legs than 2 m deep (the intertidal zone) in Port Phillip Bay (see pages 44–45 for more info). • You can’t collect crabs in Marine National Parks and Sanctuaries Shell up to (see page 42). Pale grey shell 7 cm wide Note: Bag limit does not apply to (≤ 10 cm wide) purchased bait. Sand crab Red shore crab

European green shore crab Smooth green-brown shell(≤ 7 cm wide), Scientific name: Carcinus maenas. Each side 5 spines pale orange underside MARINE AND ESTUARINE FISHING Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit (outside of restricted areas): a limit of 15 crabs applies. Restricted areas: • You can’t collect crabs in waters less than 2 m deep (the intertidal zone) in Port Phillip Bay (see pages 44–45 for more info). • You can’t collect crabs in Marine National 5th leg sharp, slightly flattened, Parks and Sanctuaries (see page 42). no swimming paddle Note: LIVE European green shore crab European green shore crab MUST NOT be used as bait in or on any Victorian waters. Unless released Dead green shore crabs can be used To ensure the crab is dead please immediately upon capture, live European as bait. cut it in half (vertically between the eye green shore crab must not be released stalks) after freezing it. Freezing alone does into or next to any Victorian waters. not kill the crab.

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SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 CRABS 24 Spider crabs including giant spider crab Scientific name: Family majidae. Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit (outside of restricted areas): a combined total of 15 spider crabs of one or more species. Restricted areas: • You can’t collect crabs in waters less than 2 m deep (the intertidal zone) in Port Phillip Bay (see pages 44–45). • You can’t collect crabs in Marine National Parks and Sanctuaries (see page 42). Giant spider crab Note: • The bag limit is the maximum number of crabs you can take and possess in, on or next to any Victorian waters on any one day. (i.e. you can’t take 15 crabs, take them back to the car, and come back and collect another 15 on same day). • Collecting for other people contributes to your bag limit. • Only use legal fishing gear. Open top lift nets and opera house nets cannot be used to catch crabs. MARINE AND ESTUARINE FISHING Collection methods for crabs Outside of restricted areas, only these methods can be used to collect crabs in marine waters: • by hand • by using up to 2 bait traps (see page 37) • by using up to 2 hoop nets (closed season for hoop nets from 15 September to 15 November each year. During this time, hoop nets can only be used in Port Phillip Bay, Bay, the Gippsland Lakes and any other inlet). The number, size and shape of the equipment used is important. Only use legal fishing gear. Open top lift nets and opera house nets cannot be used to catch crabs. Unwanted catch must be immediately returned to water with the least possible injury or damage. Put unused bait into a rubbish bin. Discarding bait (into the water or on land) is littering, penalties apply. See page 85 for an explanation of if you are fishing in a group.

SHRIMPS AND PRAWNS Burrowing shrimp (all species including bass yabbies) Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit (outside of restricted areas): a combined total of 0.5 litres of burrowing shrimp from one or more species. Restricted areas: You can’t collect burrowing shrimp in Marine National Parks and Sanctuaries (see page 42). Note: Does not apply to purchased bait. Bass yabby

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 Swimming shrimp 25 Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit (outside of restricted areas): a combined total of 0.5 litres of swimming shrimp from one or more species. Restricted areas: • You can’t collect prawns in waters less than 2 m deep (the intertidal zone) in Port Phillip Bay – see pages 44–45. • You can’t collect swimming shrimp in Marine Parks and Sanctuaries. Note: Does not apply to purchased bait. Swimming shrimp

Prawns (all species) Scientific name: Penaeidae. Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit (outside of restricted areas): • A combined total of 30 litres of whole prawns from one or more species, or • 5 litres of meats from one or MARINE AND ESTUARINE FISHING more species. Restricted areas: • You can’t collect prawns in waters less than 2 m deep (the intertidal zone) in Port Phillip Bay – see pages 44–45. • You can’t collect prawns in Marine Parks and Sanctuaries (see page 42). Note: Does not apply to purchased bait. King prawn

Collection methods for shrimps and prawns Outside of restricted areas, these following methods can be used to collect shrimps and prawns: • by hand • by using 1 bait pump only • by using 1 dip net • by using 1 bait net only. • by using up to 2 bait traps Bait nets can only be used in waters at least 30 m from any jetty or pier and at least 400 m from the mouth of any creek or river in the Gippsland Lakes (excluding the North Arm and Cunninghame Arm), Lake Tyers (excluding those waters shown on the map on page 38), the Lower Lake of Mallacoota Inlet, , Shallow Inlet, Anderson Inlet and in marine waters on the seaward side of the mouths of any inlet or river. Note: Bait nets cannot be used in any other marine waters. The use of bait nets is also restricted in some inland waters (rivers). See page 72 for further details of where bait nets can be used in inland waters. The number, size and shape of the equipment used is important. Page 35 summarises the fishing gear that can be legally used in marine waters in Victoria.

• Remember that collecting for other people contributes to your bag limit.

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 ROCK LOBSTER 26 Rock lobster (all species) Scientific name: Palinuridae including eastern rock lobster (green crays), Sagmariasus verreauxi, Jasus edwardsii (southern rock lobster). Minimum legal size: • Male 11 cm carapace length. • Female 10.5 cm carapace length. Bag limit (outside of restricted areas): 2 tagged and tail-clipped lobster. Possession limit: 4 tagged and tail-clipped lobster. Restricted areas: You can’t collect rock lobster in waters less than 2 m deep (the intertidal zone) in Port Phillip Bay Rock lobster (see pages 44–45). Note: You can’t collect rock lobster in • Rock lobster must be retained whole Marine National Parks and Sanctuaries or with the tail and carapace still (see page 42). MARINE AND ESTUARINE FISHING attached to each other. Closed season: • You must not take or possess female • Male 15 September to rock lobster with eggs (in berry) or 15 November inclusive. remove eggs. During the male closed season • You must not take soft-shelled hoop nets must not be used, rock lobster. set or immersed in any marine • You must return females in berry water other than or with young and soft-shelled lobsters – Port Phillip and Western Port Bay to the water immediately and without – the Gippsland Lakes further harm. – any inlet. • Female 1 June to 15 November inclusive.

Collecting rock lobster You must register and be allocated rock lobster tags before you go fishing. See page 29 for details on how to register.

Male Female Fifth leg has a forked claw

Each side Genital pore Genital pore pair of flappers at base of at base of third pair Each side fifth pair of legs single of legs flapper Forked clasping structures usually with hairs for eggs

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 ROCK LOBSTER A quick guide on what equipment you can and can’t use for collecting 27 rock lobster Outside of restricted areas, ONLY the following methods can be used to collect rock lobster: • by hand ONLY using snorkel or captive air (scuba or hookah) • by using up to 2 hoop nets from a boat • by hand or using up to 2 hoop nets from shore. Hoop nets must be no wider than 77 cm in diameter with a drop of 50 cm (see page 36 for details). No other equipment can be used to capture or assist in the capture of rock lobster. Some equipment can be possessed but it cannot be used to capture rock lobster (see table below).

Equipment Status Explanation

Hoop nets from ü Legal to possess Legal when used from the shore or boat shore and boat only. ü Legal to use Hoop nets ✗ Illegal to possess Hoop nets are NOT legal while snorkelling equipment when used ✗ Illegal to use or diving when underwater diving or snorkelling for rock lobster. MARINE AND ESTUARINE only ü Legal to possess Bait must not be attached (held in hand) to anything. It must only be ü Legal to use held in your hand. Spear gun/ ü Legal to possess Spear guns can be carried hand-held spear but cannot be used in any ✗ Illegal to use way to capture or assist in the capture of rock lobster. Catch/mesh bag ü Legal to possess A catch/mesh bag can (whether empty or be used to hold your containing fish ✗ Illegal to use catch (fish or rock lobster) of any kind) (usually while diving or snorkelling, or collecting from the shore). A catch/ mesh bag cannot be used to net, entangle or lure rock lobster. Torch ü Legal to possess A torch can be carried and used as a light source whilst ✗ Illegal to use underwater but cannot be used in any way to leverage or assist in the capture of rock lobster. Dive equipment ü Legal to possess Dive equipment is for (e.g. removed fin) assisting with snorkelling ✗ Illegal to use and diving only. Dive equipment cannot be used to capture or assist in the capture of rock lobster.

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 ROCK LOBSTER 28 Equipment Status Explanation

Camera equipment ü Legal to possess Camera equipment can (e.g. GoPros attached be carried to record your to a pole) ✗ Illegal to use diving experience but it must not be used to capture or assist in the capture of rock lobster. Chemicals of any sort ✗ Illegal to use Chemicals cannot be (e.g. dishwashing liquid) squirted into crevices. The use of chemicals in marine waters is also illegal under environmental legislation. Snare/gaff ✗ Illegal to possess These devices are and use prohibited by regulation. Hook ✗ Illegal to possess and use Lever/stick/bar/probe/prong ✗ Illegal to possess MARINE AND ESTUARINE FISHING baited or unbaited and use

Measuring your rock lobster Marking and tagging of Place one end of the measuring device firmly rock lobster into the groove between the antennae and All rock lobster taken by recreational fishers measure from this groove to the rear edge are to be tagged and tailed-clipped or of the carapace. Hairs do not form part of tail‑punched with a hole not less than the carapace. Divers are required to measure 10 mm in diameter. This must be done lobster at the first available opportunity within 5 minutes of bringing the rock lobster before the lobster is landed. onto a boat, or if taken from the shore, within 5 minutes of landing and within 50 m of the place of landing.

Measuring devices are available free of charge from the Customer Service Centre Rock lobster on 136 186 tail clipping

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 ROCK LOBSTER How to register for rock lobster tags 29 Rock lobster tags 1. Tagging your catch is mandatory. • You must register and get tags before you go fishing. 2. You can have up to 10 tags at any one time. • Tags are free. – You must report used tags to be able • Available at Victorian Government Offices: to order more. – Warrnambool, Queenscliff, Lakes Entrance, . 3. You must only use tags assigned to you. • Available online at – Exception: children under 18 and www.vic.gov.au/lobstertag or via the under adult supervision can use VicRLTag app in the App Store and the adult’s tags. Google Play. 4. Tags are transferable. – Unused tags can be transferred to another registered fisher via the app or website. 5. You must report on how your tags are used. VicRLTag

– Report used tags: date and location MARINE AND ESTUARINE FISHING used, and carapace length. Process: – All tags must be reported (used, not used, lost) by the end of the season. 1. Go online 6. Tags are individually numbered and 2. Create an account expire seasonally. 3. Order tags – The tagging season begins on 16 November each year and finishes 4. Use tags on 15 November the following year. 5. Report use of tags

6. Order more tags

The aim of the tagging program is to enable a harvest estimate to be made to improve the sustainable management of the fishery.

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 SHELLFISH 30 Abalone (all species)

Blacklip abalone Greenlip abalone

Minimum legal sizes: see map below.

Central Victorian Waters Open season: nominated days each year

Open season: all year

Melbourne Lakes Entrance

Mouth of the Lorne

Aire River Arch Rock 11 cm (Mallacoota airport area) Little Ram Head to Gabo Island

MARINE AND ESTUARINE FISHING pump station, inclusive. Minimum 10 cm legal sizes (Port Phillip Bay)

11 cm (excluding Port Phillip Bay) 13 cm 12 cm all abalone species other than greenlip 12 cm

13 cm Greenlip abalone (permanent closure in Port Phillip Bay)

Bag limit (outside of restricted areas): • Port Phillip Bay: 5 (0 greenlip abalone). • All other Victorian waters: 5 (of which no more than 2 can be greenlip abalone). Possession limit: 10 (of which no more than 4 can be greenlip). The possession limit is the maximum number of a particular type of fish that a person can possess at any one time anywhere in Victoria (including your home). Restricted areas: • You can’t collect abalone in waters less than 2 m deep (the intertidal zone) in all Victorian waters including Port Phillip Bay (see pages 44–45 for more info). • You can’t collect abalone in Marine National Parks and Sanctuaries (see page 42). • You can’t collect abalone from the Central Victorian waters except on the nominated open days (see page 31). Free abalone tools are available by calling 136 186.

Central Victorian waters Central Victorian waters are defined as marine waters east of the mouth of to Arch Rock (near Cape Liptrap) including Port Phillip Bay. The southern boundary is a line running three nautical miles from the coast, which is the seaward limit of state waters. SHELLFISH 31 Recreational Abalone Open Days for Central Victorian waters There is a permanent closed season on the take of abalone from Central Victorian waters, except for these nominated open days each year: • Every Saturday and Sunday between 16 November and 30 April the following year inclusive. • Every declared public holiday in Victoria between 16 November and 30 April the following year. • 25 December through to the second Sunday in January the following year inclusive. Collection methods for abalone • You must carry a measuring device. • You must use a blunt instrument when taking abalone. • You must not use knives, screwdrivers or sharp items that could cut the abalone. • You must not shuck abalone, or be in possession of shucked abalone, or land shucked abalone, in, under or on Victorian waters (you may only shuck abalone upon the place of consumption). • You can take abalone only between sunrise and sunset.

Free abalone tools are available by calling 136 186. MARINE AND ESTUARINE FISHING

Measuring your catch Abalone: Abalone must be measured at the widest part of the shell whether it is whole or damaged, immediately upon removal and returned to the location of take if found to be undersized. Free measuring devices are available by calling 136 186.

Be safe when diving Diving for abalone is relatively safe, but there is a risk of drowning. To stay safe, you must: • Dive when sea conditions are good • Always dive and stay with a friend so there is someone there to help if you get into trouble. • If conditions are not right, find a better spot or dive on another day.

Mussels (all species except Glenelg freshwater mussel) Scientific name: Mytilidae. Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit (outside of restricted areas): a combined total limit of: • 10 litres of whole mussels from one or more species, or • 1 litre of split or shucked mussels from one or more species. Restricted areas: • You can’t collect mussels in waters less than 2 m deep (the intertidal zone) in Port Phillip Bay (see pages 44–45 for more info). • You can’t collect mussels in Marine National Parks and Sanctuaries (see page 42). Mussel SHELLFISH 32 Oysters (all species) Scientific name: Ostreidae. Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit (outside of restricted areas): a combined total of 50 oysters from one or more species. Restricted areas: • You can’t collect oysters in waters less than 2 m deep (the intertidal zone) in Port Phillip Bay (see pages 44–45 for more info). • You can’t collect oysters in Marine National Parks and Sanctuaries (see page 42). Oysters

Pipis Scientific name: Donax deltoides. Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit (outside of restricted areas): • Cape Liptrap Coastal Park between Point Smythe and Arch Rock including Venus Bay: 2 litres of whole pipis or 0.5 litre of shucked pipis.

MARINE AND ESTUARINE FISHING • In all other Victorian waters: 5 litres of whole pipis or 1 litre of shucked pipis. Possession limit: 100 kg of pipis anywhere in Victoria. This is the maximum number of a particular type of fish that a person can possess at any one time anywhere in Victoria (including your home). Collection methods: by hand only. Note: Digging implements cannot be used to collect pipis in the intertidal zone. Remember, collecting for other people contributes to your bag limit. Restricted areas: • You can’t collect pipis in waters less than 2 m deep (the intertidal zone) in Port Phillip Bay (see pages 44–45 for more info). • You can’t collect pipis in Marine National Parks and Sanctuaries (see page 42). Pipis

Scallop Scientific name: Pecten fumatus. Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit (outside of restricted areas): 100. Restricted areas: • You can’t collect scallops in waters less than 2 m deep (the intertidal zone) in Port Phillip Bay (see pages 44–45 for more info). • You can’t collect scallops in Marine National Parks and Sanctuaries (see page 42). Scallop

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 SQUID, OCTOPUS AND CUTTLEFISH 33 Squid (including calamari), octopus and cuttlefish (all species) Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit (outside of restricted areas): a combined total of 10 from one or more species of squid, calamari, octopus and cuttlefish. Restricted areas: • You can’t collect squid, octopus or cuttlefish in Marine National Parks and Sanctuaries (see page 42).

Southern squid Sand octopus Cuttlefish

VICTORIA'S RECREATIONAL MARINE AND ESTUARINE FISHING FISHING PEAK BODY

HABITAT WATER ACCESS BEST PRACTICE PROMOTE

Visit the VRFish website www.vrfish.com.au to join and contact us on issues affecting recreational fishing.  [email protected] #makefishingbetter

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 MOLLUSCS* 34 All species other than abalone, mussels, oysters, pipis, scallops, cockles, squid, octopus and cuttlefish * All other molluscs include snails, slugs, periwinkles, dogwhelks, chitons and limpets. Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit (outside of restricted areas): a combined total limit of: • 5 litres of whole mollusc from one or more species, or • 1 litre of split or shucked mollusc from one or more species. Restricted areas: • You can’t collect any mollusc in waters less than 2 m deep (the intertidal zone) in Port Phillip Bay (see pages 44–45 for more info). • You can’t collect single shelled molluscs in waters less than 2 m deep (the intertidal zone) in all Victorian waters including Port Phillip Bay (see pages 44–45 for more info). • You can’t collect any mollusc in Marine National Parks and Sanctuaries (see page 42).

OTHER INVERTEBRATES Invertebrates are without a backbone. Sandworm and other marine worms (all species including MARINE AND ESTUARINE FISHING polychaete bristle worms) Scientific name: Polychaeta. Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit (outside of restricted areas): a combined total limit of 0.5 litres of worm from one or more species. Note: Does not apply to purchased bait. Restricted areas: • You can’t collect sandworms and other marine worms in Marine National Parks and Sanctuaries (see page 42).

Sea urchins Scientific name: Echinoidea. Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit (outside of restricted areas): a total combined limit of 40 urchins from one or more species. Note: Roe and other soft tissues must not be removed from sea urchins in, on or next to Victorian waters. Restricted areas: • You can’t collect sea urchins in waters less than 2 m deep (the intertidal zone) in Port Phillip Bay (see ages 44–45 for Sea urchin more info). • You can’t collect sea urchins in Marine National Parks and Sanctuaries (see page 42).

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 legibly written. and clearly residence of place and name full fisher’s recreational the with surface water’s the above remains that atag to attached be must traps bait and nets Hoop yourLabelling gear correctly • • • Note: 35–40). pages (see use its govern that rules the of aware be must you equipment this use you Before waters. marine Victoria’s in species) invertebrates (including fish catch to attempt or catch to used be only can equipment following The waters marine for equipment legal of Summary details. further for 86–87 pages See Port. Western and Bay Phillip Port to) limited not (but as such waters inland not are that waters Victorian and Inlet Wingan Tyers and Lake Inlet, Mallacoota of Lake Lower the Lakes, Gippsland the are: waters Marine Marine waters waters. Victorian in use to legal is online or shops tackle in sale for gear fishing the all Not lobster). rock take to guns (e.g. spear species some catch to or seasons) (closed times certain at waters), (e.g. closed locations certain in used be cannot equipment legal of types some addition, In use. to illegal or legal is it whether determining in important is Victoria in fish catch to used equipment of size and shape number, The MARINE FISHING EQUIPMENT Hand-cranked electric reels electric Hand-cranked Spear gun Spear and multiprong)(barbed spear Handheld –labelled nets Hoop net) (hauling net Bait Dip/landing net –labelled traps Bait suction) Bait pump (hand-operated hook no with lines Baited line per Hooks hooks with Lines Equipment type Abalone tools are blunted instruments that are not knives or screwdrivers. or knives not are that instruments blunted are tools Abalone 31). page (see abalone collect to used be can tool abalone An waters. marine in used be cannot nets lift top Open 37). page (see fish your landing in assist to used be only can Gaffs

Can be used in certain waters only; see page 36 page see only; waters certain in used be Can Can be used in certain waters only; see page 39 page see only; waters certain in used be Can 38 page see only; waters certain in used be Can Can be used in certain waters only; see page 37 page see only; waters certain in used be Can 37 page see used; be Can 38 page see used; be Can 37 page 2; see 36 page see used; be Can 36 page 10; see 36 page jig; see 1bait 2, or 36 page 4; see Maximum number permitted in waters marine permitted number Maximum labelled hoop net acorrectly of Example

Hoop net Hoop 77 cm 77 diameter Max. cm 50 drop Max.

35 MARINE FISHING EQUIPMENT 36 MARINE FISHING EQUIPMENT • is: jig A bait jig: Bait • • hook: A keeper hook: Keeper • • • • • One hook is as: defined jigs: and Hooks position. your mof 50 within and sight in be must Your line unattended. Lines: jigs and hooks Lines, 44–45. pages on listed restrictions zone intertidal the with conjunction in read be to need rules Equipment USING EQUIPMENT IN MARINE lines must not have any hooks tied to them. them. to tied hooks any have not must lines Baited hooks. without lines are lines Baited Baited lines used and possessed in any marine water. marine any in possessed and used be may fisher) exempt or licensed (per lines 10 of baited A maximum line. each to attached jig 1bait or 2hooks than more no with reels), with rods or lines hand either of acombination be can (these person per 4lines of amaximum use may fisher exempt or licensed each waters, marine In total rig length of up to 3m. to up of length rig a total with aline to attached length, in 2 cm than less hooks with lures 6unbaited than more no of series acontinuous as defined hook. attached the touch and line the down slide can that 1hook and line the of end the to attached 1hook has line the at position one in bait keep to arranged 2hooks of assembly an as defined is jig. a bait jig a squid a lure eye the by together linked 4hooks of a group hook a single You must not leave a line or rod rod or aline leave not You must WATERS full name and residential address. address. residential and name full fisher’s recreational the clearly display must label The surface. water’s the at float must label The unattended. left or boat a from set if labelled be must Nets cm. 50 than more of adrop have not must net The diameter. in 77 cm exceeding not 2hoops 1or of consisting top, the at open net cylindrical a is net A hoop nets Hoop cm 8.5 diameter Max. Bait pump pump. the with conjunction in used be can Asieve species. invertebrate other and worms marine yabbies), bass (including shrimp burrowing extract to used be may cm 8.5 exceeding not diameter a barrel with pumps bait suction Hand-operated Bait pumps Lakes or any inlet of the sea. the of inlet any or Lakes Gippsland the Port, Bay, Western Phillip Port than other water marine any in net ahoop use not must you (inclusive) 15 November to 15 September from year Each Closed season for tool to dig with. dig to a tool Note: water during the open season. open the during water marine any on or in possessed or used be may fisher) exempt or licensed (per nets hoop 2labelled of A maximum You must not use a bait pump as as pump abait use not You must hoop nets 77 cm 77 diameter Max. Hoop net Hoop cm 50 drop Max.

be less than 25 cm wide and 50 cm long. cm 50 and wide cm 25 than less be must trap the of size The cm. 25 than more no be must trap the of height The 5 cm. exceed not must diameter entrance Funnel Bait traps VFA. the from apermit for apply may they reel, electric hand-cranked a than other device apowered use to need alegitimate has adisability with aperson If fishers. recreational by used be cannot and commercial fishingconsidered equipment are devices powered of types Other fish. retrieving when held hand be can and rod fishing recreational aconventional to fitted are mechanism, cranking ahand have they if fishers recreational by use for permitted are These reels electric Hand-cranked permitted. not are Harpoons afish. of body the penetrates it when pole the from detaches hook the that such pole, arigid and hook the both to attached cord or arope with abarb) without or (with hook asingle of consists gaff flying A barbed ahandle). without or (with hooks barbless of series or hook abarbless are gaffs Barbless invertebrates). than (other fish land to fishers assist to used be only can gaffs) flying barbed (including Gaffs Gaffs 50 cm 50 length Max. Bait trap used in or on any marine water. marine any on or in used be may fisher) exempt or licensed (per traps bait 2labelled of A maximum Max. width 25 cm 25 width Max. diameter 5cm diameter funnel Max. 25 cm 25 height Max.

• • • • • • • waters: permitted following the in river or creek any of mouth the mfrom 400 least at and pier or jetty any mfrom 30 least at waters in used be to Permitted permitted is waters: net Abait waters. Victorian any in propulsion under amotor behind net Note: used in: be not must net waters: Abait Restricted equipment. equipment. illegal are which nets, cast include not do nets Bait 6m. exceed not must also end each to attached ropes Hauling length. 6min exceed not must net A bait Bait (hauling nets nets) • • • • • waters. restricted in used be not must nets Bait waters. marine permitted from bait collect to net 1bait of maximum a use can fisher exempt or A licensed of any inlet or river. or inlet any of mouth the of entrance the of side seaward the on occur that waters marine other any Inlet Anderson Inlet Shallow Inlet Corner Inlet Mallacoota of Lake Lower the 38) page on map the on shown and above listed Arm Nowa Nowa and Arm Toorloo the of sections those Tyers (excluding Lake Arm) Cunninghame the and Arm North the (excluding Lakes Gippsland Sydenham Inlet. Sydenham Inlet Tamboon 38 page on map the on shown lines the of upstream flow Tyers that Lake of Arm Nowa Nowa and Arm Toorloo the of waters the of Gippsland Lakes Arm Cunninghame and Arm North the Port Western and Bay Phillip Port You must not tow, drag or haul any any haul or tow, drag not You must 37 MARINE FISHING EQUIPMENT 38 MARINE FISHING EQUIPMENT Dip net Dip ahandle. to attached cm, 90 exceeding not depth and a width with net open-faced an of consists net A dip Dip/landing net Victorian waters. Victorian other all of zone intertidal the from molluscs single-shelled or Bay Phillip Port in zone intertidal the from invertebrates any take to used be cannot nets Dip restrictions Intertidal alight. without or with species, invertebrate or fish of avariety take to nets dip use can fisher exempt or A licensed 90 cm 90 depth Max.

Max. width 90 cm 90 width Max. spear ahand-held of possession or use The Hand-held spear waters. marine in abalone) and lobster rock than (other fish take to used be may It afish. of body the penetrate they when spear the from detach not do prongs the that so designed is and hand the in held is spear The barbs). without or (with prongs more or one with aspear means spear A hand-held spear Hand-held Spear fishing • • • • • • • any Wingan Inlet Wingan Tyers and Lake Inlet, Bay, Sydenham Swan Inlet, Mallacoota Inlet, Tamboon Inlet, Curdies of waters the on or in 86–87) pages on definition (see river or creek any of mouth the mof 30 within pier or jetty any mof 30 within prohibited. is lobster rock take to gun spear or spear any of use The hand a or gun aspear of possession or use The only. waters marine some in permitted is fishing Spear Inlet Inlet Corner of waters the to next or on in, of Arm North the of waters the on or in shore. the to jetty the along and jetty that of end the to line anorth-south on then and Welshpool Port at jetty long the of south directly apoint to east then and of Snake Little Island generally north coastline the following then mark water high mean the at Island Snake Little of part westerly most the to Promontory) Wilsons (on Point Entrance of point northerly most the on mark water high is Gippsland Lakes inland water is prohibited. prohibited: west ‑ held spear in, on or next to to next or on in, spear held of a line from the mean mean the from aline of that are within: are that waters in Lakes Gippsland in ONLY permitted is gun aspear of possession or use The possession of a spear gun is prohibited: is gun aspear of possession or use waters: The marine Restricted spear gun Triggered sling Hawaiian water. NOT arestricted is that water marine any to next or on in, gun aspear possess or use can fisher exempt or licensed Each or aspear to energy propulsive imparting of capable device amechanical is gun A spear Spear guns (including slings) • • • • • • • • arrow. (see map above). map (see Victoria Lake in Point Pelican to Point Waddy from and Point Trouser to Point linesimaginary running from Wattle Bay Point Eagle in beacons compass the of each mof 50 landing barrier the of west the to located Channel Hopetoun in ‘barrier’ the mof 20 Island Rigby of end eastern the off groynes 3rocky the mof 20 (see below). Lakes Gippsland the of most on or in Inlet Wingan Inlet, Tyers, Shallow Lake Inlet, Corner Inlet, Anderson Inlet, Tamboon Mallacoota Inlet, Inlet, Curdies of waters the on or in 86–87) pages on definition (see river or creek any of mouth the mof 30 within pier or jetty any mof 30 within

spear is permitted. hand-held or gun aspear of use the which in waters to mooring or ramp aboat from, to, or route direct most the by proceeding are you if only waters prohibited on aboat in spear hand-held or gun aspear You possess may in prohibited waters guns spear and spears Hand-held permitted Victoria Waddy Lake Point

Pelican Point Wattle Point Paynesville Loch Sport Gippsland Lakes Coastal Park Trouser Point Victoria Lake 39 MARINE FISHING EQUIPMENT 40 MARINE FISHING EQUIPMENT waters. The following equipment is illegal to use in Victoria: Victoria: in use to illegal is equipment following The waters. Victorian any in propulsion under boat amotor behind net any haul or You tow, drag not may fish. destroy or injure take, to attempt take, to used be cannot arrows and bows and firearms including private waters. Explosives, waters, Victorian to next or on in, equipment illegal possess or use not You must ILLEGAL FISHING EQUIPMENT attracting fish. fish. attracting of purpose the for water the in placed is that extract or tissue or plant any is Berley Berley BAIT AND BERLEY that berley of amount the on restrictions no is there areas, these of Outside Island. Percy Julia Lady of miles 3 nautical (including Islands) Victorian or within coastline Victorian the of mile 1 nautical within or inlet any Lakes, Gippsland the Port, Bay, Western Phillip Port in fish of taking the in assist to berley of 10 litres than more use not You must operation. a fishing of part as than other purpose any for fish attract to used be not must Berley disease. and/or species fish undesirable of spread the in result can bodies water other in bait live of release The initially caught. was bait the where than other awater in Note: • • • • • • • • detailed on pages 35 to 39. to 35 pages on detailed equipment legal the of shape and size the to conform not does that equipment Any waters private and public in prohibited was 2019 use 1July their (from nets House Opera Firearms Explosives Snoods Snares nets cast nets, Mesh Set lines can be used. It is an offence to release live bait bait live release to offence an is It in Victoria). or offal can be used. be can offal or blood mammal contain that pellets bait note: is fish of species any attract to offal or blood mammal contains that berley of use The offal or blood Mammal has been made under that Act. that under made been has 1988 Act Guarantee Fauna and Flora the under protected fish fish: Protected waters. Victorian in bait as the under wildlife protected –are alive or dead Frogs: waters. Victorian in fish of species any take to attempt or take to berley or bait as salmon or trout uncooked of form any or ova fish use not You (eggs): ova must Fish waters. Victorian in bait as crabs shore green European LIVE or carp), koi carp, European (including species noxious LIVE use not You must fish: Noxious waters. Victorian in bait as fish Undersize fish: Bait restrictions • • • • • • prohibited Drum nets Drum waters marine in nets lift top Open Bow and arrows pots Crab Harpoons rakes Mussel and must not be used used be not 1975 must Act and Wildlife Frogs’ eggs, tadpoles and frogs – frogs and tadpoles eggs, Frogs’ in Victorian waters. Please Please waters. Victorian in You must not use as bait any any bait as use not You must undersize use not You must , unless an authorisation authorisation an , unless (piles or buoys) Aquaculture Fisheries Reserves an AFR. an within lease aCrown within is that equipment with anyinterfere commercial aquaculture otherwise or up tie to offence an is It right). (see boundaries the mark to floats orange install holders lease and public general the to Crown leases below). (see boundaries external the at placed lights synchronised yellow and mark Xtop the on lettering black in inscribed 'AQUACULTURE' with buoys) or (piles marks AFRs (AFRs). Reserves nine Fisheries Aquaculture within located 27 ha to 3 ha from ranging leases), (Crown sites farming individual within Port Western and Bay Phillip Port in undertaken is aquaculture Marine AQUACULTURE FISHERIES fish. to intend you where area the to any,if apply restrictions, what know to responsibility your is It location. with vary will Restrictions • • • • to: waters some in place in are restrictions Fishing MARINE WATERS CLOSED TO RECREATIONAL FISHING protect heritage sites (e.g. shipwrecks). (e.g. shipwrecks). sites heritage protect infrastructure aquaculture protect (shipping lanes) safety ensure fisher and habitats endangered critical species protect are clearly identified with yellow special special yellow with identified clearly are within AFRs are not accessible accessible not are AFRs within RESERVES Crown leases within AFRs within leases Crown Port Phillip Bay and Western Port Western and Bay Phillip Port in Reserves Fisheries Aquaculture Orange floats marking marking floats Orange the boundaries

41 WATERS CLOSED TO RECREATIONAL FISHING 42 WATERS CLOSED TO RECREATIONAL FISHING shellfish collect or fish to intend you where area the to any, if apply restrictions, what know to responsibility your is It Heavy penalties apply. • • • • can’t: you means This areas. these in prohibited are fishing recreational and commercial of forms All future. the for and now environments, marine diverse and unique Victoria’s of areas representative protect Sanctuaries Marine and Parks National Marine PARKS AND SANCTUARIES VICTORIA’S MARINE NATIONAL set traps and nets. and traps set collect bait shellfish or fish collect or spear to dive aboat or shore the from fish or crustaceans. crustaceans. www.vfa.vic.gov.au/vicfishingapp to Go sanctuary. or park a marine within or approaching are they whether determine to users allow to GPS internal asmartphone’s uses that function here?” Ifish a“Can has App Guide Fishing Recreational Victorian free The marineparkboundaries www.vfa.vic.gov.au/ 13Call 19 visit: or 63 offices. Victoria Parks from available coordinates are boundary Maps with BOUNDARY MARKERS protected area. protected the of boundary sea the at located are markers special Inwater area. protected the to inwards point and park the of edge the at land on located are markers boundary Shoreline

The protected zones are (WGS 84): (WGS are zones protected The on with issued be can apermit without zone aprotected within found People permit. a without zone aprotected in dive or trawl fish, enter, anchor, to offence an is It shipwrecks. historic significant highly and 9fragile for declared are zones Protected Zones Protected Shipwreck RESTRICTED AREAS than more of fines with issued be may people prosecuted, If detected. is offence one than more if issued be can fines multiple mradius 100 mradius 100 Joanna Clarence mradius 500 Launceston of City SS hrectangle 0.5 HMVS Cerebus mradius 50 Wisp The O' Will ‑ the $7,000. ‑ spot fines of more than $295, and $295, and than more of fines spot

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-38. 552400; 147. 552400; -38. 2074000 -38. 744000; 146. 677800 744000; -38. -38. 486944; 144. 750556 -38. -38. 272943;-38. 144. 705493

43 WATERS CLOSED TO RECREATIONAL FISHING 44 INTERTIDAL ZONE FISHING RESTRICTIONS Intertidal zone at high tide high at zone Intertidal For this reason Victoria’s intertidal zones are protected areas. protected are zones intertidal Victoria’s reason this For species. other for food of aloss represents it but harmless, seem may zone this from urchins) sea and shellfish snails, crabs, as such backbones without (animals invertebrates of Removal chain. food the of parts critical are zone intertidal the in live that plants and animals All time. any at 2mdeep is water the where apoint to mark high-water maximum the at starting area the as defined is zone intertidal The INTERTIDAL ZONE RESTRICTIONS and burrowing shrimps. shrimps. and burrowing worms marine lobster, crabs, oysters), shells as such pipis, mussels, scallops, 2hinged with (animals shellfish bivalve collect may you waters Victorian other all in zone intertidal the From (excluding Port Phillip Bay) waters Victorian and octopus shrimp, squid, burrowing sandworms, worms, marine collect only may you Bay Phillip Port in zone intertidal the From Port Phillip Bay areas protected Intertidal cuttlefish. cuttlefish. Intertidal zone at low tide low at zone Intertidal be collected. be not must and zone intertidal protected are shells) turbo and periwinkles limpets, abalone, as (such molluscs shelled single All collected. be not must and zone intertidal are backbones) without (animals invertebrates other All protected in the the in in the the in intertidal the in yabbies bass and cockles worms, pipis, collect to used be cannot implements digging hand-held example, For zone. intertidal the in prohibited is implement to collect marine invertebrates digging hand-held of type any of use The equipment restrictions area protected Intertidal 23–34). (pages species these to apply limits Catch animals. permitted these collect to Victoria across zones intertidal the in used be to permitted is equipment certain Only INTERTIDAL ZONE EQUIPMENT RESTRICTIONS ü ü ü ü ü ü INTERTIDAL RESTRICTIONS FOR DIFFERENT VICTORIAN WATERS You collect: can

Sandworms Cuttlefish Octopus Squid shrimp Burrowing Marine worms intertidal Bay Phillip Port zones. zone ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ You can’t collect collect You can’t including: invertebrates other ALL Shells Urchins Scallops Mussels Pipis Crabs Abalone Snails

ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü ü are permitted, is zone intertidal the in collection Where You collect: can • • • • • allowed: Cuttlefish Squid Octopus Urchins shrimp Burrowing Marine worms lobster Rock Crabs oysters mussels, scallops, pipis, as such Bivalve shellfish 36–37 36–37 pages (see nets bait and nets hoop used) be can’t and can spears hand-held and guns spear where areas the for 38–39 pages (see octopus and cuttlefish squid, fish, catch to spear hand-held or speargun line, a fishing 37 page (see traps bait for 36 page (see pumps bait hand-held feet and hands in some waters or at certain times). certain at or waters some in dimensions) Port than other zone Intertidal as these can only be used used be only can these as only the following methods methods following the only Phillip Bay ✗ ✗ ✗ ✗ molluscs such as: such molluscs single-shelled ANY collect: You can’t for dimensions) Turbo shells Periwinkles Limpets Abalone

45 INTERTIDAL ZONE FISHING RESTRICTIONS 46

Freshwater (inland) fishing Whether it’s fishing for wild trout in North East Victoria, chasing cod in our northern rivers or catching Australian bass in , we want you to enjoy the awesome recreational freshwater fishing Victoria has to offer. FRESHWATER FISHING FRESHWATER

Freshwater fishing 47–68

Freshwater fishing restrictions 69

Freshwater fishing equipment 70–74

It’s important that you know the rules and follow them so we can keep Victoria’s recreational fisheries in great shape for the future. Happy fishing!

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 FRESHWATER SCALE FISH (NATIVE) 47 Measuring your catch Scale fish: the legal size of fish must be checked at the first available opportunity. Measure fish from the tip of the snout with the mouth closed to the end of the tail. Undersize, oversize or unwanted fish must be released immediately and with the least amount of harm. Carp (a noxious species) must not be returned to the water alive. Fish that you want to keep or that cannot be released should be dispatched immediately.

Dead carp may be returned to the water. FISHING FRESHWATER

Australian bass (including estuary perch and hybrids) Scientific name: Percalates novemaculeata. Minimum legal size: 27 cm. Bag limit: Lake Bullen Merri: a combined total of 5 for one or more species of Australian bass, estuary perch and hybrid species. All other Victorian Waters: a combined total of 5 fish (of which no more than 2 can be Australian bass). Australian bass Distinguishing features of Australian bass and estuary perch (see page 13 for estuary perch rules).

Straight head Dished head

Protruding lower jaw Opercular spine Deeper bodied

Australian bass Estuary perch

Australian grayling Scientific name: Prototroctes maraena. Protected species: taking or possessing is prohibited. Protected species:

Australian smelt, broad-finned , common galaxias, flat-headed galaxias, mountain galaxias, spotted galaxias Mountain galaxias Scientific name: Retropinna semoni and . Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit: a combined total limit of 40 fish from one or more species. Australian smelt

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 FRESHWATER SCALE FISH (NATIVE) 48 Eel (long and short-finned) Scientific name: Anguilla spp. Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit: a combined total of 10 eels for one or more species. Short-finned eel

Flathead gudgeon Scientific name: Philypnodon grandiceps. Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit: 40.

Flathead gudgeon FRESHWATER FISHING FRESHWATER Freshwater catfish Scientific name: Tandanus tandanus. Minimum legal size: 30 cm. Permitted waters: freshwater catfish can be taken only from waters within the Wimmera Basin. Restricted waters: taking of Freshwater catfish freshwater catfish is prohibited in all other Victorian waters. Bag limit: • Wimmera Basin: 2. • All other inland waters: 0. This fish can’t be filleted in or on Victorian waters. It must be kept whole or in carcass form until you’re away from the water. It’s okay to fillet your fish on cleaning tables at the boat ramp (see definition of carcass on page 85).

Brown and dwarf galaxias Scientific name: Galaxias fuscus and Galaxiella pusilla. Protected species: taking or possessing is prohibited. Protected species: Dwarf galaxias

Golden perch (yellowbelly) Scientific name: Macquaria ambigua. Minimum legal size: 30 cm. Bag limit: 5. This fish can’t be filleted in or on Victorian waters. It must be kept whole or in carcass form until you’re away from the water. It’s okay to fillet your fish on cleaning tables at the boat ramp (see definition of carcass on page 85). Golden perch

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 FRESHWATER SCALE FISH (NATIVE) 49 Hardy head (all species other than Murray hardyhead and unspecked hardyhead) Scientific name: Atherinidae. Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit: a combined total of 40 fish from one or more species, except Murray hardyhead and unspecked hardyhead. Hardyhead Murray hardyhead and unspecked hardyhead Scientific name: Crateocephalus fluviatilis and Craterocephalus fulvus. Protected species: taking or possessing is prohibited. FISHING FRESHWATER Murray hardyhead Range: Murray hardyhead and unspecked hardyhead have been recorded from near Kerang, Swan Hill and Mildura (Victoria). The Murray hardyhead has been found in , Lake Hawthorn, and several lakes in the Swan Hill-Kerang district, including Cullen, Elizabeth, Golf Course, Long, Round, Tuchewop, Wandella, Woorinen North and Yando Lakes. Unspecked hardyhead The exact distribution of the Murray hardyhead is not known because it is easily confused for other species of hardyheads, including the unspecked hardyhead.

Macquarie perch Scientific name: Macquaria australasica. Minimum legal size: 35 cm. Permitted waters: Macquarie perch can only be taken from Lake Dartmouth and the Upper Coliban (and their tributaries). Restricted waters: the taking of Macquarie perch is prohibited in all other waters. Bag limit (outside of restricted waters): • Lake Dartmouth (and its tributaries): 1. • Upper Coliban Reservoir (and its tributaries): 2. Macquarie perch Closed season: 1 October to 31 December inclusive. This fish can’t be filleted in or on Victorian waters. It must be kept whole or in carcass form until you’re away from the water. It’s okay to fillet your fish on cleaning tables at the boat ramp (see definition of carcass on page 85).

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 FRESHWATER SCALE FISH (NATIVE) 50 Murray cod Scientific name: Maccullochella peelii. Minimum legal size: 55 cm. Maximum legal size: 75 cm. Bag limit: Specified lakes and impoundments: 2 (see below). Murray cod Urban lakes: 2 (see below). All other waters: 1. Murray cod are commonly confused Possession limit: 5 or < 30 kg in any other with trout cod (see page 51 for form anywhere in Victoria. This is the maximum distinguishing features). number/amount of a particular type of fish that This fish can’t be filleted in or on Victorian FRESHWATER FISHING FRESHWATER a person can possess at any one time anywhere in Victoria (including your home). waters. It must be kept whole or in carcass form until you’re away from the Closed season: 1 September to water. It’s okay to fillet your fish at your 30 November inclusive. campsite or on cleaning tables at the Note: Lake Eildon and the waters south of boat ramp (see definition of carcass on the are open year round, page 85). except the . Specified lakes and impoundments Barkers Creek Reservoir Eppalock Weir (defined as all impounded Benalla Lake First waters upstream of Big Meran Lake Greens Lake Nagambie Weir to Booroopki Swamp Hume Lake Chinamans Bridge on the and inclusive Boga Lake Kangaroo Lake of Lake Nagambie) Buffalo Lake Nillahcootie Lake Laanecoorie Reservoir Charlegrark Lake Lascelles Lake Taylors Lake Charm Lake Victoria Lake (Shepparton) Cullulleraine Lake Moodemere Lake Upper Coliban Reservoir Eildon Lake Walkers Lake Waranga Basin Urban Lakes Albert Park Lake Melton Reservoir Roxburgh Park Lake Casey Fields Lake Navan Park Lake Spavin Lake (Cranbourne East) (Melton) (Sunbury) Karkarook Lake Quarry Lake (Moorabbin) (Ferntree Gully)

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 FRESHWATER SCALE FISH (NATIVE) 51 Trout cod Scientific name: Maccullochella macquariensis. Protected species: taking or possessing is prohibited, except for two lakes: • Lake Sambell • Lake Kerferd. Trout cod These two lakes are located in Distinguishing features of trout cod North East Victoria. and Murray cod: Trout cod inadvertently caught in waters other than lakes Sambell and Kerferd, must Mosaic or marbled marking be immediately returned to the water with the Shorter upper jaw least possible damage or injury. FRESHWATER FISHING FRESHWATER Legal size (Lakes Sambell and Kerferd): • Minimum: 40 cm. • Maximum: 50 cm. Bag limit (Lakes Sambell and Kerferd): 1. Murray cod Closed season: None. Possession limit: 2 fish. Stripe through eye Spotted marking This fish can’t be filleted in or on Victorian waters. It must be retained whole or in carcass form until you’re away from a Victorian Overhanging waterway (see definition of carcass on page 85). upper jaw Trout cod

River blackfish (including two‑spine blackfish) Scientific names: Gadopsis marmoratus and Gadopsis bispinosus. Minimum legal size: 30 cm. Bag limit: a combined total of 2 for one or more species of river blackfish. Closed season: 1 September to 31 December inclusive (only applied south of the Great Dividing Range). River blackfish

Catch your favourite native fish all summer long!

Exciting news, we are now stocking urban lakes with Murray cod, silver perch and golden perch. Head to www.vfa.vic.gov.au/urbanlakes for the most up to date list of stocked waterways, bag and size limits.

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 FRESHWATER SCALE FISH (NATIVE) 52 Silver perch Scientific name: Bidyanus bidyanus. Minimum legal size: 30 cm. Bag limit: Rivers and streams north of the Great Dividing Range, excluding the Wimmera Basin: 0. Silver perch inadvertently caught in rivers north of the range excluding the Wimmera Silver perch Basin must be returned to the water alive and with the least possible injury. Lakes and impoundments north of the

FRESHWATER FISHING FRESHWATER Great Dividing Range: 5. All other Victorian waters: 5. Restricted waters: the taking of silver perch is prohibited in rivers north of the Bendigo Great Dividing Range (excluding those in Horsham the Wimmera Basin). Marysville This fish can’t be filleted in or on Victorian Ballarat waters. It must be kept whole or in carcass form until you’re away from the water. It’s okay to fillet your fish on cleaning tables at the boat ramp (see definition of carcass on page 85). Permitted waters: silver perch can only Permitted waters: silver perch can be caught be caught and possessed in lakes and and possessed in all waters south of Great Diving impoundments north of Great Dividing Range Range including the Wimmera Basin. (excluding the Wimmera Basin).

Tasmanian whitebait (Australian whitebait) Scientific name: Lovettia sealii. Protected species: taking or possessing is prohibited. Critically endangered in Victoria and known to occur at Anderson Inlet and the in Gippsland. Tasmanian whitebait

Western carp gudgeon Scientific name: Hypseleotris klunzingeri. Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit: 40.

Western carp gudgeon

Male western carp gudgeon

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 FRESHWATER SCALE FISH (INTRODUCED) 53 European carp Scientific name: Cyprinus carpio. Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit: no limit. NOXIOUS species: Must not be returned to the water alive. Kill the carp immediately. Do not leave the dead fish on shore at the fishing location. Dead carp can be returned to the water – cut the carcass so that it sinks. Noxious species: European carp

Redfin (English perch) Scientific name: Perca fluviatilis.

Minimum legal size: no minimum. FISHING FRESHWATER Bag limit: no limit. Fishers are encouraged not to return redfin to the water as they prey on native fish species and can impact other recreational fisheries. Fishers are reminded it is illegal to transport live fish without appropriate VFA approval. Redfin

Roach Scientific name: Rutilus rutilus. Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit: no limit.

Roach

Tench Scientific name: Tinca tinca. Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit: no limit.

Tench

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 FRESHWATER SCALE FISH (TROUT AND SALMON) 54 An introduction to the trout and salmon regulations Victoria’s rivers and lakes are classified into groups for the purposes of regulating trout and salmon fisheries. Each group is defined by whether or not it has a trout and salmon closed season, the bag/possession limit and the minimum legal size.

Trout and salmon (salmonids) Scientific names: Brown trout – Salmo trutta. Rainbow trout – Oncorhynchus mykiss. Chinook salmon – Oncorhynchus tschawytscha. Brook trout – Salvelinus fontinalis. Cheetah trout – Oncorhynchus mykiss x Brown trout

FRESHWATER FISHING FRESHWATER Salvelinus fontinalis. Cheetah trout is a sterile hybrid of the rainbow trout and the brook trout. Tiger trout – Salmo trutta × Salvelinus fontinalis. Tiger trout is a sterile hybrid of the brown trout and the brook trout. Minimum legal size: varies with water body and/or river section; some waters have no Rainbow trout minimum size. Bag limit: varies with water body and/or river section (see pages 54–62). These fish can’t be filleted in or on Victorian waters. They must be kept whole or in carcass form until you’re away from the water. It’s okay to fillet your fish on Chinook salmon cleaning tables at the boat ramp (see definition of carcass on page 85). Closed season: The 2021 trout and salmon closed season on rivers and streams is from 12:01am on Tuesday 15 June until 11:59pm on Friday 3 September. Cheetah trout

Brook trout Tiger trout

WATERS WITH SEASONAL CLOSURES (TROUT AND SALMON) The following regulations apply to rivers and streams in general. They do not apply to rivers, river sections and streams with specific regulations listed on pages 55–60. Rivers and streams (general) Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit: 5 salmonids per day, of which no more than 2 fish may exceed 35 cm. Closed season: Yes. During the closed season, fishers must not take or possess salmonids in, on or next to these river sections, rivers and streams.

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 WATERS WITH VARYING BAG AND SIZE LIMITS (TROUT AND SALMON) 55 The following rivers have specific regulations that apply to certain sections along their course.

Nariel Creek (upstream of Colac Colac Bridge) Minimum legal size: 25 cm. Bag limit: 3 salmonids of which no more than 2 fish may exceed 35 cm. Closed season: Yes. During the closed season, fishers must not take or possess salmonids in these rivers and streams. Nariel Creek (all other sections) Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit: 5 salmonids of which no more than 2 fish may exceed 35 cm. Closed season: Yes. During the closed season, fishers must not take or possess salmonids FRESHWATER FISHING FRESHWATER in these rivers and streams.

Mitta Mitta River (upstream of Lake Dartmouth) Minimum legal size: 25 cm. Bag limit: 3 salmonids of which no more than 2 fish may exceed 35 cm. Closed season: Yes. During the closed season, fishers must not take or possess salmonids in these rivers and streams. (downstream of Peters Bridge) Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit: 5 salmonids of which no more than 2 fish may exceed 35 cm. Closed season: Yes. During the closed season, fishers must not take or possess salmonids in these rivers and streams.

Ovens River (upstream of Porepunkah Bridge) Minimum legal size: 25 cm. Bag limit: 3 salmonids of which no more than 2 fish may exceed 35 cm. Closed season: Yes. During the closed season, fishers must not take or possess salmonids in these rivers and streams. (all other sections) Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit: 5 salmonids of which no more than 2 fish may exceed 35 cm. Closed season: Yes. During the closed season, fishers must not take or possess salmonids in these rivers and streams.

Rivers with total fishing bans during the trout and salmon closed season Sections of the Goulburn, Mitta Mitta, Tanjil and Kiewa rivers are closed to ALL hook and line fishing during the trout and salmon closed season, regardless of the fish species being targeted. Maps on pages 56–59 show the areas that are closed to all hook and line fishing during the trout and salmon closed season.

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 TROUT AND SALMON REGULATIONS 56 Goulburn tailrace The section of the Goulburn River below Lake Eildon Pondage to Trawool Bridge and its tributaries are classified as a tailrace river and subject to the following regulations. Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit: 5 salmonids of which no more than 2 fish may exceed 35 cm. Closed season: Yes – there is a total ban on hook and line fishing during the closed season. The 2021 trout and salmon closed season on rivers and streams is from 12:01am on Tuesday 15 June until 11:59pm on Friday 3 September. During the closed season: • Fishers must not take or possess any fish from the tailrace sections of the river. • Fishers must not be in possession of a hook and line in, on or next to the Goulburn tailrace river below Lake Eildon Pondage to Trawool Bridge. This is an offence.

FRESHWATER FISHING FRESHWATER Map 1: Goulburn River and tributaries

The boundary between a lake and a river is the point at which the flowing water of the river meets the backed-up waters of the lake, regardless of the water level of the lake.

Rubicon River The is part of the Goulburn River tailrace. However, it is subject to slightly different size and possession regulations. Minimum legal size: 25 cm. Bag limit: 3 salmonids of which no more than 2 fish may exceed 35 cm. Closed season: Yes. Total ban on all hook and line fishing during salmonid closed season.

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 TROUT AND SALMON REGULATIONS 57 The and tributaries The section of the Kiewa River below Rocky Valley to Keegans Bridge (near Dederang) and its tributaries are classified as a tailrace river and subject to the following regulations. Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit: 5 salmonids of which no more than 2 fish may exceed 35 cm. Closed season: Yes – there is a total ban on hook and line fishing during the closed season. The 2021 trout and salmon closed season on rivers and streams is from 12:01am on Tuesday 15 June until 11:59pm on Friday 3 September. During the closed season: • Fishers must not take or possess any fish from the tailrace sections of the river(s). • Fishers must not be in possession of a hook and line in, on or next to the Kiewa tailrace river below Rocky Valley Dam to Keegans Bridge. This is an offence.

Map 2: Kiewa River and tributaries FISHING FRESHWATER

The boundary between a lake and a river is the point at which the flowing water of the river meets the backed-up waters of the lake, regardless of the water level of the lake.

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 TROUT AND SALMON REGULATIONS 58 Mitta Mitta tailrace The section of the Mitta Mitta River below Lake Dartmouth Pondage to Peters Bridge (Tallandoon) and its tributaries are classified as a tailrace river and subject to the following regulations. Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit: 5 salmonids of which no more than 2 fish may exceed 35 cm. Closed season: Yes – there is a total ban on hook and line fishing during the closed season. The 2021 trout and salmon closed season on rivers and streams is from 12:01am on Tuesday 15 June until 11:59pm on Friday 3 September. During the closed season: • Fishers must not take or possess any fish from the tailrace sections of the river(s). • Fishers must not be in possession of a hook and line in, on or next to the Mitta Mitta tailrace river below Lake Dartmouth Pondage to Peters Bridge. This is an offence. FRESHWATER FISHING FRESHWATER Map 3: Mitta Mitta River and tributaries

The boundary between a lake and a river is the point at which the flowing water of the river meets the backed-up waters of the lake, regardless of the water level of the lake.

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 TROUT AND SALMON REGULATIONS 59 Tanjil tailrace The section of the upstream from to below and its tributaries are classified as a tailrace river and subject to the following regulations. Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit: 5 salmonids of which no more than 2 fish may exceed 35 cm. Closed season: Yes – there is a total ban on hook and line fishing during the closed season. The 2021 trout and salmon closed season on rivers and streams is from 12:01am on Tuesday 15 June until 11:59pm on Friday 3 September. During the closed season: • Fishers must not take or possess any fish from the tailrace sections of the river(s). • Fishers must not be in possession of a hook and line in, on or next to the Tanjil tailrace river upstream from Lake Narracan to below Blue Rock Dam. This is an offence.

Map 4: Tanjil River and tributaries FISHING FRESHWATER

The boundary between a lake and a river is the point at which the flowing water of the river meets the backed-up waters of the lake, regardless of the water level of the lake.

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 YEAR-ROUND TROUT AND SALMON FISHERIES 60 The following waters do not have a closed season and can be fished for trout and salmon all year.

Merri, Hopkins, Moyne rivers and Mt Emu Creek Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit: 5 salmonids of which no more than 2 fish may exceed 35 cm. Closed season: no closed season.

Sea-run trout rivers Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit: 5 salmonids of which no more than 2 fish may exceed 35 cm. Closed season: no closed season.

FRESHWATER FISHING FRESHWATER Description: the specified sections of the following waters contain populations of sea‑run brown trout that provide opportunities for trout and salmon all year: Aire River – downstream of the Great Ocean Road Bridge Avon River – downstream of the Stratford Railway Bridge – downstream of the Great Ocean Road Bridge – downstream of the Great Ocean Road Bridge Mitchell River – downstream of Bridge at Bairnsdale Tambo River – downstream of the Bruthen Road Bridge.

Lakes and impoundments The boundary between a lake and a river is the point at which the flowing water of the river meets the backed-up waters of the lake, regardless of the water level of the lake. Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit: 5 salmonids per day. Closed season: no closed season.

The following lakes have specific regulations that only apply to them. Lake Toolondo Minimum legal size: 45 cm for brown trout and 30 cm for rainbow trout. Bag limit: 3 salmonids per day. Closed season: no closed season.

Hepburn Lagoon Minimum legal size: 45 cm for brown trout and rainbow trout. Bag limit: 3 salmonids per day. Closed season: no closed season.

For up-to-date stocking information call 136 186.

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 TROUT AND SALMON FAMILY FISHING LAKES Minimum legal size: no minimum. 61 Bag limit: 5 salmonids per day of which no more than 2 may exceed 35 cm. Closed season: no closed season. These fisheries occur in small lakes, ponds and retarding basins. They are usually stocked prior to Victoria’s winter (June) and spring (September) school holidays, providing angling opportunities for children and people with limited mobility.

Albert Park Lake, Cato Lake, Expedition Pass Reservoir, Albert Park Stawell Golden Point (Castlemaine)

Alexandra Lake, Caulfield Racecourse Lake, Felltimber Creek Ararat Caulfield Wetlands, West Wodonga FRESHWATER FISHING FRESHWATER Allans Flat Dredge Hole, Cobden Lake, Ferntree Gully Allans Flat Cobden Quarry Lake, Ferntree Gully

Anderson Lake, Coleraine Lagoon, Forest Lake, Chiltern Coleraine Kangaroo Flat

Arboretum Dam, Crusoe Reservoir, Garfield Lake, Euroa Big Hill (Bendigo) Garfield

Bannockburn Lagoon, Darlingsford Lake, Glenlyon Dam, Bannockburn Melton Glenlyon

Barge Dam, Don Lake, Glenrowan Recreation Stanley (also known as Healesville Reserve Lake, Stanley Ditch Dam) Glenrowan

Bartlett Lake, Donald Caravan Goldfields Reservoir, Tatura Park Lake, Maryborough Donald (also known as Foletti Caravan Park Lake)

Belvoir Park Lake, Dunkeld Arboretum Dam, Goldfields Reservoir, (also known as Sumsion Dunkeld St Arnaud Gardens Lake), Wodonga

Berwick Springs Eildon Pondage Weir,* Golf Course Dam, Estate Lake, Eildon Longwood Narre Warren South

Boyds Waters, Emerald Lake, Great Western Recreation Waurn Ponds Emerald Reserve Lake, Great Western

Calembeen Lake, Esmond Lake, Guthridge Lake, Creswick Ballarat Sale

Casey Fields Lake, Ess Lagoon, Haddon Reservoir, Cranbourne Casterton Haddon

* Although Eildon Pondage is classified as an impoundment, it is listed here because it shares ‘family fishing lake’ regulations.

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 Hanging Rock Lake, Marysville Lake, Rokewood Reservoir, 62 Hanging Rock Marysville Rokewood

Harrietville Dredge Hole, Merriwa Park Lake, Roxburgh Park Lake, Harrietville Wangaratta Roxburgh Park

Heyfield Racecourse Lake, Minyip Wetlands, St Augustines Water Hole, Heyfield Minyip Highton

Hill Lake, Mooroopna Recreation Sambell Lake, Rowville Reserve Lake, Beechworth Mooroopna

Hyland Lake, Morwell Lake, Sandy Creek Reservoir, Churchill Morwell (also known as Sandy Creek Kernot Lake) FRESHWATER FISHING FRESHWATER Jack Emmett Billabong, Mt Beauty Pondage, Simpson Recreation Rupanyup (also known as Mt Beauty Reserve Lakes, Jack Emmett Lagoon) Simpson

Jubilee Lake, Navan Park Lake, Spavin Lake, Daylesford Harkness Sunbury

Jubilee Lake, Neangar Lake, Sutton Lake, Skipton Eaglehawk Rowville

Karkarook Lake, Nhill Lake, Tchum Lake, Moorabbin Nhill Narraport

Kennington Reservoir, Numurkah Lake, Tea Tree Lake, Strathdale Numurkah Mortlake

Kerferd Lake, Nursery Reservoir, The Gong, Stanley Macedon Buninyong

Les Stone Park Lake, Old Hamilton Reservoir, Tom Thumb Lake, Wodonga Hamilton Eaglehawk

Lethbridge Lake, Ouyen Lake, Victoria Park Lakes, Lethbridge Ouyen Ballarat

Lilliput Lane Reserve Lake, Pakenham Lake, Victoria Lake, Pakenham Pakenham Shepparton

Lillydale Lake, Pertobe Lake, Walter J Smith Lilydale Warrnambool Reserve Lake, Riddells Creek

Lismore Golf Club Dam, Police Paddock , Yarrambat Lake, Lismore Dooen Yarrambat

Marma Lake, Quarry Street Murtoa Reserve Lake, Trentham

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 SPINY CRAYS 63 Murray spiny freshwater crayfish Scientific name: Euastacus armatus. Minimum legal size: 10 cm carapace length. Maximum legal size: 12 cm carapace length. Bag limit: 2. Possession limit: 4. Murray spiny Closed season: 1 September to 31 May for freshwater crayfish waters north of the Great Dividing Range. Regulations on catching Murray spiny Important: Murray spiny freshwater freshwater crayfish: crayfish must be retained whole or in carcass form. This means you • You must not possess female Murray spiny need to keep your crayfish in whole crayfish with eggs, or with young attached. form (i.e. don’t remove the tail from • You must not remove eggs or young from FISHING FRESHWATER the carapace) until they are cooked, a female at any time. eaten or taken home. See page 85 for • You must return females in berry or definitions and further details. carrying young to the water immediately and without further harm.

Collection methods for Murray spiny freshwater crayfish You may collect Murray spiny freshwater crays: • by hand • by using up to 10 baited lines (no hooks) • by using up to 5 labelled hoop nets in the streams, tributaries and impoundments In te rt id a l of the following waters: z o n e Low tide level a t h igh ti de Carrol’s Creek The Ovens River System The Mitta Mitta River System (excluding Lake Dartmouth)

Maximum high watermark Ryans Creek The TarraHigh tide markRiver System The System

In te rt (excluding Rocklands Reservoir) id a l Low tide level zo ne at low t 2 metres Wodonga Creek The Latrobeide River System The Goulburn River System (excluding Lake Eildon) The Kiewa River System Waranga Basin

• by using a combined total of 10 labelled nets (either hoop nets or open top lift nets) in all other inland waters, including Lake Eildon, Rocklands Reservoir and Lake Dartmouth.

How to measure your Murray spiny freshwater crayfish Measure from the rear of the eye socket to the Carapace length nearest part of the rear Murray spiny freshwater crayfish edge of the carapace are measured from the rear of the eye socket to the nearest part of the rear edge of the carapace (main body shell).

Measuring devices: call our Customer Service Centre on 136 186 to get a FREE measure. The number, size, shape and labelling of equipment used is important. See page 65 for details.

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 SPINY CRAYS 64 Spiny freshwater crayfish (all species other than Glenelg spiny freshwater crayfish and Murray spiny freshwater crayfish) Scientific name: Euastacus spp. Minimum legal size: 9 cm carapace length. Bag limit: 5 (of which no more than 1 crayfish may exceed 12 cm carapace length). Central Highlands spiny crayfish Range: Many other species of spiny freshwater crayfish species are found in different river systems across Victoria. Important: spiny freshwater crayfish must

FRESHWATER FISHING FRESHWATER Regulations on catching spiny be retained whole or in carcass form. This freshwater crayfish: means you need to keep your crayfish in • You must not possess female spiny whole form (i.e. don’t remove the tail from freshwater crayfish with eggs, or with the carapace) until they are cooked, eaten young attached. or taken home. See page 85 for definitions • You must not remove eggs or young and further details. from a female at any time.

In te rt • You must return females in berry orid a l z o n e Low tide level a carrying young to the water immediatelyt h igh ti and without further harm. de

Collection methods for spiny crays Maximum high watermark You may collect spiny freshwater crays:High tide mark

In te r • by hand ti d a l Low tide level zo ne at low • by using up to 10 baited lines (no hooks)t 2 metres ide • by using up to 5 labelled hoop nets in the streams, tributaries and impoundments of the following waters:

The The The Glenelg River System System System (excluding Rocklands Reservoir)

• by using a combined total of 10 labelled nets (either hoop nets or open top lift nets) in all other inland waters, including Lake Eildon, Rocklands Reservoir and Lake Dartmouth. How to measure your spiny freshwater crayfish Measure from the rear of the eye socket to the Carapace length nearest part of the rear

This measure is a guide only. edge ofMinimum the legal carapace carapace length. Other regulations Spiny freshwater crayfish apply to Murray Spiny Freshwater

It is illegal to take facgoau are measured from the or possess the Measure Glenelg Spiny ll speces Refer to the Bag limit/possession: rear of the eye socket to current Victorian (of which no more than 1 cray Recreational Fishing Guide, the Vic Fishing App or call the Customer Y the nearest part of the Service Centre You must not remove eggs from freshwater crayfish. on 136 186. ffecte ugust Only 1 spiny cray rear edge of the carapace may exceed 12 carapace length. (main body shell).

Measuring devices: call our Customer Service Centre on 136 186 to get a FREE measure. The number, size, shape and labelling of equipment used is important. See page 65 for details.

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 SPINY CRAYS 65 Permitted equipment and legal dimensions of equipment for collecting ALL species of spiny freshwater crayfish (except the protected Glenelg spiny freshwater crayfish) Important: Nets that don’t adhere to the design and dimensions of the below nets are not permitted for use in Victorian waters. Labelling your gear correctly: Hoop nets and open top lift nets 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.

Labelled hoop net Labelled open top lift net Example of a correctly (in all waters) (in all but 11 waters: see page 73) labelled hoop net

Min. Min. FISHING FRESHWATER 20 cm 20 cm Max. height 15 cm

Max. Max. Max. drop 60 cm 60 cm 50 cm

Max. diameter 77 cm

Glenelg spiny freshwater crayfish Scientific name: Euastacus bispinosus. Protected species: taking or possessing is prohibited within its range. Range: Glenelg spiny freshwater crayfish are found in most of the southern flowing streams and rivers west of Warrnambool and the Grampians. In this region Glenelg spiny freshwater crayfish are found on both sides of the range. Note: Glenelg spiny freshwater crayfish are not found in the Otway Ranges. This fishery has been closed because of sustainability concerns for the Glenelg spiny freshwater crayfish. Protected species: Glenelg spiny freshwater crayfish

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 YABBIES 66 Yabby (freshwater) Scientific name: Cherax spp. Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit: • a maximum of 20 litres of whole yabbies; or • 150 whole yabbies; or • 5 litres of yabby meat in any form not exceeding 150 tails (including claws and other parts). Possession limit: • 60 litres of whole yabby; or • 400 whole yabby; or • 10 litres of yabby (other than whole yabby) not exceeding 400 tails. FRESHWATER FISHING FRESHWATER The possession limit is the maximum number of a particular type of fish that a person can possess at any one time anywhere in Victoria (including your home). Note: • You must not possess female yabbies with eggs (in berry) or with young attached. • You must not remove eggs or young from a female at any time. • You must return females in berry or carrying young to the water immediately and without further harm. Berried female yabbies must be returned to the water. Yabby

Collection methods for yabbies You may collect yabbies: • by using open top lift nets in private waters such as farm dams • by using up to 10 baited lines (no hooks) • by using up to 2 labelled bait traps • by using up to 5 labelled hoop nets in the streams, tributaries and impoundments of the following waters: Note: These river systems contain lots of Murray spiny crays or protected spiny cray species. In light of this, only hoop nets can be used to collect yabbies. Open top lift nets can’t be used in these systems because they will catch spiny crays and that is not what they were intended for.

Carrol’s Creek The Ovens River System The Mitta Mitta River System (excluding Lake Dartmouth) Ryans Creek The Tarra River System The Glenelg River System (excluding Rocklands Reservoir)

Wodonga Creek The Latrobe River System The Goulburn River System (excluding Lake Eildon) The Kiewa River System Waranga Basin

• by using a combined total of 10 labelled nets (either hoop nets or open top lift nets) in all other inland waters, including Lake Eildon, Rocklands Reservoir and Lake Dartmouth. SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 YABBIES 67 Permitted collection methods for yabbies Since 1 July 2019, the use of opera house nets has been banned in all Victorian waters, public and private.

Opera house net: no longer allowed for use Open top lift nets can be used in private on private waters in Victoria as of 1 July 2019 waters and in most public waters

Min. Min. 20 cm 20 cm Max. height 15 cm

Max. Max. 60 cm 60 cm ü FISHING FRESHWATER Permitted equipment and legal dimensions of equipment for collecting yabbies in Victoria

Open top lift net Hoop net Bait trap

Max. funnel diameter Min. Min. 5 cm 20 cm 20 cm Max. Max. height height 15 cm Max. 25 cm drop 50 Max. Max. cm Max. 60 cm 60 cm length Max. width 25 cm 50 cm Max. diameter 77 cm

Important: Nets that don’t adhere to the design and dimensions of the above nets are not permitted for use in Victorian waters. Labelling your gear correctly Example of a correctly labelled hoop net Hoop nets and open top lift nets 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. Max. drop 50 cm

Max. diameter 77 cm

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 FRESHWATER SHRIMP AND MUSSELS 68 Freshwater shrimp Scientific name: Paratya australiensis. Minimum legal size: no minimum. Bag limit: 0.5 litres. Note: does not apply to purchased bait. Collection methods: • By hand. • 1 dip net. • Up to 2 labelled bait traps. Freshwater shrimp

Glenelg freshwater mussel Scientific name: Hyridella (Protohyridella)

FRESHWATER FISHING FRESHWATER glenelgensis. Protected species: taking or possessing is prohibited. Range: Glenelg freshwater mussel is found within the Glenelg and Wannon Rivers and their tributaries. Glenelg freshwater mussel

SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE A BAG LIMIT OF 5 • • to: waters some in place in are restrictions Fishing FRESHWATER FISHING RESTRICTIONS • Euroa-Mansfield Road). Euroa-Mansfield the near Creeks Seven crosses (which bridge road Gap Galls the and Dam McQuinns Polly of wall retaining the between Creeks Seven of banks the to next or on in, equipment fishing possess or use fish, take not You must Creeks: Seven fish. to intend you where area the to any,if apply restrictions, what know to responsibility your is It location. with vary will Restrictions dam and weir (near safety fisher ensure important of populations breeding and endangered nativeprotect species water domestic of purity the protect spillways) supplies. species species SPECIES NOT LISTED HAVE 5 OF LISTED A BAG NOT LIMIT SPECIES areas. areas. these entering before authority relevant the with check must authorities. Fishers water local by managed are storages Water body. water the around locations specific to restricted often it’s allowed, is fishing Where fishing. of form any to and public the to closed totally are storages storages: water Domestic mdownstream. 200 gates boundary fishing the to Street) Bourke to (adjacent gates release Weir Pondage Eildon the over walkway the from River Goulburn the of banks the to next or in equipment fishing possess or use Goulburn River: You must not take not You must below the Eildon Pondage Many water water Many Goulburn River, fish, fish,

69 FRESHWATER FISHING RESTRICTIONS 70 FRESHWATER FISHING EQUIPMENT aware of the rules that govern its use (see pages 71–74). pages (see use its govern that rules the of aware be must you equipment this use you Before waters. inland Victoria’s in species) invertebrate (including fish catch to attempt or catch to used be only can equipment following The waters inland for equipment legal of Summary details. further for 86–87 pages See Port. Western and Bay Phillip to) Port limited not (but as such waters inland not are that waters Victorian and Inlet Wignan Tyers and Lake Inlet, Mallacoota of Lake Lower Lakes, Gippsland the include not do waters Inland reservoir. storage water public or stream river, dam, billabong, backwater, lagoon, lake, swamp, any AND it with connected lagoon or inlet any and source its to mouth its from waterway any are waters Inland Inland waters Victoria. in use to legal is online or shops tackle in sale for gear fishing the all Not waters). (e.g. closed locations certain in or waters), inland in guns (e.g. all at spear used be cannot equipment legal of types some addition, In use. to illegal or legal is it whether determining in important is Victoria in fish catch to used equipment of size and shape number, The USING EQUIPMENT IN INLAND WATERS • • Note: Open top lift net lift top Open –labelled nets Hoop net) (hauling net Bait reels electric Hand-cranked Dip/landing net –labelled traps Bait suction) (hand-operated pump Bait hook no with lines Baited line per Hooks hooks with Lines Equipment type Gaffs can only be used to assist in landing your catch (see page 72). page (see catch your landing in assist to used be only can Gaffs waters. inland in used be cannot guns spear and spears Hand-held and/or open top lift nets can be used. be can nets lift top open and/or nets 10 of hoop total maximum acombined waters inland other 73). all In page (see 11 systems river in used be cannot –labelled net lift top Open used. be can nets lift top open and/or nets 10 of hoop total maximum acombined waters inland other 73). all In page (see 11 in systems used river be can nets 5hoop to Up 72 page see only; waters certain in used be Can 73 page see used; be Can 72 page see used; be Can 72 page 2; see 71 page see used; be Can 71 page 10; see 71 page jig; see 1bait 2, or 71 page 2; see waters Inland in permitted number Maximum • • • • • as: defined is hook One jigs: and Hooks your position. mof 50 within and sight in be must Your line unattended. rod or aline leave not You must Lines: jigs and hooks Lines, written. legibly and clearly residence of place and name full fisher’s recreational the with surface, water’s the above remains that a tag to attached be must traps bait and nets lift top open nets, Hoop yourLabelling gear correctly USING EQUIPMENT IN INLAND 77 cm 77 diameter Max. a bait jig. a bait jig a squid a lure eye the by together linked 4hooks of a group hook a single 50 cm 50 Max. Max. drop drop

Example of a correctly acorrectly of Example labelled hoop net WATERS Bait pumps them. to tied hooks any have not must lines Baited hooks. without lines are lines Baited Baited lines with the pump. the with conjunction in used be can Asieve used. be may cm 8.5 exceeding not diameter a barrel with pumps bait suction Hand-operated with a total rig length of up to 3 m. 3m. to up of length rig atotal with aline to attached length, in 2cm than less hooks with lures 6unbaited than more no of series acontinuous as defined is jig A bait jig: Bait hook. attached the touch and line the down slide can that hook asecond and line the of end the to attached 1hook has It line. the at position one in bait keep to arranged 2 hooks of assembly an as defined is hook A keeper hook: Keeper used and possessed in any inland water. water. inland any in possessed and used be may fisher) exempt or licensed (per lines 10 of baited A maximum line. each to attached jig 1bait or 2hooks than more no with reels) with rods or lines hand either of acombination be (can person per 2lines of amaximum use may fisher exempt or licensed each waters, inland In tool to dig with. dig to a tool Note: You must not use a bait pump as as pump abait use not You must 71 FRESHWATER FISHING EQUIPMENT 72 FRESHWATER FISHING EQUIPMENT any Victorian water. Victorian any in propulsion under amotor behind net any haul or drag tow, not You must Note: illegal are which nets, cast include not do nets Bait 6m. exceed not must also end each to attached ropes Hauling length. 6min exceed not must net A bait following inland waters only: the from bait take to net abait You use may Bait (hauling nets nets) USING EQUIPMENT IN INLAND not be used in restricted waters. restricted in used be not must nets Bait waters. inland permitted from bait collect to net 1bait of maximum a use can fisher exempt or A licensed • • • • • • • • • . Lake to Road Stawell-Marnoo the on bridge RiverWimmera from the downstream at Highway Narrawong Princes the from downstream River Surrey Marlo at Wharf Government the from downstream River Snowy Point Pickering at footbridge RiverMerri to downstream the river the of mouth the mof 200 within to Lane Rowans from downstream River Hopkins Park National Glenelg lower the of boundary southern the from RiverGlenelg downstream ramp boat from the downstream Peterborough at Road Ocean Great the on bridge the and ‘Narrows’ the RiverCurdies between lagoon or marsh swamp, lake, any equipment. WATERS attached to a handle. ahandle. to attached cm, 90 exceeding not depth and a width with net open-faced an of consists net A dip Dip/landing net Bait traps permitted. not are Harpoons afish. of body the penetrates it when pole the from detaches hook the that such pole, arigid and hook the both to attached cord or arope with abarb) without or (with hook asingle of consists gaff flying A barbed without or (with hooks barbless of series or hook abarbless are gaffs Barbless invertebrates). than (other fish land to fishers assist to used be only can gaffs) flying barbed (including Gaffs Gaffs a light. without or with species, invertebrate or fish of avariety take to net 1 dip use can fisher exempt or licensed Each 73. page on listed are traps bait of dimensions Maximum species. invertebrate or fish take to person per A maximum a handle). of 2 bait traps are permitted permitted are traps 2bait of • Max. diameter 8.5 cm 8.5 diameter Max. Bait pump VFA. the from apermit for apply may they reel, electric a hand-cranked than other device apowered use to need alegitimate has adisability with aperson If fishers. recreational by used be cannot and equipment fishing commercial considered are devices powered of types Other fish. retrieving when held hand be can and rod fishing recreational aconventional to fitted are mechanism, cranking a hand have they if fishers recreational by use for permitted are These reels electric Hand-cranked waters. Victorian in use for permitted not are Important: Bait trap Permitted fishing equipment and legal dimensions cm. 50 than more of adrop have not must net The diameter. in 77 cm exceeding not 2hoops 1or of consisting top, the at open net acylindrical is net A hoop Hoop nets USING EQUIPMENT IN INLAND 50 cm 50 length Max. • open top lift nets can be used. be can nets lift top open and/or net 10 of hoop total maximum acombined waters inland other all In River System (excluding Lake Eildon). Eildon). Lake (excluding System River Goulburn The and Reservoir) Rocklands (excluding System River Glenelg The Dartmouth); Lake (excluding System Waranga Basin; River Mitta The Mitta System; River Latrobe The System; River Tarra The System; River Kiewa The System; River Ovens The Creek; Wodonga Creek; Ryans Creek; Carrol’s systems: 11 creek/river following be used or possessed in or on the may fisher) exempt or licensed (per nets hoop 5labelled to Up

Equipment that doesn’t adhere to the design and dimensions of the above nets nets above the of dimensions and design the to adhere doesn’t that Equipment Max. width 25 cm 25 width Max. 5 cm diameter funnel Max. 25 cm 25 height Max.

Dip net Dip 90 cm 90 depth Max. Open top lift net lift top Open 60 cm 60 Max. cm 20 Min.

WATERS • • yabbies. catching for designed are They device. internal any without cm 20 by cm 20 than less no of opening atop 15 and cm than more of height net amesh with or wide cm 60 than more or long cm 60 exceeding not top the at open net or pot any are nets lift top Open O • pen top nets lift open top lift nets can be used. be can nets lift top open and/or net 10 of hoop total maximum acombined waters inland other all In waters such as dams. as such waters private in used be can nets lift top Open 20 cm 20 Min. left-hand column. left-hand the in listed 11 systems the river/creek in used be can’t but waters public most in used be can nets lift top Open 60 cm 60 Max.

Max. width 90 cm 90 width Max. 15 cm 15 height Max. of equipment Hoop net Hoop 77 cm 77 diameter Max. 50 cm 50 drop Max.

73 FRESHWATER FISHING EQUIPMENT 74 FRESHWATER FISHING EQUIPMENT in use to illegal is equipment following The any in propulsion under boat amotor behind net any haul or You tow, drag not may fish. destroy or injure take, to attempt take, to used be cannot arrows and bows and firearms Explosives, waters, including private waters. Victorian to next or on in, equipment illegal possess or use not You must ILLEGAL FISHING EQUIPMENT BAIT AND BERLEY Victoria: undesirable fish species and/or disease. and/or species fish undesirable of spread the in result can bodies water other in bait live of release The bait was initially caught. the where than other awater in bait live Please note: • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • Victorian equipment detailed on page 73. page on detailed equipment legal the of shape and size the to conform not does that equipment Any in Victoria). waters private and public in prohibited was use their 2019 1July (from nets House Opera Hand-held spears guns Spear Bow and arrows pots Crab Harpoons rakes Mussel Firearms Explosives Snoods Snares nets cast nets, Mesh nets Drum Set lines waters. It is an offence to release release to offence an is It Live fish: Bait restrictions offal or blood Mammal fish. attracting of purpose the for water the in placed is that extract or tissue animal or plant any is Berley Berley has been made under that Act. that under made been has authorisation an 1988, unless Act Guarantee Fauna and Flora the under protected fish fish: Protected waters. Victorian in bait as the under wildlife protected –are alive or dead Frogs: waters. Victorian in fish of species any take to attempt or take to berley or bait as salmon or trout uncooked of form any or ova fish use not You (eggs): ova must Fish waters. in Victorian bait as crabs shore green European live and carp) koi carp, European (including species noxious LIVE use not You must fish: Noxious waters. Victorian in bait as fish Undersize fish: Watchbox with junction its from downstream Creeks Seven crosses which Bridge Road Gap Galls the from upstream system that to tributary any in or Creeks Seven in bait as blood or offal can be used. be can offal or blood mammal contain that pellets bait note Please is fish of species any attract to offal or blood mammal contains that berley of use The See page 40. waters. marine in used be can that berley of amount the on restrictions are There operation. a fishing of part as than other purpose any for fish attract to used be not must Berley prohibited and must not be used used be not 1975 must Act and Wildlife Frogs’ eggs, tadpoles and frogs – frogs and tadpoles eggs, Frogs’ A person must not use live fish fish live use not must Aperson Creek. in Victorian waters. waters. Victorian in You must not use as bait any any bait as use not You must undersize use not You must Help our Murray cod fisheries

Improve your practices • Be Prepared • Gently Does It • Reduce Air Time • Use the Right Gear

Learn more at www.vfa.vic.gov.au/careforcod 76 RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENCE hold an RFL. an hold to requirement the from holder the exempt not do Cards Discount Business Seniors and benefit Newstart Single), Payment (Parenting PPS Card, Care Health Ordinary toloaned or another transferred person. be not Your may RFL Victoria. in fishing when RFL acurrent hold to responsibility your is it exempt, are you Unless required is RFL an exempt, are you Unless waters. inland and estuarine marine, Victoria’s of all in fishing recreational of forms all covers (RFL) Licence Fishing A Recreational alicence? needs Who LICENCE INFORMATION You will not need an RFL to fish if you are: you if fish to RFL an need You not will Exemptions • • • • • • • • • or Aboriginal as identifies that a person DSP, and/or AGE, CAR age, or disability coded carer status, Pensioner Concession Card relating to aCommonwealth of holder the TPI coded Gold Card, Health Affairs aVeterans’ of holder the Pensioner Concession Card Affairs aVeterans’ of holder the Seniors Card or equivalent interstate Government aVictorian of holder the over or age of 70 years age of 18 years under waters. Victorian to next or on in, equipment fishing recreational possessing or using and/or spearfishing and prawning fishing, yabby collection, shellfish or any method, including line fishing, bait by fish of species any waters, public from take, to attempting or taking, Torres Strait Islander. when: all for available now also are licences Digital stores. tackle fishing most including Victoria, throughout businesses retail selected from available still is RFL paper traditional The device. mobile your on stored be can and online available also are versions) (PDF RFL 28 day and 3day Electronic details. for Visit www.vfa.vic.gov.au/fishinglicence year. 2020/21 the for fees, licence fishing recreational including fees, of a range frozen has Government State the of coronavirus on Victorian families, impact the given year. However every 1 July from effect into come fees New exempt. GST is RFL The online). bought when saving ($5.30 $95.40 3year or online), bought when saving $34.95 ($21.20), ($2.25 1year 28 days ($10), 3days for purchased be can RFL An Licence fees and availability alicence. without fishing for apply Penalties force. police the of member or officer authorised the by stipulated place and atime at 7days within possession, your in alicence have not or, do you if immediately, either force, police the of member or officer authorised an of demand the on inspection for licence your produce must you RFL, an hold to claim you and waters, Victorian to next or on in, equipment fishing recreational possess or use or waters, marine or inland from fish take to attempt or take you If exemption. their of evidence carry to advised are RFL an holding from exempt Fishers RFL). an hold to requirement the from exempt are you (unless times all at you with RFL your carry to You advised are of proof or RFL your Carrying date of purchase. on a actual the date, from 3months to up for effect into come to purchased be may RFL An www.vfa.vic.gov.au/fishinglicence VFA website: the via online RFL your and durable 3-year or a1-year To receive licence durations. exemption waterproof plastic licence, plastic waterproof purchase you to emailed be will licence Your it’s cheaper! www.vfa.vic.gov.au/fishinglicence – online licence fishing arecreational buy not why internet, the to access have you If alicence online! Buy • Hume and Lake Lake of waters border the for arrangements management fisheries on agreed have governments NSW and Victorian The Mulwala Lake and Hume . Lake at except apply, regulations fishing Victorian all border, that of South Wales. South New and Victoria between boundary state the is waters, impounded beneath bank that of location original the River, including Murray the of bank southern River. The Murray the in fishing for required is licence fishing recreational A NSW Wales South River, New Murray State boundaries land. private cross to needed is landholder the from Permission required. is a licence then property, private crosses it if even river), or creek (i.e. astream, waters ‘public’ are fished be to waters the If required. is licence fishing no then land) private on landholder the by built structure other or (i.e. adam waters ‘private’ are fished be to waters the If Private or public waters when alicence need you if check so territories, or states other in valid not is RFL A Victorian Victoria. in valid not are territories or states Recreational by Fishing other issued Licences visitors Interstate counter. the over bought licences 3-year and 1-year of purchasers to mailed be will reminders Paper online. bought of 1-yearpurchasers and 3-year licences to emailed be will reminders Renewal Licence renewal jurisdiction and regulations. Unless Unless regulations. and jurisdiction Victorian under comes Hume Lake instantly. you intend to fish interstate. to fish you intend Mulwala:

• • • • There are several advantages: projects. worthwhile on spent be can more meaning costs, administration reduces It 6867. 8392 03 calling by you to sent be can it licence, your lose you Should a receive to opt can you or post the in licence aplastic receive will you RFL 3-year or a1-year purchase you If phone. mobile your on saved or home at printed be can that licence your of version aPDF receive You will online. licence 3-year and a1-year buy to cheaper is It digital licence. limits for this species. this for limits size or catch recreational Commonwealth no are there since apply, limits size and catch Victorian then Victoria, in it lands and waters) Commonwealth (i.e. in coast Victorian the off miles) (nautical 3nm than greater waters in shark agummy catches fisher recreational a if example, For caught. were they which in region the in limits recreational no are there if limits size and catch Victorian to conform must Victoria in landed and waters state other or Commonwealth in caught Fish Commonwealth and waters interstate river. of section this in required not is RFL AVictorian . South in River Glenelg the of section short the to apply regulations fisheries Victorian Australia River, South Glenelg or Lake Mulwala. apurchasing licence before fishing in the from exempt are you if determine to tions www.fisheries/nsw.gov.au/licence-fee/exemp- 474 550 1300 on visit or Fisheries NSW recreational fishing licence. Please contact aNSW purchasing from exempt not are Cards Health Repatriation and Cards Care Note: • by the Bundalong boat ramp. ramp. boat Bundalong the by marked Murray, the enters River Ovens the where point the to wall Weir Yarrawonga the from upstream Mulwala, Lake of parts all to apply regulations fishing NSW Mulwala. Lake in fishing for required is licence fishing aNSW only exempt, Unless regulations. and jurisdiction NSW under comes Mulwala Lake Creek near Talmalmo. Mile Seven the to upstream Hume, Lake of parts all to apply regulations fishing Victorian Hume. Lake in fishing for required is RFL aVictorian only exempt, Holders of Seniors’ Cards, Health Health Cards, Seniors’ of Holders

77 RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENCE 78 RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENCE the VFA on the contact proposals stocking fish ALL For categories: four these in year each sought are applications Grant Large during FEES AT WORK YOUR FISHING LICENCE The program includes: program The throughout Victoria. 750 projects over funded has Program Grants Fishing Recreational 2001, the Since in Victoria. fishing recreational improve will that projects to licences fishing recreational of sale the from revenue Investing in reefs. shellfish • • • • • • • Fisheries-related research. Fisheries-related training and information education, Fisheries-related improvement andFisheries’ habitat sustainability Fishing access and facilities with directly consulting by determined are (which $100,000 over generally projects for Program Commissioning the up projects for Program Grants Large the (GST exclusive) $5,000 to up projects for year-round open Program Grants Small the to $100,000 normal business normal fishers). Government disburses Government disburses Victorian the year Every The grants program (03) 5770 8045 8045 (03) 5770 hours.

State. the across from fishing recreational regarding views and experience knowledge, of a range provide collectively who Chairperson) independent an (plus fishers recreational eight includes Membership revenue. licence fishing of expenditure the on Minister the to advice provides Group Working The Working Recreational Fishing Grants apply online. or visit www.vfa.vic.gov.au/fishinggrants to 6872 8392 (03) VFA on contact information, more For application. an prepare you help to council local or association club, angling your get idea, agreat with individual an you’re if But bodies. government and statutory incorporated, to offered be will Grants apply? can Who School holiday stockings. fish Rocklands Reservoir cod stocking. Native channel salvage program. Group Your fees at work • the through projects two following the to allocated be will which $463,000 to addition in are projects These • • • • • • • including: projects 10 to new $549,354.61 saw allocated Program Grants Large the of 2019-20The round groups. and clubs fishing local to and events. and festivals fishing recreational and projects, access and infrastructure program, stocking fish state-wide the included which plan, Million Target One the of implementation the towards allocated $2,218,270 was A further • with comply and understand to fishers recreational assist that products communication and education of popular arange of production the for $290,000 wall. rock St Helen’s the along lighting solar of provision the for year one over $22,440 Kow near Creek Box-Pyramid at habitat fish increase to year one over $24,238 Improvements project. Access Lake Fishing Recreational aRainbow for $24,921 year one over Mitta RiverReserve Restoration Project, Peters aKatie for year $39,381 one over program. Academy Anglers Responsible aFishcare for year one over $60,000 Lakes Habitat Restoration project. aGippsland for $110,000 year one over Trout program. Wild aVictorian for $110,000 year one over Lake Entrance coastal fisheries. Lake coastal Entrance Port, Inlet, Corner Gippsland Lakes and Bay, Western Phillip Port the in species fish key recreational monitor to $163,000 Commissioning Program: fishing regulations. fishing Swamp. River. worth more than $1,015,000worth projects 390 over funded has Program Grants Small 2010, popular the Since www.vfa.vic.gov.au/feesatwork and revenue account trust RFL all showing Parliament in tabled is year, areport Each • • • • • funded: also revenue (RFL) licence fishing 2019-20, recreational During Lakes Entrance. jetty, Landing Reeve improved An River. Snowy the in habitat fish Better Fisheries thirteen of deployment The VRFish. Programs. Grants and account trust RFL the of administration The program. Fishcare The Victorian Authority. Fisheries Victorian the by conducted program stocking annual planned the complement to of, and consideration in made trout, and fish native of liberation and purchase The expenditure. Officers. 79 RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENCE 80 RECREATIONAL FISHING LICENCE Gully’s Quarry Lake. Quarry Gully’s Fishing facilities at Ferntree Snags in the Lower Goulburn. Tiger trout into Purrumbete. A better Rippleside in Jetty Geelong. Learning more about mulloway. the . Howqua the Boulder seeding in “Bringing women together within the recreational fishing community”

Join us www.facebook.com/groups/womeninrecfishing 82 RECREATIONAL HARVEST FOOD SAFETY aquatic species include: species aquatic collecting or catching for tips Important Safe handling of your catch bounty. your enjoying when healthy remain you help to follow to tips important some are there catch, your eat to intend you If meal. your for fish some home bring to able being is fishing of joys the of One FOOD SAFETY be poor. poor. be may quality water the where waters all from shellfish consuming avoid risks, your To minimise death. or illness serious in result can toxins such with contaminated catch Eating (PSP). poisoning shellfish paralytic as such disease causing toxins to exposed being of risk the increasing organs, and flesh their in substances harmful the accumulate can shellfish polluted, is water the If water. the in organisms microscopic other and algae consume that feeders filter are Shellfish scallops. and mussels oysters, recreationally,caught pipis, including shellfish eating when careful particularly Be Shellfish • • • • • Obey all public health signage. signage. health public all Obey eye. naked the with seen be can things harmful all not and change can quality water that Remember good. is quality water when collect or catch Only food. other onto drip bait or catch recreational let Don’t clean. surfaces and equipment Keep away. straight arefrigerator or ice in it putting by covered and cold catch fresh Keep www.vfa.vic.gov.au/toxinsinvenusbaypipis visit: please pipis Bay Venus in toxins on information more For shellfish. in present be might that toxins remove or destroy not will cooking that Remember area. the in signage all observe fishers that recommended is It area. shellfish akey recreational as identified area –an Bay Venus around testing quality water and pipi routine VFA undertaking is the fishers, recreational to risks To minimise eat. to safe are and programs assurance quality safety food strict to subject is Victoria in shellfish sold Commercially shellfish collected near: collected shellfish wild eat to unsafe always is it example, For • • • • • areas affected by toxic algal blooms. algal toxic by affected areas rain heavy recent by affected places tanks septic with areas outfalls stormwater or industrial sewage, waste discharge boats where places other or marinas Let’s make fishing better, for everyone. RECREATIONAL FISHING CODE OF CONDUCT VRFISH HAS DEVELOPED THIS CODE OF CONDUCT FOR RECREATIONAL BOAT, SHORE, RIVER, STREAM AND JETTY FISHERS IN VICTORIA. Recreational shers have a responsibility to look after sheries resources for the bene t of the environment and future generations of shers. This Code of Conduct provides guidelines to minimise conicts on the water, demonstrate best practice for responsible shing and result in a more enjoyable shing experience for all.

Awareness of and Always seek compliance with shing PERMISSION when REGULATIONS. entering private property.

RESPECT the rights Use ESTABLISHED of other anglers access roads and tracks. and users.

PROTECT and restore ATTEND to your shing gear the environment and and value your catch. sh habitat.

Carefully return UNDERSIZED, EDUCATION - pass on oversized, protected or unwanted your knowledge. catch back to the water.

Fish species and other organisms must not be Respect Aboriginal sites, RELOCATED/transferred into CULTURE and values. other water bodies.

vrfish.com.au 84 RESPONSIBLE FISHING BEHAVIOURS Gear selection Gear BEHAVIOURS RESPONSIBLE FISHING or inappropriately handled. (organs incorrectly when lifted are crushed) injury tissue soft internal suffer and oxygen) of (lack suffocate also can Fish release. after survival of chances their reduces and fish damages handling Incorrect handling. excessive by damaged be can which coating, protective aslimy has body A fish’s Handling fish afish: catch you When fish Unwanted water). the from fish the remove to not (try water the in still is fish the while hook the remove to try Whenever possible Removing hooks • • • • • • • • least amount of handling). of amount least (i.e. the injury or damage of amount least the with and immediately it release species) non-target seastars, native rays, (e.g. toadfish, keep to wish not do you that (size, limits legal of outside season of out mouth. the to possible as close as line the cut and there it leave stomach the in deep hooked is fish the If pliers. long-nosed or remover hook a using hook the remove mouth, or jaw the in hooked is fish the If injury). potential and stress (minimises caught are they as soon as retrieved are fish that ensure to gear your with Stay chance of living once it is released. afish’s increase to hooks circle Use release). its after soon stress or exhaustion of dying afish in result can gear (light fish of type and size the for appropriate is that tackle Use bag, possession) possession)

(pages not or form carcass in kept be to is caught have you species the if check to remember fish your clean you Before to. adhered are key species for limits catch and size that ensure to is This fishing. are you while filleted be not must species Some yourCleaning fish can attract sharks and rays. and sharks attract can it because tables cleaning near or beaches on water the into waste fish throw Don’t waste. domestic general in it of dispose and home it take provided, are bins no If bins. in etc.) guts, frames, (carcasses, waste fish Put waste. domestic general in it of dispose and up it cut home, it take provided, are bins no If bins. in line fishing old of Dispose waste fish and ofDisposing line old fishing you intend to keep. to intend you fish the kill immediately to practice good is It Dispatch fish you. with away carcass the take and carp, as such species, is illegal –this species fish noxious release NOT DO away. swim can it so hold your release then revives it until Wait possible. water, if the under gently and releasingWhen fish, hold the horizontally fish fish Releasing or size) reduce damage by: damage reduce size) or identity its check (to afish handle must you If • • • • • (preferably in a moist bag or cooler). or bag amoist in (preferably sunlight from away them store and slurry ice an in fish dead Place the to blow aquick with them Dispatch    surfaces (not on hot and dry surfaces). dry and hot on (not surfaces wet and cool on fish the placing handle it to towel awet or hands wet using mesh knotted without anet using head. 10–34 and 47–68). and 10–34 (see page 93 ). You must kill noxious noxious kill ). You must rock lobster. rock and crayfish freshwater spiny Murray yabbies, abalone, cod, Murray tuna, bluefin Southern home) your (including Victoria can aperson that fish of type a particular of Possession limit: • • • fish). bigger the keep and water the to earlier caught fish smaller (i.e. return catch your grade high or keep, to people other for species that of more catch not must you limit bag your taken have you Once waters. Victorian to next or on, in, possess AND waters Victorian to next or on in, while day calendar one any on take may aperson that fish of type a particular of number maximum The limit: Bag fish. own their limits. catch of types are limits possession and Bag fish. possessing or catching on limits any Catch limit: FISHING DEFINITIONS any more on that day. that on more any collect You cannot limit. bag your towards count still they person, another to crabs spider these of away some give to choose day. you If one any on crabs 15 spider to up catch only can Aperson crabs. groups: in collecting or fishing for example limit Bag midnight. before them caught he though even beach, the on shark school or 2gummy possess only Trevor can overnight. fishing is he and midnight: spanning trips fishing for example limit Bag park. caravan the at stay must catch day’s previous the So 10 bream. than more possess not must Tiffany waters) Victorian to next or on (in, shore the from fishing or ramp boat the at or boat her from fishing is Tiffany When water. the to next or on in, not is she because 10 bream) is (which caravan her at limit bag the than have can Tiffany more examples: limit Bag possess at any one time anywhere in in anywhere time one any at possess Responsible catch/collect fishers A general term used to describe describe to used term Ageneral A family is collecting spider spider collecting is Afamily The maximum number number maximum The Trevor is a surf fisher fisher Trevor asurf is . Applies to to . Applies Carcass (scale fish): fish): (scale Carcass immediately and placed on ice. dispatched be should keep to wish you that Fish tail. the of end the to closed mouth the with snout the of tip the from fish Measure quickly. checked be must fish of size legal The harm. without and immediately water the to returned be must range size legal the outside Fish keep. legally can you fish size) legal (maximum largest the and size) legal (minimum smallest The limits: Size lake. the of level water the of regardless lake, the of waters backed-up the meets river the of water flowing the which at point the is ariver and alake between boundary the regulations, of purposes the For boundaries: river and Lake possible. as harm little as with closed season must be released immediately the during accidentally caught Fish season. open their during only fished be may season aclosed is there which for Species species. that possess or take to attempt take, not must you which during aperiod is species Seasons: rays. and skates sharks, than other fins with fish of Species fish: Scale claws. or legs more or one of absence the than other way any in mutilated not is or claws, or legs more or one remove to than other way any in cut not is that acrayfish of body The crayfish): freshwater (spiny Carcass gut. the remove to than manner other any in mutilated or cut not is that guitarfish or ray askate, of body The guitarfish): and rays (skates, Carcass slit. gill rear-most the of clear and forward head and gut the remove to than other manner any in mutilated or cut not is that fish elephant or ashark of body The fish): elephant including (sharks Carcass scales. or gills gut, the remove to than other manner any in mutilated or cut not is that A ‘closed season’ for a particular aparticular for season’ A ‘closed The body of a fish afish of body The 85 FISHING DEFINITIONS (Marine)

SEA

(Inland)

RIVER

MOUTH 86 RECREATIONAL FISHING WATER DEFINITIONS • • where: estuary or ariver of banks seaward Mouth: waters. marine nor inland neither are dams, Note: • • waters Marine • include: not do waters Inland • • are: waters Inland WATER DEFINITIONS water marine and inland an of Example 2: Map water marine and inland an of 1: Example Map the sea. the meet where those waters estuary, or lake a river, of banks seaward the line between Imaginary Gippsland Lakes) (see map 3). map (see Lakes) Gippsland Inlet, Bay, Wingan Phillip (e.g.lake Port or abay, into inlet flow waters those 2) 1and (maps sea the meet waters those and Western Port. Bay Phillip to) Port limited not (but as such waters inland not are that waters Victorian Inlet Wingan and 7) map (see Tyers 5), Lake map (see Inlet Mallacoota of Lake Lower Lakes, Gippsland the are (which Inlet Wingan and 7) map (see Tyers 5), Lake map (see Inlet Mallacoota of Lake Lower Lakes, Gippsland the public billabong, dam, river, stream or backwater, lagoon, lake, swamp, any and it; with connected lagoon or inlet any and source its to mouth its from waterway any boundary boundary considered marine waters). marine considered Water on private property, such as farm farm as such property, private on Water Imaginary line between the most most the between line Imaginary water storage reservoir. storage water

(Marine)

SEA

(Inland)

RIVER are:

MOUTH

MOUTH

LAGOON

(Inland)

(Marine)

SEA

(Inland)

RIVER meet the sea. the meet those waters estuary, where or lake ariver, of seaward banks the between line Imaginary water marine and inland an of Example 3: Map Curdies Inlet at boundary water marine and Inland 4: Map Mallacoota Inlet at boundary water marine and Inland 5: Map CROAJINGOLONG NATIONAL PARK waterways (see maps 4–9). maps (see waterways following the for differs (mouth) boundary water inland/marine the of location The inlet or lake. or inlet abay, into flow waters whose estuary or ariver of banks outwards or seaward most the line between Imaginary

PETERBOROUGH Irvine St

(Inland)

RIVER

boundary Newfield Bay

TOP LAKE Mallacoota Rd Mallacoota

Curdies Inlet

(Marine) Dorey St Dorey

(Inland)

The Narrows

MOUTH MOUTH

Inlet/Lagoon

(Marine)

of The Narrows. end southern the at line Imaginary Curdies Inlet

(Inland)

MOUTH Peterborough. at bridge Road Ocean Great the of side downstream the line across Imaginary MALLACOOTA MALLACOOTA

Wingnan Inlet. Wingnan Lakes, Gippsland Shallow Inlet, Inlet, Anderson as such water amarine is that Lake or Bay, Inlet GREAT OCEAN RD OCEAN GREAT INLET LOWER LAKE

MOUTH

(Marine) BASS

(Marine)

SEA

LAGOON

(Inland)

(Marine)

SEA

(Inland)

RIVER

MOUTH (Inland)

Inlet/Lagoon River

(Marine) WATER DEFINITIONS

Lake Tyers Lake at boundaries water marine and 7: Inland Map River Merri the at boundary water marine and Inland 6: Map TOORLOO ARM

(Inland)

Bridge. Highway Princes the of side downstream the across line – Imaginary Creek Stony Princess Hwy Boggy Creek. of bank opposite the to Creek Ironstone of limits the of point seaward extreme the from south line running generally –Imaginary Creek Boggy

(Inland) MERRI

(Marine)

MOUTH Footbridge MOUTH

(Inland) LAKE TYERS LAKE NOWA NOWA NOWA BEACH

Pickering Point. and breakwater the to leading viaduct the between river that over footbridge the of side downstream the line across Imaginary Boggy Creek Breakwater Rd Breakwater

(Marine)

it joins Boggy Creek. Boggy joins it where bank opposite the of point outward or seaward extreme opposite the to bank one of point outward or seaward extreme the from running line – Imaginary Ironstone Creek

WARRNAMBOOL MOUTH LAKE TYERS LAKE

at the Yarra River Yarra the at boundary water marine and Inland 9: Map at the Barwon the at boundary water marine and Inland 8: Map WILLIAMSTOWN Hitchcock Ave

Ewing Blyth Dr

SPOTSWOOD BARWON HEADS Douglas Pde Flinder Pde Ocean Grove Bridge. – Heads Barwon the of side downstream the line across Imaginary Hyde St MOUTH

(Marine)

Yarra River MOUTH

BARWON RIVER WEST GATE FWY GATE WEST

(Inland) Bridge. Gate West the of side downstream the across line Imaginary

(Inland)

(Marine)

Barwon Heads Ocean Grove Rd

BASS STRAIT

GROVE OCEAN

Westgate Park

87 Todd Rd Todd RECREATIONAL FISHING WATER DEFINITIONS 88 REGULATION ENFORCEMENT inspection? an during Iexpect can What and shipwrecks. regulations); forest and park and use vehicle (campfires, land public of use wildlife; gear); safety incorrect avessel, in (speeding safety boating activity); fishing (illegal parks national marine rubbish); general and bait tackle, fishing butts, cigarette (discarding to: litter pertaining laws enforce to authorised also are Officers regulations. fishing with compliance ensure to is roles their of One fishing. and promoteour fisheries responsible protect to employed are officers Fisheries FISHERIES OFFICERS Fisheries officers can by law: by can officers Fisheries fisheries? have Victorian to protect officers fisheries do powers What to: officer afisheries expect can you inspection, fisheries aroutine During • • • • • • • • • • of a suspected offender. a suspected of possession the in is or offence alleged an in used been have that vehicles, equipment, including and boats other or gear fishing fish, any seize notices infringement issue arrest under offenders alleged place containers other or eskies baskets, as such equipment any search address home and name your for ask inspection an out carry to vehicle or vessel water any stop limits. bag and size possession to check compliance with your in fish count and measure inspection for vessel or vehicle container, esky, equipment, fishing bag, your access to ask an of evidence or permit, or licence fishing acurrent produce to you ask to in relation fishing obligations your about information you give exemption Compliance options include: offence. the of severity the on depending action appropriate the take VFA will the occurred, has legislation the of abreach that apparent is it Where prosecutions. to material educational providing from range Options officers? by fisheries used options compliance the are What will: they offence an committed have you believe officers the or detected If offence? an committing detected Iam if happens What officer may result in you being: you in result may officer an from request alawful with comply to Failure accordance with their legislative powers. in you of things certain request may officer an enquiry, or inspection an During directions? officer’s afisheries with comply Idon’t if happens What • • • • • • • • • • • • • cancellation of a licence or permit. prosecution anissuing notice infringement warnings official and verbal education action. of course likely the of you advise seized are documents or property fish, any if receipt aseizure issue interview an in participate to you invite address home and name full your request offence alleged the of nature the explain placed under bail conditions. bail under placed a court before charged and summonsed to appear station a police to conveyed and arrested • • • RULE REMINDERS 13 (13 FISH see. you 3474) what us tell and phone please then and away well move them, approach not do rules, fishing our breaking is someone suspect you If REPORTING ILLEGAL FISHING to the Customer Service Centre on 136 on 186. Centre Service Customer the to directed be should enquiries fisheries General enforcement efforts. our target us help to 13your information FISH We use fishing. illegal prevent to and fishers irresponsible catch to us helps provide you able to immediately respond, the information be always not may officers fisheries While • • • • keeper nets counts towards you bag limit. bag you towards counts nets keeper a in place you fish every Remember nets. keeper in keep to wish you fish retain may You waters. Victorian to next or on in, atether on fish alive retain or place not must You illegal: is fish live Tethering handline. or line and rod that of m 50 within be and sight in is handline or line and rod that where aposition in be water the is line the while times all at must you handline or line and a rod using are you When illegal: are lines Set prison. in 10 to up years and $180,000 than more of fines are tuna bluefin or cod Murray lobster, rock abalone, caught selling, or trading buying recreationally illegally of convicted people for penalties Maximum prison. in 12 to up months and $30,000 than more of fines are catch selling, or trading buying recreational illegally of convicted people for penalties maximum The sale. for fish expose or fish sell or exchange or barter sale, for bait, catch: recreational your sell to offence an is It strict in treated be will information All call. your return will and paged be will duty on officer fisheries The name. and number telephone your leave to asked You be will aweek. days a day, seven 24 hours answered be will number This confidence. You must not take fish, including including fish, take not You must Service Centre on 136 on 186. Centre Service Customer the call or www.vfa.vic.gov.au on listed notices fisheries See updates rule any for regularly check Please change. do and can Rules • • • • limit. YOUR bag TOWARDS COUNT else someone to given or container other any buckets, eskies, catch-bags, wells, live in retained are that caught Fish REMEMBER: • • listed on page 22. page on listed are sharks with dealing for tips Useful mouth. its from away well line the cut then accidently ashark catch you If animal. the fishing immediately and move away from STOP vicinity the in one see and sharks targeting not are you if so dangerous, be can Sharks sharks): (INCLUDING fish destroy or injure take, to attempt take, to arrows and bow and explosives firearms, use to offence an is It –74). 70 and 35–40 (pages times some at and places some in use can you equipment which and use never must you equipment what check equipment: of possession in be or use to fishers recreational for offence an is It signs. hazard shark or posts boundary fishing sign, fisheries a deface or damage with interfere signs is illegal. fisheries with interfering or Defacing 13 (13 it. call FISH 3474)illegally report and used being is equipment think you If belongs. it whom to fisher commercial the of number licence the with labelled equipment: fishing commercial with interfere or with tamper to offence an is It alive. or dead fish, caught the discarding previously subsequently species, that of more catch to continues then who BUT fish, sized legal of limit catch daily their retained and caught has who aperson involves fish of High-grading fish: your high-grade to illegal is It valid exemption. or RFL own their hold must equipment fishing using person Each shared. be cannot and alone yours Your is RFL licence: fishing your share to illegal is It All commercial gear must be be must gear commercial All You must not remove remove not You must Please Please 89 REGULATION ENFORCEMENT FISHING IS A FUN AND HEALTHY ACTIVITY FOR EVERYONE 90 FISHING from banks, shore, piers and platforms For a SAFE fishing adventure use the following check list:

• CHECK water and weather conditions before you go. • ALWAYS tell friends or family of your plans – where you are going and when you will be returning. • NEVER fish alone – always fish with a friend. • WEAR a personal flotation device and carry safety gear and a first-aid kit. • WEAR appropriate clothing with non-slip soles. • WATCH the water at all times as conditions can change dramatically in a short time. FISHING SAFETY Have a great day fishing and tight lines! ROCK FISHING Safety tips when rock fishing:

• CHECK water and weather conditions before you go. • ALWAYS tell friends or family of your plans – where you are going and when you will be returning. • NEVER fish alone.

• WEAR appropriate footwear with non-slip soles. • WEAR a personal flotation device and carry safety gear and a first-aid kit. • WEAR light clothing that will allow you to swim easily if you are washed in. • DON’T WEAR waders when rock or ledge fishing.

• SEEK out local advice on your intended fishing spot – tidal behaviour and accessibility. • OBSERVE first and fish later. Take time to judge your intended spot before fishing to get an idea of tidal and sea conditions plus access and escape routes. • ALWAYS obey danger signs and never trust access and escape aids such as ropes and makeshift steps. • HAVE an escape plan. If the swell threatens your position, leave immediately.

• NEVER turn your back on the sea. • WATCH the sea at all times as conditions can change dramatically in a short time.

The Victorian Government’s Play it Safe by the Water campaign is actively working towards increasing community awareness of water safety. For information visit www.watersafety.vic.gov.au

IN ANRockFishing_Advert_RecFishingGuide_FA.pdf EMERGENCY CALL 1 TRIPLE 11/10/13 12:16 ZERO PM (000) for a copy of the Victorian Recreational Boating Safety Handbook. Safety Boating Recreational Victorian the of acopy for 022 223 1800 call or www.transportsafety.vic.gov.au visit safety boating about information For Safety tips when boating: when tips Safety at: www.transportsafety.vic.gov.au/maritime-safety. downloaded be This can water. the hit they before Handbook Safety Boating Recreational Victorian the read fishers boat-based all that We recommend SAFE BOATING • • • • • • • • • shaded in red on the map over the page marks where it is mandatory to wear alifejacket. wear to mandatory is it where marks page the over map the on red in shaded area The Lonsdale. Point on centred miles 3nautical of aradius with acircle of arc the of consisting line imaginary an of limits seaward the and Nepean, Point and Bluff Shortland between drawn line imaginary an between waters the all means Heads Phillip Port Heads. Phillip Port in alifejacket wear to mandatory is It alifejacket. wear Always lookout. agood maintain always and speed asafe at Operate Observe speeds and distances. Don’t alcohol drink while boating. to how know you and boat your aboard equipment safety correct the have you Ensure return. to plan you when and going are you where know someone let Always navigating. be will you area the for map or chart appropriate the of acopy obtain and knowledge local up-to-date Seek board. on fuel enough have you and charged fully is battery the maintained, properly is boat your Ensure waves. and wind high to exposed areas avoid and unfavourable is weather the if trip your postponing Consider forecasts. weather the Check wear it correctly. 91 FISHING SAFETY WIND WARNINGS AND FORECASTS 92 Always check the latest forecast before you go on the water. Visit www.bom.gov.au/marine PORT PHILLIP HEADS – KNOW YOUR BOUNDARIES Port Phillip Heads is a major shipping channel, dive location and popular fishing destination. It’s also home to Marine National Parks and Sanctuaries where no fishing can take place. The best way to avoid Marine National Parks and Sanctuaries is to use the ‘Can I Fish Here’ FISHING SAFETY function on our app. Download our Vic Fishing app at the App Store or Google Play. • • • • • by: species noxious aquatic of spread the prevent You help can • • species: noxious Aquatic stocks. fish and habitat fish affect seriously can and wildlife aquatic native our compete, out or on, feed can species noxious aquatic established, become they If environments. rapidly spread and invade native and habitats to potential the have species These Victoria. into introduced been have that species non-native are species noxious Aquatic NOXIOUS AQUATIC PESTS to to go species noxious aquatic of list afull For OR phone 136 186 phone OR [email protected] to: details contact and name your with along info this email and location and time date, the of anote make and aphoto take please do, you If range. known its of outside species noxious aquatic an see you if species noxious sightings of suspected aquatic reporting bait as crabs shore green European or species noxious aquatic LIVE using not completely gear and boat your drying areas) damp in months for survive can spores plant and eggs (Tiny waterway. a into back drain it let not Do ground. the onto water the all draining acarwash in or yard your in water fresh with trip each after gear and boat your washing thoroughly water) the into back it put not (do abin in it putting AND sediment or water animals, weed, attached any Removing wetsuits. and anchors gear, ropes, fishing skis, jet kayaks, boats, your checking and worm fan European star, sea Pacific Marine include species Northern loach. weather and fish mosquito marron, carp, include species Freshwater www.vfa.vic.gov.au/noxiousspecies Japanese kelp. .

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93 AQUATIC PESTS Opportunities for Indigenous employment at new native fish hatchery

The Victorian Fisheries Authority has set an Indigenous employment target of 50% at our new native fish hatchery, set to be built by late 2021 near Shepparton.

The hatchery will focus on growing native fish, such as Murray cod and golden perch.

The VFA is committed to growing our diverse workforce and is thrilled to provide an opportunity for Indigenous people to work with Indigenous fish on Australian land.

We encourage all potential employees to register their interest at improving.fishing @vfa.vic.gov.au.

Logo: Artwork created by Reanna Bono. She is a Wiradjuri and Wemba Wemba woman from Echuca in Northern Victoria. The artwork is representative of the Victorian Fishing Strategy and signifies colours of both saltwater and freshwater fisheries. The watermark image represents contemporary fish scales. *Fisheries officers are not stationed at this office this at stationed not are officers *Fisheries www.transportsafety.vic.gov.au 022 223 1800 Transport Safety Victoria [email protected] 186 136 pests aquatic Noxious www.epa.vic.gov.au/litter 3721300 842 Report Litter www.vfa.vic.gov.au Our offices Inland Angling Guide 13 (13 FISH 3474) Line Reporting Illegal Fishing www.fishcare.org.au Fishcare Victoria Useful information 136 186 136 Cowes 3195 Road, Mills 55 186 136 Braeside 3551 Epsom, Street, &Taylor Hwy Midland Cnr 03 5430 4444 Bendigo 3350 Street, Mair 402–406 6856 5336 03 Ballarat 3340 219A Street, Main 536703 2922 Bacchus Marsh* 3233 Street, 31 Nelson 186 136 Apollo Bay 186 136 Altona North 136 186 136 call enquiries phone all For Customer Service Centre 13 call (13 FISH offences 3474) fisheries To report

1800 6771800 620 VICTAG bom.gov.au/australia/tides Meteorology Australian Bureau of Tide Information www.futurefish.com.au 599603 6614 Futurefish Foundation www.parkweb.vic.gov.au 1963 13 Parks Victoria nsw.gov.au information-advisory@dpi. 474 550 1300 Industries Primary of Department NSW 2A Bellarine Hwy, 3225 Hwy, Bellarine 2A 0111 5258 03 Queenscliff 3305 Street, Bentinck 83 186 136 Portland 3931 Drive, Archer 186 136 Mornington 3892 Drive, &Allan Street Buckland Cnr 186 136 Mallacoota 3909 Street, 10 Staunton 1539 5155 03 Lakes Entrance 3400 110 Road, Natimuk 2111 5362 03 Horsham

www.bom.gov.au –24hrs General Forecasts Meteorology of Bureau Weather: www.police.vic.gov.au 1351800 729 Water Police www.vrfish.com.au [email protected] VRFish discoverycentre marineandfreshwater www.vfa.vic.gov.au/ 3344 5258 03 (Queenscliff) Centre Discovery and FreshwaterMarine 310 Commercial Road, 3971 Road, 310 Commercial 518303 9100 Yarram 3690 Street, 1 McKoy 02 6043 7900 Wodonga 3280 Parade, Raglan 703–709 186 136 Warrnambool 3616 Road, Ferguson 5222 5833 03 Tatura 3585 Street, 324 Campbell 1290 5033 03 Hill Swan 186 136 Snobs Creek

95 CONTACTS Report illegal fishing Call 13 FISH (13 3474)

Helpful information includes: • Time and date of activity • Number of people involved and if observed activity is • Vehicle/boat registration continuing or has finished • Activity • Place • Equipment

All information will be treated in strict confidence. Information provided will assist in planning patrols and enforcement operations when no immediate field response is possible.

For further information visit www.vfa.vic.gov.au/13FISH