Bait Restrictions

​​​​​​​​​​​What can I use for bait?

Fish illustration by Peter Gouldthorpe​It is an offence to use any part of the following species for bait:
  • rock lobster;
  • abalone; and
  • any species listed as protected, including limpets.
Of the following fish, only the heads and frames may be used for berley or baiting rock lobster pots and rings, unless you have a receipt for purchasing it.
  • bastard or striped trumpeter;
  • banded morwong;
  • boarfish;
  • tuna other than skipjack;
  • trout;
  • school, gummy, blue and mako shark; and
  • yellowtail kingfish.
If a fish is under the legal minimum size it must be returned to the ​​water even if it is no longer alive.  
 

It is illegal to use undersized fish for bait.​


Baitfish s​pecies and bait invertebrates

​G​r​oups​​​​​
​Species​​​
Bag LimitPossess​ion Limit
​Baitfish species
Anchovies​, sardines, sprats and hardyheads
​50 (species combined)
​100 (species combined)
​Bait invertebrates
Soldier crabs​, marine worms and burrowing shrimp
​50 (species combined)
​100 (species combined)
​​* There are no minimum sizes for baitfish species and bait invertebrates.  

Whitebait

For information on the whitebait fishery contact the Inland Fisheries Service.

Use biosecure bait​

Only buy bait from locally supplied sources. Importing dead or live bait to Tasmania is prohibited in most instances. Bait originating from other states or countries may contain pests and diseases that do not occur in Tasmania. Call Biosecurity Tasmania on 03 6165 3777 for more information.

If you catch your own bait, try to source it from the same area where you fish. Moving fish including frames, offal and shells, between locations can spread diseases and marine pests.

Animal bait and berley

Mammal flesh, blood or offal other than pellets cannot be used as berley.​ Only native animals that have been lawfully taken (eg. by licensed shooters) can be used for bait. Road kill cannot be used. Phone NRE Tas's Game Services Tasmania Wildlife Management Officer on 1300 292 292 for more information. 

Bait Nets

Read more about bait nets and bait pumps their specifications. Sort your catch quickly and release unwanted fish in good condition.


    Contact

    Recreational Fishing Enquiries
    Level 3, 134 Macquarie St
    Hobart TAS 7000
    Phone: 03 6165 3233, 1300 720 647
    Email: fishing.enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au

    Hotline

    Fishwatch Report illegal fishing

    0427 655 557

    What to report? arrow button

    Contact us

    Recreational Fishing

    Level 3, 134 Macquarie St

    Hobart TAS 7000

    Phone: (03) 6165 3233, 1300 720 647

    Email: fishing.enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au

    Commercial Fisheries

    Level 3, 134 Macquarie St

    GPO Box 44

    Phone: (03) 6165 3000, 1300 368 550

    Email: commercial.fisheries@nre.tas.gov.au

    Commercial Fisheries Licensing

    Level 1, 134 Macquarie St

    GPO Box 44

    Phone: (03) 6165 3000, 1300 368 550

    Email: fisheries.licensing@nre.tas.gov.au