What can I use for bait?
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 species and bait invertebrates
Groups
| Species
| Bag Limit | Possession 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)
|
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.