Fishing Gear

You do not need a licence to fish for recreation in South Australia but there might be restrictions on the type of gear (permitted devices) and the number of devices you can use.

The size and construction of devices are set to prevent over-fishing and to allow smaller fish to escape.

The number of devices that can be used at any one time is restricted to ensure that the resource can be shared between the many users.

Before fishing with anything other than a rod or handline, check:

  • that you are allowed to use the device for fishing
  • how many of each kind of device can be used at one time
  • that the device conforms to legal specifications
  • whether the device needs to be registered
  • whether the device needs to be marked with buoys and tags.

It is illegal to take fish (including sharks) by using a wire trace of 2 mm or greater gauge in conjunction with fishing hooks size 12/0 or greater.

It is the fisher’s responsibility to be aware of the regulations that apply to their method of fishing and the limitations on the number and type of devices that can be used.

Check that any device you already have, or that you intend buying or constructing, conforms to legal specifications. Devices that do not conform might be seized and subsequently forfeited.

Some devices need to be registered before you can use them, for example rock lobster pots and mesh nets in the Lakes and Coorong.

You might also need to mark devices with tags or buoys. 

Remember that recreational fishers are not allowed to sell or trade their catch.