NSW

Circle hooks are widely known as the No.1 choice for game fishermen targeting billfish on live baits or skip baits. These strange looking, inward turned hooks are designed to pin fish in the corner of the mouth, ensuring a solid hook hold and a healthy release. However, circles aren’t just about catch and release fishing for gamefish – they are …

In January 2023, 2100 “advanced size” juvenile dusky flathead were stocked into Lake Macquarie, as part of a research project assessing techniques to enhance populations of this highly popular sportfish. Fast forward to the 2024 Easter long weekend and the first reported tagged dusky from this cohort of fish has been recaptured. Keen angler Steve Vella caught and released the …

New eastern blue groper fishing rule changes From March 1 2024, taking eastern blue groper by any method, including line fishing, is prohibited as part of a 12-month trial, to ensure greater protection of this iconic species. During the 12-month trial, DPI Fisheries are consulting with stakeholders and the broader community on longer term changes to eastern blue groper fishing …

Do not discard any seafood waste in waterways – throw all abalone shells, gut and any leftover abalone waste in the bin. Movement restrictions are in place on the transport of live abalone into and within New South Wales in response to detections of Abalone Viral Ganglioneuritis (AVG) in South Australia. What is AVG? AVG is a viral disease which …

A healthy fishing future is in your hands and creating a positive community of fishers is fundamental to safeguarding our waterways and supporting sustainable fishing, ensuring thriving oceans and marine resources for generations to come. By protecting fish stocks and preserving and ensuring the places we love remain safe and accessible for all, we can maintain the incredible fishing experiences …

Lucky enough to catch a feed on the water, plan on processing it? Make sure you know the law! restricted In NSW any species of fish with a size limit is known as a ‘restricted species’. If you’ve caught, collected or speared a restricted species the ONLY types of processing you are permitted to do while in, on or adjacent …

Summer is a wonderful time of year for a family getaway or a fishing trip with friends, and DPI Fisheries is making it a little easier for you to find and explore fishy destinations. Our free Go Fishing handbooks are packed full of useful information, with easy-to-read maps detailing popular local fishing locations, tips and techniques for common species plus …

Mobile seafood vendor caught red handed selling recreationally caught mud crabs! Fisheries Officers from Inverell conducted a routine post-harvest inspection on a mobile seafood vendor targeting the supply and sale of black-market seafood. NSW DPI Fisheries Officers conducted a quality inspection of the vendor and reviewed prescribed records concerning the lawful seafood. As a result of the inspection Fisheries Officers …

Fish kills are defined as a sudden mass mortality of wild fish. Fish kills can occur at any time, though data indicates fish kills are more likely to occur in summer or following sudden changes in temperature. Some of the key causes of fish kills are outlined in the information below. Blackwater Blackwater occurs naturally over time when leaf litter …

Crab fishing is a popular activity, particularly during the warmer months and with summer around the corner there is no better time to brush up your knowledge on ways to help minimise your environmental impact when out crab fishing with our new responsible crabbing series. It is important to know that not all crab fishing gear performs in the same …