The Guide to Fishing License Victoria in 2025

Who Needs a Fishing License in Victoria?

A recreational fishing license (RFL) covers all types of recreational fishing in Victoria's coastal, estuarine, and inland waterways.

Unless you are exempt, you must obtain a Recreational Fishing license (RFL) to Take, or attempt to take, any species of fish from public waters by any method, including line fishing, yabby fishing, prawning, spearfishing, or collecting bait or shellfish, and Use or Possess recreational fishing equipment in, on, or near Victorian waters.

When fishing in Victoria, you must have a valid RFL unless you are exempt; fishing without a permit has penalties. It is not permitted to lend or transfer your RFL to another individual.

Anyone between 18 and 70 will need a valid fishing license in Victoria. The license allows you to fish in public waters using any method. This includes line fishing, bait or shellfish collection, yabby fishing, prawning and spearfishing. You'll also need a valid license if you carry fishing equipment in or near public Victorian waters.

Who Is Exempt from Needing a Fishing License?

The Victorian government requires all anglers, including clients on fishing charter vessels, to obtain a Recreational Fishing license before their charter.

A license can be purchased from more than 950 retail businesses throughout Victoria, including Kmart, Myer, Ray's Outdoors and most retail fishing tackle stores. In Queenscliff, licenses can be purchased from the local milk bar and post office.

You don't need a fishing license in Victoria if you're:

- Under 18 years or over 70 years

- A person identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander

- A Victorian or interstate equivalent Seniors Card holder

- A Veterans Card — Victoria holder

- A Veterans' Affairs Pensioner or TPI-coded Repatriation Health Card holder

- A Commonwealth Pensioner Concession Card holder, coded either DSP, DSP Blind, AGE, AGE Blind or CAR 

Types of Fishing License and What It Cost 

You may avoid being overcharged by other online retailers when you purchase a Victorian fishing license directly from the VFA through Service Victoria. Moreover, you may purchase in person from an approved agent.

Victorian fishing permits come in four different kinds. The simplest and least expensive alternative is to purchase a one—or three-year license online through Service Victoria. This keeps more money in the RFL Trust Account, which funds programmes to enhance fishing.

Victoria usually includes four types of fishing licenses:

48-hour License: Ideal for short-term visitors or occasional fishers.

28-day License: Suitable for those planning a longer fishing trip.

1-Year and 3-Year Licenses: Best for regular fishers.

A Victorian fishing license can also be obtained in person at any of our state-wide Authorised Sales Agents. Licenses for recreational fishing in Victoria are GST-free. Annually, new fees take effect on July 1. The following lists the licensing fees as of July 1, 2024:

You may predate your license by up to three months to ensure you always use a valid RFL. Fisheries Officers accept the following documentation of a Victorian fishing license: 

A digital RFL, an email with the license data, a plastic recreational fishing license, and a handwritten license from an approved representative.

License prices are subject to change and are updated every year on July 1, so check back to ensure you have the correct information.

The Recreational Fishing Guide on the VFA website offers information on bag limits, permitted equipment, and anything else you might need to know if you're heading out alone. Other language options are also available if English is not your first language.

Do you have any further questions about getting a Victoria fishing license? Call the VFA at (03) 8392 6867 or email rec.licensing@vfa.vic.gov.au. For other fishing-related queries or if you have a hearing or speech impairment, you can find further contact information on the VFA website.

Where Can You Buy a Victoria Fishing License?

Unless you are in an exempt category, a recreational fishing license is required to go fishing in any Victorian waters. Licenses can be purchased online through the Victorian Fisheries Authority website, at the Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions offices, or at retail outlets like fishing stores and tourist information centres. 

You can get your license through two different methods. Whether you'd like to speak to someone in person or prefer to handle things online, the VFA covers you.

Online: The easiest and – for longer fishing licenses – cheapest way of getting a Victoria fishing license is to buy online. Access the Service Victoria website, enter your information and pay the fee. Payment options include credit cards (Mastercard and Visa) and PayPal.

You'll receive a confirmation email which works as proof of payment and evidence of a valid license. You can also create an account with Service Victoria and download their free mobile app. The app lets you share your license with Fisheries Officers via Bluetooth! You can purchase a fishing license online by visiting the Victorian Government website.)

From a licensed outlet: If you'd instead handle your purchase in person, you can do so at any agent authorised to sell Victoria fishing licenses. The list of licensed agents on the VFA website is sorted alphabetically by the town's name. Remember that, as we mentioned before, 1-year and 3-year licenses are cheaper when bought online, whereas the 3-day and 28-day licenses have no price difference.

You may also interest in the fishing licenses in other states or areas:

Fishing License in NSW

What If You Lost Your Fishing License

If you lost your fishing license, please contact the Victorian Fisheries Authority(External link) or fill out our feedback form. Plastic cards aren't reissued, but we'll email you your license details and help you access your digital license if you have a Service Victoria account.

You may email us at (rec. Licensing @ vfa.vic.gov.au) to get the specifics of your RFL. Within two business days of requesting it, you will get an email with your license information if you bought your Victorian recreational fishing license online.

Depending on your purchased license, you may receive a handwritten permit in the mail or an email with your licensing details if you bought it through an approved agency. After receiving a request, the VFA will mail this new license in five working days. Please note: They do not provide replacement plastic license cards.

Jackery Portable Power Stations for Fishing

In Victoria, fishing is an everyday recreational activity; however, you must obtain a current fishing license to comply with the laws. A license guarantees you can responsibly engage in your pastime, whether fishing in calm rivers or putting out lines off the shore.

To make your outdoor experiences even more manageable, use Jackery Portable Power Stations to run small appliances or charge electronics while fishing. Jackery keeps you energised so you can concentrate on catching the next big fish.

A portable power station is functional fishing gear because it allows you to power electronics and devices while on the go. For fishing trips in Victoria, we recommend the Jackery Explorer 600 Plus and 300 Plus.

Jackery Explorer 1000 v2

Victoria, Australia, offers diverse fishing experiences, from freshwater lakes and rivers (e.g., Lake Eildon, Murray River) to extensive marine waters along its coast (e.g., Port Phillip Bay, Gippsland Lakes). These environments often require specific gear and can involve varying levels of remoteness. The Jackery Explorer 1000 v2 is well-suited for fishing in Victoria.

Fish Finders & GPS Charging: Many Victorian anglers, especially those targeting larger fish in impoundments or fishing offshore, rely heavily on powerful fish finders (e.g., Humminbird, Garmin, Lowrance) and GPS/chartplotters. 

These devices, especially those with large, high-definition screens and advanced sonar (like Livescope or ActiveTarget), can draw significant power (e.g., 2-3 amps per hour for a 12-inch unit). The 1070Wh capacity of the Explorer 1000 v2 provides ample runtime for these electronics over long sessions or multiple days.

Bait Boat Batteries: For carp and coarse fishing, bait boats are common. The 1000 v2 can recharge multiple bait boat batteries throughout a session, ensuring continuous deployment of bait and rigs. While it won't power a large electric trolling motor for an entire day, the 1000 v2 can recharge smaller trolling motor batteries or provide power for quick bursts if needed.

Portability and Durability: At approximately 10.8 kg (23.8 lbs), the Explorer 1000 v2 is portable enough for car camping, boat trips, or short hauls to a fishing spot. It's not a featherweight, but for the power it offers, it's quite compact. Victorian fishing environments can be rugged. Jackery products are built to withstand outdoor conditions, with durable casings and internal protections.

Silent Power: Noise can scare fish, and loud generators disturb the peace of natural areas. The Jackery 1000 v2 operates silently, allowing you to enjoy the tranquility of your surroundings and not spook your target species.

Jackery Explorer 300 Plus

The Jackery 300 Plus possesses a capacity of 288Wh and an output of 300W. It features dual PD ports with a maximum output of 100W, facilitating rapid charging for multiple devices concurrently and providing diverse charging alternatives, enhancing its outdoor charging utility. 

Charge Phones, Tables & Electronics: Maintaining the charge of your smart devices and equipment while at sea for extended periods is essential. A portable power station enables charging smartphones, tablets, e-readers, digital cameras, action cameras, and other battery-operated devices. This guarantees you will not miss capturing remarkable fishing photographs and memories due to depleted batteries.

Power Lights at Night: High-quality portable power stations for outdoor applications enable intense illumination during night fishing or at campsites. Your station can energise robust, waterproof flashlights and emergency lights. Illumination facilitates rig alterations, bait preparation, and safe navigation in low-light conditions.

All-Around Safety: The Jackery 300 Plus features a robust 10-year lifespan with a Lithium Iron Phosphate (LiFePO4) battery. It delivers a stable voltage and pure sine wave, ensuring the safety of all your electrical devices. The advanced ChargeShield technology and consistent power supply safeguard against possible equipment damage.

When Is the Best Time to Fish in Victoria?

In Victoria, you can fish all year, but there are some things you should know before you go—for instance, most rivers and streams with fresh water stop yearly during a breeding window. Fishing usually stops on the second Saturday of June and starts again sometime in September. Besides that, you can catch Trout and Salmon almost every time you go to Victoria.

When it comes to ocean fishing, the best time to go fishing is usually from October to April. That's when you can catch King George Whiting, Snapper, and Flathead near land. Out to sea, you can see Marlin. You can fish for Coastal Salmon, Tuna, Gummy Sharks, and other fish in the winter.

What Fish Species Can I Catch in Victoria?

The waterways around Victoria are known to be rich and varied, so both people who want to catch big game and people who want to fish for fun will have a good time. There will be a lot of fish, like Sharks, southern bluefin tuna, Mulloway, and Pink Snapper. When you fish in Victoria, you can look forward to these things.

The Pink Snapper

Pink Snapper is the most popular top catch and deserves to be there quickly. These beautiful animals are some of the most sought-after in the state because they taste great and are good at fighting. The best times to catch Snapper are in the spring and summer.

Pinkies are young fish that are less than 40 centimetres long. Snappers are grown fish that are longer than 40 centimetres. Based on their age, they can weigh anywhere from 1 to 8 kilogrammes. If you catch a specimen that weighs more than 10 pounds, you win a prize!

Bluefin Tuna from the South

To discuss some of the most exciting fishing in Victoria, we have to discuss the most significant and worst fish. In the winter, tens of thousands of these fast boats come to Victoria's coast. Tuna gather on the continental shelf to eat huge groups of bait fish, and boats from all over the world rush to get there.

Bluefins of all sizes are legal to hunt from May to early August. They can be as small as 10 kg or as big as 80 kg. Also, don't even talk about the tasty meat you'll get.  

King George Whiting

Regarding Victoria's most famous and tasty fish, King George Whiting belongs to the royal family.  You can catch them at any time of the year, but the best chances are in late fall and winter. The Whiting are not as big as the Tuna and Snapper, but they make up for it in numbers. There are bigger guys, but most weigh between 1 and 3 kilogrammes. 

Mulloway

When the name of a species is translated as "the greatest one," it doesn't need much more explanation. Mulloway, also known as Jewfish, goes by many names, but everyone agrees: they're fun and challenging to catch. 

Mulloway is easy to spot because it has big lips, a shiny silver coat, and is very big. They like to play in rough water, so river mouths, beaches, bridges, ports, and bays are all great places to look for them.

Sharks

This isn't a surprise since more than 100 different kinds of sharks live in the blue water around Australia. You can always hook up with at least six types of Sharks off the coast of Victoria. You can always go on a Shark hunt if nothing else works.

One of the most popular fish caught on charter trips is the Gummy Shark, found almost anywhere. Gummy sharks are drawn to live food and will grab anything you hook them with. They aren't dangerous to people; they're just hungry and fun to fight.

Fishing License in Victoria FAQs

The following are the frequently asked questions about the fishing license in Victoria.

1. Can I buy my license in person instead of online?

Yes. You can still buy recreational fishing licenses from any authorised agent(External link). However, if you want a digital license, you must buy it online. You can access your digital license immediately if you buy online. Never pay more than the prices listed here or on the VFA website(External link). If a seller asks for a different price, don't pay and advise them to check with the VFA.

2. Will I get a physical license sent to me?

If you purchase a 1- or 3-year license and choose to get a plastic card, the VFA will send you your physical card. All licenses can be digital if you have a Service Vi Toria account. If you don't have a Serv ce Victoria account or don't want to create one, we'll email your 3- and 28-day licenses.

3. What should I do if I lose my physical or electronic license?

Please contact the Victorian Fisheries Authority(External link) or complete our feedback form. Plastic cards aren't reused, but we'll email you your license details and help you access your digital license if you have a Service Victoria account.

Final Thoughts

The Victorian Fisheries Authority offers tools for fishermen, such as comprehensive manuals and maps, and changes laws regularly. Anglers can visit the official website or subscribe to their updates to remain up to speed on the latest restrictions. 

In Victoria, fishing is a beloved pastime, but it entails a duty to comprehend and abide by local fishing laws and license requirements. These measures guarantee that fishing in Victoria will continue to be pleasurable and sustainable for future generations. Recall that a knowledgeable fisherman is a custodian of the aquatic environment and is thriving.