Department of Primary Industries (DPI) acting director fisheries compliance, Tony Andrews, said fisheries officers would be patrolling popular fishing areas on the South Coast and inland waterways.

“Easter is one of the most popular times of the year to drop a line but I would like to remind everyone who is fishing, just because you’re on holidays – it doesn’t mean our fisheries officers are,” Andrews said.

Andrews said additional fisheries officers would be patrolling NSW waterways up and down the coast, and at inland fishing spots to ensure everyone abides by recreational fishing rules. 

Andrews said anglers, unless exempt, must carry a licence at all times when fishing.

“Fishers must hold a current NSW recreational fishing licence, unless exempt, for any fishing activity including angling, prawning, shellfish gathering and spear fishing,” he said. 

Andrews said any person found fishing without a licence faced a $200 on the spot fine. 

“Additionally, a penalty of $75 can apply if you do not have the licence in your immediate possession,” he said.

“Fishers must follow the rules for bag and size limits and should only catch sufficient fish for their immediate needs and release all others using best practice catch and release techniques.”

Current licence fees are; three days for $7, one month for $14, one year for $35 and three years for $85. 

Details of bag and size limits can be found in the 2013 NSW Recreational Fishing Guides, which are available on the DPI website www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au.

NSW recreational fishing licences are available at more than 1000 outlets including bait and tackle shops, some Kmart stores and online at www.licence.nsw.gov.au or phone 1300 369 365.