News and Features
Recreational Fishing
Popular Spots
Recreational Fishing
Recreational Fishing
Welcome to the Recreational Fishing section of Fisheries, Department of Regional Development, Primary Industry, Fisheries and Resources website.
These pages provide Territorians and visitors with a comprehensive insight to recreational fishing in the Northern Territory. They include answers to frequently asked questions about recreational fishing and crabbing, together with other useful advice.
Specific queries can be directed to the Department's Recreational Fishing Unit either through GPO Box 3000 Darwin NT 0801 or telephone +61 8 8999 2372 or +61 8999 2159.
A person who wishes to fish for recreation in Northern Territory waters does not require a licence to do so. However, recreational fishers currently need a temporary licence for recreational fishing on and over aboriginal granted land and adjoining waters. Enquiries should be directed to the Northern Land Council (NLC) on 1800 645 299 or by visiting the NLC website on www.nlc.org.au.
There is no requirement for a vessel used for amateur fishing to be registered, but the vessel is required to carry the correct safety equipment. An amateur fisher cannot sell, trade or barter their catch. Penalties apply. {Fisheries Regulations - Part 5}
|
RECREATIONAL FISHING Following public consultation and with wide community support, the Northern Territory Government will introduce the following changes to personal possession limits, effective |
a reduction of the current possession limit for black jewfish from five to two |
| a reduction of the current possession limit for Spanish mackerel from five to two | |
| the introduction of a new possession limit of 30 cherabin and/or red claw yabbies | |
| the introduction of a boat limit of 10 freshwater pots per vessel (when two or more people are on board) | |
| a requirement for turtle excluder rings in freshwater pots | |
| the introduction of a new possession limit of three sharks of any species, including a prohibition on the take of sawfish (the sawfish prohibition would not apply to Indigenous people undertaking customary fishing). | |
| a prohibition on the recreational take of giant clams (this would not apply to Indigenous people undertaking customary fishing). |
 |
 |