Illegal fishing activities

You can’t:

  • sell, trade or barter fish without an appropriate licence (illegal marketing of fish poses a threat to the legitimate seafood market, food safety and sustainability of fish stocks)
  • jag or foul-hook fish
  • use explosives, poisons or electrical devices to catch fish (divers can only use a powerhead on a spear gun to defend against sharks)
  • interfere with authorised aquaculture activities
  • obstruct lawful commercial fishing operations, or damage or interfere with fishing gear (including removing fish)
  • possess or carry prohibited gear in closed waters unless the gear is stowed and secured
  • remove, damage or interfere with Fisheries Queensland markers or signs
  • use fishing gear (including nets) across a waterway or navigation channel if it makes more than half its width impassable to a boat or fish.

Report

If you suspect someone is fishing illegally:

Recreational fishing rules

Download the Qld Fishing 2.0 app and use the 'My fishing' feature to record your fishing trips and share your stats and photos.

For a printed copy of the Queensland recreational fishing guide:

For a box of fishing guides, order online.