TAS fishing guide
Tasmania Sea Fishing Licences
Check Tasmania sea fishing licence categories, fees, ordinary rod-and-line exceptions, rock lobster, abalone, scallop, net and set-line rules.
Parent guide: Tasmania Fishing Licence Guide
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Sea licence checks
Ordinary recreational sea fishing with rod and line in Tasmania marine waters usually does not need a recreational sea fishing licence. That does not make all saltwater fishing licence-free.
Fishing Tasmania lists separate recreational sea licence categories for Rock Lobster Pot, Rock Lobster Ring, Rock Lobster Dive, Abalone, Scallop, Graball Net, Mullet Net, Beach Seine Net and Set Line. Service Tasmania notes set line includes drop line and long line.
The 2025-26 recreational sea licence year runs from 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2026.
This sea pathway does not apply to Tasmania inland angling, and ordinary marine rod-and-line fishing is usually the no-sea-licence case. For licensed sea activities, keep the current sea licence or receipt available where useful and follow the official carry-proof wording for that activity.
Sea licence category table
| Sea activity | Licence answer | What to verify before fishing |
|---|---|---|
| Ordinary marine rod-and-line fishing | Usually no sea licence. | Seasons, size limits, bag limits and area restrictions still apply. |
| Rock Lobster Pot, Ring or Dive | Recreational sea licence category. | Season, area, gear, reporting and possession rules. |
| Abalone | Recreational sea licence category. | Open areas, season, safety, possession and measuring rules. |
| Scallop | Recreational sea licence category. | Open season, area and possession rules. |
| Graball Net, Mullet Net or Beach Seine Net | Recreational sea licence category. | Net type, marking, waters and method restrictions. |
| Set Line, including drop line or long line | Recreational sea licence category. | Gear, marking, water and method restrictions. |
Current sea licence fee snapshot
| 2025-26 sea licence item | Published amount |
|---|---|
| First standard sea licence type | AUD 66.85 |
| First concession sea licence type | AUD 38.20 |
| Each additional licence type | AUD 9.55 |
Fishing Tasmania lists no short-term recreational sea licence products. Health Care Card holders are not eligible for the listed sea concession row, so confirm the current concession wording before relying on a discount.
Where to apply or renew
Use Fishing Tasmania's sea licence page and Service Tasmania's apply, renew or vary service before paying. Do not use the inland IFS licence checkout for sea lobster, abalone, scallop, net or set-line activities.
Species and gear checks
| If you are checking... | Open this before fishing |
|---|---|
| Rock lobster licence | Fishing Tasmania sea licence page, rock lobster species guidance and gear rules. |
| Abalone licence | Fishing Tasmania sea licence page, abalone species guidance and area restrictions. |
| Scallop licence | Sea licence page plus current open-season and area guidance. |
| Nets or set lines | Sea licence page plus gear rules for the exact method and water. |
| Ordinary sea rod-and-line fishing | Area restrictions, size and bag rules, and species pages before keeping catch. |
Area and boundary checks
Marine fishing can still have seasons, closures, gear marking rules and area restrictions. If you are near an estuary, river mouth, reserve or seaward-limit boundary, use the official IFS seaward limit and Fishing Tasmania area restrictions instead of drawing your own legal boundary from a general map.
Keep in mind
For Tasmania sea fishing, ordinary rod-and-line marine fishing is usually the no-licence case. Rock lobster, abalone, scallop, nets and set lines are different: choose the official sea licence category, then check species, gear, season and area rules before fishing.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a licence for saltwater fishing in Tasmania?
Ordinary recreational sea fishing with rod and line in marine waters usually does not need a sea fishing licence. Separate licences apply for Rock Lobster Pot, Ring or Dive, Abalone, Scallop, Graball Net, Mullet Net, Beach Seine Net and Set Line activities.
How much is a Tasmania sea fishing licence?
For the 2025-26 sea licence year, Fishing Tasmania lists the first standard licence type at $66.85, the first concession type at $38.20 and each additional licence type at $9.55. Confirm the live official Fishing Tasmania page before paying.
Are there short-term Tasmania sea licences?
Fishing Tasmania lists no short-term recreational sea licence products. The 2025-26 sea licence year runs from 1 November 2025 to 31 October 2026.
Does a Tasmania inland angling licence cover sea lobster or abalone?
No. Inland angling licences and Tasmania sea licence categories are separate official pathways.