Fishing in NSW requires a recreational fishing license to be carried at all times (or a receipt showing payment). This includes freshwater and saltwater, and when spear fishing, hand lining, hand gathering, trapping, bait collecting, and prawn netting.
The license fees are spent on improving recreational fishing in NSW. You don’t have to be actively fishing, a license is required when in possession of fishing gear while on or near waters for fishing.
There are some exceptions from having a NSW recreational fishing license, such as those under the age of 18 and holders of pensioner concession cards (not senior cards). It is best to check the NSW Department of Primary Industries for details on exceptions.
https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-recreational-fishing-licence
