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The Global Insight

Can you fish in the sea without a licence?

Author

John Hall

Updated on March 21, 2026

The short answer to this question is no – sea fishing does not require a licence. Anglers fishing inland up rivers do not need licences either if they are using sea fishing tackle to target sea fish species within tidal waters (i.e. there is movement of water level with the incoming and outgoing tide).

Do I need a licence to sea fish in Portugal?

A licence (licença) is needed to fish in Portugal. Children under the age of 14 are exempt if accompanied by a parent who holds a valid licence. If the license was ordered by email, you will have proof of payment of the required recreational fishing license in pdf format.

Do I need a licence to fish in Tasmania?

Any person over the age of 14 must have a current angling licence to fish with a rod, reel or line at any inland water in Tasmania. This includes farm dams on private property. Most inland waters have an open season. You must have a separate licence for whitebait fishing.

How do I get a fishing license in Newfoundland?

Inland fishery licences are issued by the Department of Fisheries, Forestry and Agriculture, Resource Enforcement Division. Licences may be obtained from commercial vendors, such as sporting good shops, service stations, and other areas throughout the province, or from the Provincial Government Service Centres.

Do you need Licence for beach fishing?

Anglers who are fishing from the shore into the sea will not require a fishing license, however, it is still worth checking with other local anglers just in case. If you are fishing saltwater stretches of the inland river close to the river mouth then there is a chance you may require a fishing license.

What is the best bait for sea fishing?

The preferred bait for Sea bass would be something like a full peeler crab, sand eel or a head hooked ragworm, these are the most popular baits. Other baits which have also been used are full squid, cuttlefish and mackerel fillets.

Does Portugal have good fishing?

This country is one of the best fishing locations in Europe, especially if Billfishing is your passion. The country has access to both the Mediterranean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean, and the warm Gulf Stream comes close to the shore in the summer months.

What do they fish in Portugal?

It is among the countries in the world with the highest fish consumption per capita. Species like the sardine, Atlantic mackerel, tuna, and the European hake are important for the Portuguese commercial capture fisheries. Other, widely used species in Portuguese cuisine is the cod, known in Portugal as bacalhau.

Where are the fish biting in Tasmania?

Top 5 fishing spots in Tasmania

  1. St. Helens.
  2. Tyenna River. A tributary of the famous Derwent River, the Tyenna River is a freshwater stream that boasts one of the highest concentrations of fish on the island.
  3. Tasman Peninsula, Pirates Bay and Pedra Branca.
  4. Arthurs Lake.
  5. Four Springs Lake.

Where can I trout fish in Tasmania?

Tassie’s top fly fishing spots

  • South Esk River. South Esk System – This catchment area has great trout / fly fishing along its length and was one of the rivers chosen for the 2012 Commonwealth championships.
  • Penstock Lagoon.
  • Little Pine Lagoon.
  • Great Lake.
  • Arthurs Lake.
  • Brumbys Creek.
  • Western lakes.
  • Huon River System.

Do you need a fishing license to fish in the North Sea?

For most of the waters both, a valid fishing rod licence (Fischereischein) and a fishing permit are required to fish in a particular fishery. The only exception is the coast of the North sea from Niedersachsen, where you don´t need a fishing rod licence or a permit at all.

How do I apply for a fishing licence?

a valid credit card for the licence fee. Check the eligibility requirements. Select the ‘Apply online’ button. Select ‘Start’. Complete the online application form. Enter your payment details. Read and confirm the declaration.

How much does a sea fishing licence cost?

More information. Standard Licence: $56.70 – first licence (base fee of $48.60 plus $8.10 for first licence). Each additional licence type – $8.10 . Concession Licence: Commonwealth Pension, DVA Concession, Government Seniors card holders and persons under 16. Health Care Card holders are not eligible.

When do new fishing licences come into effect?

The RFL is GST exempt. New fees come into effect from 1 July every year. You can pre-purchase your RFL up to 3 months ahead. Fisheries Officers will accept the following as proof of licence: Hand-written licence issued by an authorised agent. You can buy a digital RFL through Service Victoria.