Bag and Size Limits for Saltwater Fish in NSW

[AFO]

** This thread discusses the content article: Bag and Size Limits for Saltwater Fish in NSW **

All competitors in the 2010 State of Origin fishing competition should be aware of the New South Wales fishing rules for recreation fishing. The size and bag limits for the competition target species are listed below. For further information please read the comprehensive fishing guide from NSW DPI (Industry and Investment)

Fin fish

The following information is current at time of printing but some bag and size limits may change over time. It is the responsibility of fishers to ensure they are acting within the law at all times. A maximum daily bag limit of 20 applies to any species not listed in the guide.

Explanation of terms

Bag limit: The maximum number of fish or invertebrates per person in possession. Figure plus asterix (*) denotes limit comprised of any single species or a combination of listed grouped species.

Legal length: The minimum length of a fish unless otherwise stated. A fish which does not reach this minimum length must be immediately returned to the water (see Responsible Fishing section pages 18-22 of the guide for more information). Some species have maximum length restrictions to protect larger breeding females. See page 55 for how to measure fish.

Possession limit: The maximum number of fish a person is allowed to have in their possession at any one time. For all saltwater species the daily bag limit is also the possession limit. Retained fish: All retained fish should be dispatched swiftly and humanely.

Mulloway (Jewfish)

Legal length: 45cm. Only 2 over 70cm.

Bag limit: 5.

Habitat: Rivers/estuary systems, beaches, rocky headlands, inshore reefs.

Good baits: Live Squid, Beach Worms, Mullet, baitfish and oily fish such as Tuna.

Flathead

Legal length: Dusky (Common) Flathead 36cm, only 1 over 70cm. Bluespotted and Tiger Flathead 33cm.

Bag limit: Dusky (Common) Flathead 10. All other Flathead species 20 in total*.

Habitat: Coastal rivers, estuaries, lakes, inlets, beaches and offshore areas.

Good baits: Baitfish (live Poddy Mullet are a great bait), crustaceans, Marine Worms and fish strips. A common catch on diving lures, flies and soft plastics.

Bream & Tarwhine

Legal length: Black, Yellowfin Bream 25cm. Tarwhine 20cm.

Bag limit: 20 in total*.

Habitat: Black or Southern Bream: Creeks and estuary systems, especially in the southern half of NSW. Will tolerate brackish or even fresh water. Yellowfin or Silver Bream: Rivers, estuaries, beaches, rocky headlands, inshore reefs. Tarwhine: Favours estuaries, rocky reefs and beaches. Often found with Yellowfin Bream.

Good baits: Crustaceans, molluscs, Marine Worms, small baitfish. Live Prawns are a great bait for Bream. Will also respond to small minnow lures and soft plastics.

Tailor

Legal length: 30cm.

Bag limit: 20.

Habitat: Beaches, rocky headlands, estuaries, inshore reefs.

Good baits: Small baitfish such as Pilchards and Whitebait or oily fish such as Tuna. Responds aggressively to metal lures and diving minnows.

[Angus]

Remember to photograph everything guys as per the photo entry rules and format.

There is always one person who doesnt do this and realizes later they could have taken out a placing

Angus

[Dusky]

I will have a number of DPI fisheries rules and regulation pamphlets to be given out upon registration guys.

Plus the sticky rulers aswell, with all the size and bag limits.

Cheers

[Joel Eadie]

just wondering, if you have a baby on your boat can you say that some of the fish is thiers? eg. you and baby 4 jew? and with crap pots could you have 8?

[AFO]

Just remember that these regulations only apply if you plan on keeping a fish. The entry format requires only a photo submission so undersize and oversize fish are allowed, we just don't want any competitors unknowingly keep a fish for a feed that is not the correct size or bag limit for NSW regulations.