If you love fishing in the sun, with warm weather the norm, not the exception, then Queensland, Australia has you covered with some of the best weather and best recreational fishing in the world. With thousands of kilometers of coastline to explore, including beaches, rivers, bays, estuaries, and mud flats, there’s truly something for everyone in this beautiful state.
But before you start fishing, you’ll need a fishing license, and you’ll need to know where to buy a Queensland fishing license, how much they cost, and much more. Don’t worry, though, because we’ve got you covered.
In the following guide to Queensland fishing licenses, we’ll cover:
Barometric pressure plays a significant role in fish behavior, and in the Best Barometric Pressure for Fishing: Ultimate Guide, we cover everything you need to know about understanding barometric pressure, weather, and its impact on fish behavior.
The premium Fishing Forecasting App, Fishbox App, allows you to track weather, tide, and atmospheric conditions to accurately predict the best times to go fishing in Queensland, Australia, which will significantly increase your chances of catching fish in this beautiful state. It even has helpful information about local hotspots and secret fishing locations contributed by users so you can get a head start on your next Queensland fishing adventure.
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Types of Fishing Licenses
Unlike many other states in Australia, recreational anglers in Queensland, Australia, aren’t required to purchase or obtain a recreational fishing license unless they plan on fishing in one of the state’s Stocked Impoundments. If you fancy chasing one of the stocked fish in a dam, you’ll need to purchase a special Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme permit.
The Stocked Impoundments are stocked by the Queensland Fisheries Department with native fish specifically for the purpose of recreational fishing. It’s an important program that provides excellent fishing opportunities to recreational anglers while reducing the pressure on native fish stocks.
You can learn more about SIPS Permits here.
If you’re chasing freshwater fish in any other river or stream or saltwater fishing on any of the bays, estuaries, beaches, or mangrove areas, you don’t need to purchase a recreational fishing license.
There are two main types of SIPS Permits, which include:
- Weekly SIPS Permit;
- Annual SIPS Permit.
If you have a Queensland Government Seniors Card, Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, or Repatriation Health Care Card (Gold Card), you can purchase the Annual SIPS Permit at a discounted rate.
Cost of Fishing Licenses
Recreational anglers in Queensland, Australia, are not required to purchase or obtain a recreational fishing license to fish in any saltwater locations and are only required to buy a permit if they plan on fishing in one of the state’s Stocked Impoundments. If you want to fish in a stocked dam, you must purchase a special Stocked Impoundment Permit Scheme permit.
The Stocked Impoundments are stocked by the Queensland Fisheries Department with native fish specifically for the purpose of recreational fishing. There are two main types of SIPS Permits, which include:
- Weekly SIPS Permit – $12.72;
- Annual SIPS Permit – $60.42.
If you have a Queensland Government Seniors Card, Pensioner Concession Card, Health Care Card, or Repatriation Health Care Card (Gold Card), you can purchase the Annual SIPS Permit at a discounted rate of $43.46 annually.
You can learn more about SIPS Permits here.
Age Requirements for Fishing License
As we mentioned above, anglers in Queensland aren’t required to purchase a fishing license to fish anywhere in the state except for the Stocked Impoundments locations, which are stocked by the state government of Queensland with native fish for the purpose of recreational angling.
There are no age restrictions on these SIPS permits, but there are discounts available for seniors and concession card holders when they purchase an annual permit.
Where to Obtain a Fishing License
If you’re interested in fishing in Stocked Impoundment and want to buy a SIPS Permit, you have several convenient options, including:
- Online – You can purchase a SIPS Permit online via the online portal here.
- Phone – You can purchase an SIPS Permit by phone at 1300 575 359.
- In-Person – You can purchase a SIPS Permit in person at any Queensland Aus Post office location and selected NSW Aus Post location, including Ashford LPO, Casino Post Shop, Casino West LPO, Inverell Post Shop, Moree Post Shop, Yetman LPO, Boggabilla LPO, Kyogle LPO, and Tenterfield LPO.
Complete Guide to Queensland, Australia Fishing Licences | Conclusion
Now that you know everything there is to know about Queensland, Australia fishing licenses, including what type of license you need, how much they cost, and where to buy one, you’ll be ready to get out on the water and take advantage of some of the world’s finest saltwater fishing.
A portion of the money raised through fees and funds from fishing licenses purchased in Queensland, Australia, will go directly to fishery management. That’s why purchasing a fishing license, following season, size, and bag limits is essential for the ongoing health and well-being of the Queensland fishery.
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Answer a quick quiz and get your own personalized fishing map
The Fishbox App allows anglers to accurately track weather conditions and predict the best time to go fishing. Fishbox App utilizes in-depth analysis of weather patterns, fish behavior, and tidal and lunar conditions to predict the best times to go angling and when you’re better off relaxing at home.
If you have any questions about Queensland fishing licenses or the fantastic fishing opportunities available in Queensland, please don’t hesitate to drop a comment below, and if you found it helpful, give it a share.