 | Applying or renewing online takes about 5 minutes. |
Key info
- You can apply for a whitebait licence online at Inland Fisheries Service.
- You must have a licence to go whitebait fishing, and be 10 years or over.
- Whitebait recreational fishing needs its own licence, you cannot use other fishing licences.
- You cannot renew a whitebait licence, you must apply again.
| Get started | button_link | Please visit the Inland Fisheries Service to apply for a whitebait licence |  |
About applying for a whitebait licence
You can apply for a whitebait licence from 1 July until 11 November each year (the whitebait fishing season is from 1 October until 11 November each year).
How to apply
| Online | Service Centre | Phone |
|---|---|---|
| Inland Fisheries Service | Find your nearest Service Centre | (03) 6165 3808 |
What you need to apply
If you want to apply for your licence online you must:
- provide your contact details
- pay a fee.
If you visit a service centre you must:
- complete an application form (only available at service centres)
- pay a fee.
Can I apply?
If you are 10 years or older you can apply for a whitebait licence.
Proving your identity
You do not need to prove your identity.
How much it costs
| Licence type | Cost |
|---|---|
48 hours - one person one rod | $28.50 |
48 hours - one person 2 rod | $38 |
7 days - one person one rod | $47.50 |
7 days - one person 2 rod | $57.00 |
28 days - one person one rod | $74 |
28 days - one person 2 rod | $83.50 |
One season licence - one junior (14-17 years) one rod | No fee |
One season licence - one junior (14-17 years) 2 rod | No fee |
One season licence - one young adult (18-21 years) one rod | $51.50 |
One season licence - one young adult (18-21 years) 2 rod | $61 |
One season licence - one adult one rod | $93.50 |
One season licence - one adult 2 rod | $112.50 |
One season licence - one pensioner one rod | $51.50 |
One season licence - one pensioner 2 rod | $61 |
One season licence - one senior one rod | $74 |
One season licence - one senior 2 rod | $83.50 |
5 season licence - one pensioner one rod | $257.50 |
5 season licence - one pensioner 2 rod | $305 |
5 season licence - one senior one rod | $372 |
5 season licence - one senior 2 rod | $419 |
5 season licence - one adult one rod | $467.50 |
5 season licence - one adult 2 rod | $563 |
Same person 2nd rod (pensioner or senior) | $9.50 |
Same person 2nd rod (adult) | $19 |
Same person 2nd rod (young adult) | $9.50 |
Same person 2nd rod (short-term) | $9.50 |
Same person 2nd rod (junior) | No fee |
Replacement | $3.50 |
Whitebait | $38 |
Fees and charges last updated 1 July, 2025.
Payment options
| Online |   |
|---|---|
| Service Centre |    |
More Information
Aboriginal fishers do need a fishing licence if fishing for trout or salmon and must comply with all fisheries rules, including:
- bag and possession limits
- size restrictions, and
- seasons
Please visit the Inland Fisheries Service for more information on applying for a whitebait licence.