The maximum penalty for the use and possession of illegal fishing gear such as drag nets and cast nets is $22,000 and/or imprisonment for six months. 

The maximum penalty for the use of set lines range from $5500 to $11,000.

Officers in north western NSW have again detected multiple offences of non-compliance during the winter school holidays. 

Penalty notices totalling more than $11,000 have been issued.

Many people took the opportunity to take a holiday in the region, but failed to follow the rules when fishing said Department of Primary Industries (DPI) acting director fisheries compliance, Tony Andrews.

“A number of people were apprehended for illegal fishing activity in the north west of the state, including along the Macintyre, Barwon, Gwydir and Namoi Rivers,” Mr Andrews said.

 “Recreational anglers need to remember that use of illegal fishing gear, such as set lines, cast nets and drag nets, is not permitted in NSW inland waterways.

Mr Andrews said a number of other people were apprehended for the illegal possession and use of prohibited fishing gear, known to pose a significant threat to native fish populations and other protected fauna in river systems. 

A maximum of two attended fishing lines are permitted in inland waters, which must be within 50 metres of each other and in line of sight of the person using them.

“Fisheries officers patrol inland waterways regularly, and a simple fishing trip may turn into an expensive one if recreational fishers choose not to follow the rules,” Mr Andrews said.

Seven men from northern NSW and southern Queensland were among some of those who did not follow the rules. When they were apprehended on the Barwon River near Collarenebri they were using and in possession of a total of 77 set lines and 29 Golden perch. 

The majority of the fish were taken illegally using the set lines, nine of which were below the minimum size of 30cm. They were issued penalty notices totalling $5900.

A man from Goondiwindi, QLD, camping on the Macintyre River in NSW was apprehended and found to be in possession of one cast net and a 15 metre long drag net, both illegal in NSW. 

He also had 13 rigged fishing lines. The illegal fishing gear was seized and the man was issued penalty notices totalling $1000.

Two men from Pittsworth, QLD were camping in NSW on the Macintyre River. Both men had not paid the NSW recreational fishing fee, and were found to be illegally using 20 set lines. 

They were also in possession of two Murray cod illegally taken using the set lines. The set lines and fish were seized and both men were issued penalty notices $800.

Anglers can purchase a NSW recreational fishing licence fee, and download a copy of the NSW Recreational Freshwater Fishing Guide online at www.fisheries.nsw.gov.au.

Anyone with any information about suspected illegal fishing should contact the 24/7 automated Fishers Watch hotline on 1800 043 536.