A State-by-State Guide
Drone fishing is legal in Australia for most recreational anglers, but there are rules to follow, and they're pretty simple once you understand them.
Understanding Drone Fishing Laws in Australia
CASA Aviation Rules for Recreational Fishing
CASA regulates all aircraft in Australian airspace, including drones. A fishing drone flying off the beach is technically an aircraft, so CASA rules apply.
The good news is that for recreational use, the rules should be simple and accessible. CASA publishes them directly on their website as the "drone safety rules," and recreational anglers flying a drone like the Aeroo Pro don't need any licence or accreditation.
Here are the rules that apply to you:
Fly up to 120 meters (400 feet)
Stay within this altitude to enjoy a great view while remaining in approved airspace.
In practice, drone fishing is almost always done well below this height. Most bait drops happen at roughly 20–30 metres above the water, making this one of the easiest rules to comply with.
Maintain a safe distance from people.
Keep at least 30 meters away from others and enjoy open spaces away from crowds and populated areas.
Keep your drone in sight.
You must always be able to see your drone with your own eyes while flying. Watching the drone feed on a screen does not count as a visual line of sight under CASA rules.
A Note on Long-Range Drone Fishing
The Aeroo Pro can fly significantly farther than recreational CASA visual line-of-sight rules allow. While the drone may technically support a 10km transmission range under ideal conditions, CASA's visual line-of-sight requirement still applies.
Fly during daylight in good weather.
Daylight hours and clear conditions are ideal for safe and stable flights.
Choose open areas for flying.
Beaches, parks, stadiums, and public events are best enjoyed from the ground while you fly in open spaces.
Be mindful around airports.
Drones over 250g (like the Aeroo Pro) should be flown more than 5.5 km from controlled airports. Near helipads or non-controlled aerodromes, always give way to manned aircraft.
Support emergency services
If emergency services begin operating near your location, land your drone immediately.
State and Territory Fishing Regulations
Beyond CASA aviation law, standard recreational fishing rules still apply when you drone fish.
Drone fishing itself is generally legal across Australia. However, individual states and territories have slightly different recreational fishing regulations.
For the most current information, always check directly with your local fisheries authority before fishing.
Queensland (QLD)
Drone fishing is legal in Queensland and recognised by Queensland fisheries guidance.
What You Need to Know
- No recreational saltwater fishing licence required
- Drone bait deployment is permitted
- Green zones and marine park restrictions still apply
- SIP permits are required for some freshwater impoundments
Popular Drone Fishing Locations
- Fraser Coast
- Sunshine Coast
- Gold Coast
- Cape York
More Info: QLD Fishing Rules & Equipment & QLD Fishing 2.0 App
New South Wales (NSW)
Drone fishing is legal under standard recreational fishing rules.
What You Need to Know
- Recreational fishing licence required
- Standard bag and size limits apply
- Some national parks and reserves restrict drones
- Marine park zoning applies
Popular Drone Fishing Locations
- Stockton Beach
- South Coast NSW
- Mid North Coast
- Far North Coast
More Info: NSW DPI Recreational Fishing & NSW Fishing Licence
Western Australia (WA)
Drone fishing is legal and extremely popular along the WA coastline.
What You Need to Know
- No licence required for general saltwater fishing
- Marine sanctuary zones prohibit fishing
- Additional licences are required for some fishing activities
Popular Drone Fishing Locations
- Exmouth
- Perth northern beaches
- Geraldton
- Esperance
More Info: DPIRD Recreational Fishing WA
Victoria (VIC)
Drone fishing is legal under standard recreational fishing laws.
What You Need to Know
- Recreational Fishing Licence required
- Marine sanctuary rules apply
- Check local bay restrictions before fishing
Popular Drone Fishing Locations
- Ninety Mile Beach
- Port Phillip Bay
- Western Port Bay
More Info: Victorian Fisheries Authority
South Australia (SA)
Drone fishing is legal under standard recreational fishing rules.
What You Need to Know
- No recreational fishing licence required
- Marine park sanctuary zones prohibit fishing
- Bag and size limits apply
Popular Drone Fishing Locations
- Yorke Peninsula
- Port Lincoln
- Eyre Peninsula
More Info: PIRSA Recreational Fishing
Tasmania (TAS)
Drone fishing is legal under standard recreational fishing rules.
What You Need to Know
- No licence required for marine fishing
- Inland fishing licences required
- Reserve restrictions apply in some coastal areas
Popular Drone Fishing Locations
- East Coast Tasmania
- Bay of Fires
- Bruny Island
More Info: Fishing Tasmania
Northern Territory (NT)
Drone fishing is legal under standard recreational fishing laws.
What You Need to Know
- No recreational fishing licence required
- Area closures and protected zones apply
- Check national park and Indigenous land restrictions
Popular Drone Fishing Locations
- Darwin coastline
- Arnhem Land coastline
- Dundee Beach
More Info: NT Fisheries
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Drone fishing is legal under inland recreational fishing rules.
What You Need to Know
- A recreational fishing licence is required for ACT inland waters
- Standard bag and size limits apply
- Most fishing in the ACT is freshwater-based, so inland fishing regulations are the main rules to follow.
- Drone use may be restricted in some nature reserves and protected areas.
Popular Drone Fishing Locations
- Lake Burley Griffin
- Googong Dam
- Lake Ginninderra
- Murrumbidgee River surrounds
More Info: ACT Recreational Fishing
Tips for Staying Legal Every Session
Check Where You Fly
Before every session, use a CASA-verified drone safety app to check for restricted or no-fly zones. Recommended apps include:
- OpenSky
- AirMap
- Drone Assist
These apps will show you any restricted or no-fly zones, keeping things simple and easy for users. Check CASA's list of approved drone safety apps.
Quick Pre-Flight Checklist
Before taking off, make sure you:
- Check local fishing and marine park rules
- Keep the drone within visual line of sight
- Stay at least 30m away from other beach users
- Avoid flying over swimmers, surfers, or crowded beaches
- Land immediately if another aircraft approaches
- Finish flying before sunset
Why Fly Responsibly?
Following CASA's guidelines keeps you compliant and helps protect the safety of everyone around you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Drone Fishing in Australia
Is drone fishing legal in Australia?
Yes, drone fishing is legal in Australia. It is permitted in all states and territories for recreational anglers, provided you follow CASA aviation rules and your local state or territory fishing regulations. There are no nationwide laws that specifically prohibit drone fishing.
Do I need a drone licence to go drone fishing in Australia?
No. Recreational drone fishing does not require a CASA licence, Remote Pilot Licence (RePL), or any formal accreditation. You need to follow CASA's standard recreational drone safety rules, which apply to all hobbyist drone users.
Do I need a fishing licence to drone fish in Australia?
It depends on your state. A recreational fishing licence is required in NSW, Victoria, and the ACT. Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia, the Northern Territory, and Tasmania do not require a saltwater fishing licence, though Tasmania requires one for inland fishing. No CASA drone licence or accreditation is required for recreational drone fishing.
Can I drone fish in a marine park?
Not in all zones. Marine park sanctuary zones and green zones prohibit fishing entirely, regardless of the method used. Always check the specific zoning rules for your location before fishing in or near a marine park. Please note this applies in all states with marine protected areas, including Queensland, NSW, Victoria, Western Australia, and South Australia.
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