Is Drone Fishing Legal in NSW?
As in every state, two rulebooks apply in New South Wales: CASA for flying the drone, and NSW fisheries rules for the fishing itself. NSW also has some notable location restrictions worth knowing about.
General information, not legal advice
Confirm the current rules with the linked sources before you fly or fish — especially in and around national parks, where drone use is often restricted.
1. Flying the drone — CASA rules
The CASA standard operating conditions apply Australia-wide: visual line of sight, daylight, under the height limit, clear of people, and clear of aerodromes and controlled airspace. Registration and accreditation depend on your drone’s weight and how you fly.
Check the current CASA detail at the link below — those numbers and thresholds are the authoritative word.
2. Using it to fish — NSW rules
NSW recreational fishing rules — bag and size limits, closed waters, the recreational fishing fee, and gear rules — apply to drone-assisted fishing just as they do to casting. A particular NSW watch-out: drone use is restricted or prohibited in many NSW national parks and some reserves, which can affect launch and recovery from certain beaches.
Confirm before you fly. Check NSW DPI for the fishing rules, and the relevant land manager (e.g. NSW National Parks) for any drone restriction at your specific spot.
Common questions
Can I fly a fishing drone in a NSW national park?
Often no — drone use is restricted or prohibited in many NSW national parks without a permit. Since some surf beaches sit within or beside national parks, always check the specific park's rules before launching.
Do NSW fishing rules apply to drone fishing?
Yes. Bag limits, size limits, closed waters and the NSW recreational fishing fee all apply to fish caught with drone-delivered baits. Check NSW DPI for current rules.