Are Bait Boats Legal in Australia? State by State Guide
Yes. Bait boats are allowed in every Australian state and territory, and that includes using one off a surf beach.
As far as the fishing rules are concerned, a bait boat is just another way of getting your line out, the same as casting it or paddling it out on a kayak. Your line stays attached to your rod, so the normal rod and line rules for your state apply. This guide sums up what each state says and links straight to the official rules so you can check them yourself.
Why Bait Boats Aren't Treated Like Drones
Fishing drones fly, so they come under the Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA). Drone anglers have to think about how high they fly, how close they get to people and where they're allowed to fly at all.
An RC bait boat never leaves the water. CASA's rules don't apply to it, so there's no drone registration and no flight rules to learn. You drive it out, drop your bait and bring it home.
What Each State's Rules Say
Here is how bait boats sit under each state's recreational fishing rules. Each link goes to the official government page.
| State | What the rules say | Official rules |
|---|---|---|
| Victoria | Bait boats aren't on the list of illegal fishing equipment. You can fish up to 4 lines in marine waters. | Victorian Fisheries Authority |
| New South Wales | Bait boats aren't on the list of prohibited methods. You can use up to 4 rods or lines in salt water. In fresh water, keep your lines within 50 metres and in sight. | NSW DPIRD saltwater and freshwater |
| Queensland | The rules say you can use a drone to deploy fishing gear, and a bait boat does the same job from the water. You can use up to 3 lines. Stay with your lines. | Queensland Government |
| Western Australia | Standard rod and line rules apply. Shore-based anglers can use up to 2 lines, and they must be attended. | WA DPIRD fishing guide (PDF) |
| South Australia | Standard rod and line rules apply. | PIRSA |
| Tasmania | Standard rod and line rules apply. | Fishing Tasmania |
| Northern Territory | Standard rod and line rules apply. | NT Government |
Rules change from time to time, so check the official page for your state before you head out.
Where You Can't Use One
The only places you can't use a bait boat are places where you can't fish at all, whatever method you use.
- Marine park sanctuary zones. These are no-take areas where all fishing is banned. Victoria's marine national parks and sanctuaries are one example. If you fish near a marine park, check the zoning first.
- Among swimmers. At a patrolled beach, launch well away from the red and yellow flags and anyone in the water.
Staying on the Right Side of the Rules
- Stay with your rod while the boat is out and while your bait is in the water.
- Count each line the boat carries out toward your state's line limit, the same as a line you cast.
- Follow the usual size limits, bag limits and closed seasons for whatever you catch.
New to bait boats? Read how a bait boat works, or see the bait boats built for surf fishing. Still choosing? Our guide to the best RC bait boat for surf fishing compares the options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Are bait boats legal in Australia?
Yes. Bait boats are allowed in every Australian state and territory. Your line stays attached to your rod, so the normal rod and line rules for your state apply.
Can I use a bait boat at the beach?
Yes. Bait boats are allowed on surf beaches in every state. Launch away from swimmers and surfers, and stay out of marine park sanctuary zones.
Do bait boats fall under CASA drone rules?
No. CASA's rules cover things that fly. A bait boat stays on the water, so there's no drone registration and no flight rules.
Does a bait boat count as one of my lines?
The boat itself doesn't. Each line it carries out is one of your lines, the same as a line you cast, so it counts toward your state's line limit.