Bait net fishery and licences

You must have a commercial licence to net fish for bait in the Northern Territory (NT).

Licences

The fishery is restricted to two licences which are both allocated.

Licences cannot be sold, bought or leased.

Go to commercial fishing licences for more information. 

Fishing area

Commercial fishing for bait is allowed from the high water mark to three nautical miles seaward of the low water mark but does not include Darwin Harbour and Shoal Bay.

Fishing method

Commercial fishers can use a bait net, cast net or scoop net.

Catch

Commercial fishers are allowed to take all fish for use as bait except barramundi, threadfin salmon, Spanish mackerel or mud crab.