New fishing licences in Vic

Recreational anglers who buy a one-year or three-year Victorian fishing licence will receive a plastic licence in the mail under new arrangements that will commence on November 1.

However, the long-awaited plastic licences – which will replace the current paper items – will only be available to those fishos who order them online.

Licence retailers, including bait and tackle shops, will still sell one-year and three-year fishing licences, and the shorter two-day and 28-day options, however all four formats will remain paper-based when bought over the counter.

Minister for Agriculture Jaala Pulford said the new plastic format for longer-term licences will be more durable and reduce the need for anglers to replace water damaged, or worn, paper licences.

The new online option provides anglers with a choice about their preferred licence format and should reduce the burden on retailers, especially during peak summer holiday periods.

Plastic licences will arrive in the mail within seven days of purchase and an emailed equivalent will provide immediate coverage so anglers can fish immediately.

The minister said that round 40 per cent of Victorian recreational fishing licences are purchased online, with the increasing use of smartphones making it a convenient option for many anglers.

"The new plastic fishing licence offers keen anglers the choice of buying a more durable format that will better cope with moisture-prone environments such as tackle boxes and aboard vessels," said Ms Pulford.