Live Bait and size limits

[devocean]

Whats the regulation for live bait. I like to use live whiting as bait as well as crabs when I go fishing for tuskies. Am I allowed undersized whiting and sandcrabs as bait?

[ba229]

I would say no.

Here is NSW we have 2 size limits for mullet for example.

under 15cm and over 30cm can be kept. so you can't keep a fish between 15-30cm

It is the same for tailor as a live bait. To use them legally they need to be over the legal limit of 30cm but many people use em under this size and know they are breaking the law.

[smerl]

No

[mini696]

Nope, must be legal size to take at anytime. Whether its crab or fish.

Mickk

[Leo_N.]

The last time I checked only the sand whiting (Sillago ciliata) and golden lined whiting (Sillago analis) were protected with a mimimum size limit in Queensland. These both have a distinct 'V' in the tail, but there is a common whiting that has a straight edge to the tail which I believe can be used for live bait.

[Dr_Dan]

Have the same problem when fshing the reef. Like to use hussar and stipies, but don't really want to use them when they are legal size. saying that (i'll probably cop a lot of flack for this), still don't hesitate to put one out as livie anyhow. Normally bringing them up from depth will bugger them up anyhow.

[Leo_N.]

Dan,
Fusiliers are not protected by size limits and are just as good. Take a bait jig with you next time you go reef fishing.

Cheers,
Leo

[agnes_jack]

Leo
Yeah mate, there is no size or bag limits on winter whiting.

Regards, Tony

[Big_Kev]

I always seem to catch em hooked through the nose on a big hook and big rod. So I don't even know I have them on the line until something big grabs it.

[ba229]

lol yeh have thought the same thing with the odd tailor i have caught.

but how do you go with a tank full of em with no holes in em?

[devocean]

Im with you Dr Dan and it never occurred to me about the hussars i use for bait to. However I know leo reckons there is no size limit on fusiliers but isnt there a 25cm limit on all reef fish? Live baiting is such a huge part of my fishing so I guess I am going to tak emy chances.

Devocean