November 14, 2025
Photo via Victorian Fisheries Authority
Recreational divers will be thrilled to make the most of Victoria’s fantastic diving opportunities this summer with the opening of the rock lobster and abalone recreational fishing seasons on Sunday 16 November 2025.
It’s also important for recreational fishers to ensure you’re aware of the fishing rules and regulations before you head out for a dive.
Rock Lobster
The annual recreational season for rock lobster opens on Sunday 16 November.
A daily bag limit of two applies for rock lobster, and females in berry (with eggs) and all soft-shell rock lobster must be returned to the water immediately with the least possible harm.
Rock lobster fishers are reminded that reporting your catch via the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s ‘GoFishVicRL’ app remains mandatory and to register your intent to fish via the app before you head out fishing. You can report your catch up to 7 days after you’ve caught a cray. Reporting your catch via the GoFishVicRL app helps fisheries managers ensure rock lobster stocks are in good shape for years to come and you can find out more about the Rock Lobster Reporting Program here.
For the rules and regulations, view the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s Rock Lobster webpage here.
The rock lobster season remains open until 31 May (inclusive) for female rock lobsters and 14 September (inclusive) for male rock lobsters.
Abalone
If divers are planning to collect abalone along Victoria’s coastline, it’s important to be aware of catch limits and open days that vary along the coast.
The recreational abalone fishing open days in central Victorian waters – between Arch Rock near Cape Liptrap in the east and Aire River west of Apollo Bay – and Port Phillip Bay are:
- every declared Public Holiday in Victoria between 16 November 2025 and 30 April 2026 (inclusive);
- every Saturday and Sunday between 16 November 2025 and 30 April 2026 (inclusive);
- 25 December 2025 through to the second Sunday in January 2026 (inclusive).
Abalone can still be taken year-round by recreational fishers west of Aire River and east of Arch Rock (near Cape Liptrap).
A daily bag limit of five for the more common blacklip abalone is in place across Victoria. There is also a statewide possession limit of 10 for abalone. The minimum legal size for abalone depends on where they’re taken from (see map below).
For the rules and regulations, view the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s Abalone webpage here.
Reduce the spread of aquatic diseases
If you’re planning to head out diving, it’s important to ‘check, clean, dry’ your diving equipment to reduce the risk of spreading aquatic diseases and marine pests. The steps you can take to reduce the risk of spreading aquatic diseases include:
- Check your dive gear after each use.
- Clean with fresh water and dry it before you go to a new location.
- Report unusual marine animals or plants after the dive.
Before heading out on the water, please take precautions to ensure you return home safely. This includes checking the forecast and swell before leaving home, assessing the conditions at your dive spot, always diving with someone else and informing friends and family of your plans including where you’ll be and when you plan to return home.
