How to Choose a Fishing Charter in Hobart
Planning a fishing charter in Hobart, Tasmania? This guide covers the essentials — prices, licensing, what's included and how to choose between a shared trip and a private charter — using Diver's Fishing Charters' actual trips as examples.
How much does a fishing charter cost in Hobart?
Shared trips are the most affordable way to get on the water. A 3-hour sightseeing and fishing cruise starts from $198 per adult, while the half-day Hook, Dive & Grill trip — which adds diving and a wagyu beef and seafood BBQ — starts from $299 per adult. Children under 6 join shared trips for free, and ages 6 to 11 are half price.
Private charters start from $800 for your own group, with a fully customised itinerary. All shared trips board at Margate Marina, 40 Marina Dr, Barretta TAS 7054, where free parking is available.
Do you need a fishing licence in Tasmania?
No licence is required for recreational sea fishing in Tasmania. The one exception: if you plan to dive for lobster or abalone, you need a recreational fishing licence (around $80), available from Tasmania Fisheries' website.
Shared trip or private charter: which should you choose?
Choose a shared trip if you want an affordable, relaxed experience. Shared trips focus on inshore bottom fishing in calm waters and are ideal for beginners, seniors and children — all fishing gear is provided, and a skipper and deckhand are on board to help.
Choose a private charter if you want full control: offshore and big-game fishing, a free dive guide, use of the boat's kitchen (BYO with no surcharge), and the option to arrange custom pick-up, for example from Bruny Island.
What's included in the price?
Every trip includes a skipper and one deckhand, bottled water, hot tea, soft drinks, all fishing gear, diving cylinders and weights. The 3-hour cruise includes a fruit platter; half-day shared trips and private charters include a free premium meal with wagyu beef and seafood BBQ. You keep what you catch — note that fish cleaning isn't offered due to tight schedules, but the crew can recommend local restaurants that will cook your catch.
What happens if the weather turns bad?
If your trip is cancelled due to bad weather, you can choose a full refund or reschedule. For shared trips, you can also change plans more than 48 hours in advance for a full refund or reschedule; private charters cancelled more than 7 days out receive a full deposit refund.
Common questions
How much does a fishing charter cost in Hobart?
Shared trips start from $198 per adult (3-hour cruise) or $299 (half-day Hook, Dive & Grill). Private charters start from $800. Children under 6 are free on shared trips; ages 6 to 11 are half price.
Do I need a fishing licence in Tasmania?
No licence is needed for sea fishing. Diving for lobster or abalone requires a recreational fishing licence (around $80) from Tasmania Fisheries.
Where do fishing charters depart from in Hobart?
Shared trips board at Margate Marina, 40 Marina Dr, Barretta TAS 7054, with free parking. Private charters can arrange custom pick-up (transfer fees may apply).
Can beginners and children join a fishing charter?
Yes. Shared trips mostly run in calm waters and suit beginners, seniors and children. All fishing gear is included, and the crew assists throughout.
