The use of live bait in waters other than where they were collected can lead to the accidental release of undesirable fish species and/or the spread of disease. It is an offence to release live bait in a water other than where it was initially caught.

Berley
Berley must not be used to attract fish for any purposes other than as part of a fishing operation.
You must not use more than 10 litres of berley to assist in the taking of shark.

Mammal Blood or Offal
The use of mammal blood or offal in Victorian waters to attract any species of fish is prohibited. This does not apply to berley pellets which contain mammal blood or offal.

Bait Restrictions
Undersize Fish You must not use undersize fish as bait in Victorian waters.

Noxious Fish
You must not use live noxious fish (including goldfish) as bait in Victorian waters.

Trout and Salmon Ova
You must not use trout and/or salmon ova as bait or berley to take any species of fish in Victorian waters.

Frogs
Frogs' eggs, tadpoles as well as frogs, dead or alive, are protected wildlife under the Wildlife Act 1975 and must not be used as bait in Victorian waters.

Protected Fish
You must not use as bait, any fish protected under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988, unless an authorisation has been made under that Act.

Protected species, Fisheries Act 1995
Great white shark, seahorses, seadragons and pipefish are declared protected species under the Fisheries Act 1995. Taking or possession of these species is prohibited without a permit issued under the Act.