FAQs

No. Any recreational fishing that requires a licence is to be obtained from the Department of Transport WA.

Recfishwest is a not-for-profit community based organisation that strives to ensure high quality fishing experiences are maintained and enjoyed, as an integral part of the WA lifestyle. We are the peak body of recreational fishing and represent more than 750,000 recreational fishers in the State.

OUR PURPOSE is to ensure great fishing experiences for all in the WA community, forever.
OUR COMMITMENT is to protect, promote and develop sustainable, accessible, enjoyable and safe fishing for the benefit of the community.

The Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (formerly the Department of Fisheries) is primary responsibility is to conserve, develop and manage the fish and aquatic resources of Western Australia to ensure there are ‘fish for the future’. They do this through managing and licensing commercial and recreational fishing activities and protecting the aquatic environment and ecosystems on which fish depend.

WA’s Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (formerly the Department of Fisheries) gazettes recreational fishing rules, that in consultation with Recfishwest are made to best manage the State’s fisheries. Recfishwest delivers independent advice on fisheries management issues to government that help shape recreational fishing rules.

You can now access WA’s fishing rules via the Recfishwest smartphone App. Free to download, works out of phone and internet range, contains all fishing rules including bag and size limits. It also has an easy three-step fish identification tool. There is also a feature where you can log and keep your fishing licences in the App, and you can log your safety equipment like lifejacket service and flares expiry dates etc, which then notifies you when these are due so you’ll never forget to update your gear and never be caught out at the boat ramp. Download it on Apple Itunes here or Google Play store here.

At Recfishwest, we believe there’s no time like now to make a positive impact and take responsibility for our valuable aquatic areas. If we don’t have a healthy environment, we won’t have fish – simple! We partner with local catchment and conservation groups, and work toward improving environmental practices associated with recreational fishing.

This involves everything from providing fishing line disposal bins, to clean-up days, to education and awareness campaigns, and information materials for recreational fishers. We have provided funding to groups such as the WA Trout and Freshwater Angling Association for the rehabilitation of eroded streams and the removal of invasive weeds. We also encourage innovation in habitat restoration and enhancement through the Recreational Fishing Initiatives Fund. At Recfishwest, we believe all recreational fishers play an important stewardship role for their aquatic environment.

To receive a Recfishwest t-shirt, all you have to do is sign up to become a financial member. But not only do you get a limited edition Recfishwest t-shirt, you also receive a Limited Edition Recfishwest Halco Laser Pro lure, members only weekly Fishing Report and our monthly Broadcast e-newsletter. Plus you get the right to vote at our AGM. Visit our Membership page to find out more.

This is something we can help you with! Our other website www.ilovefishing.com.au has a whole heap of fishing tips and techniques, along with some great locations to wet a line, for both novice and pro fishers. Our job is to make your fishing experiences better and we hope our website brings you one step closer to landing your first WA fish.

It’s FREE to join Recfishwest to receive both of these services. The monthly e-newsletter – Broadcast – features the latest WA fishing news, while the Fishing Reports are sent to your personal email each Friday. These Fishing Reports are a members-only service sent on Fridays to help keep you ahead of the game for the upcoming weekend! Click here to join us!