Recfishwest Healthway Fishing Clinics

Fishing is a vital part of the WA lifestyle, enriching the lives of hundreds of thousands across the state. Recfishwest Healthway Fishing Clinics introduce kids and families to the joys of fishing, getting them outdoors, promoting safe and sustainable practices, and fostering a connection to the marine environment.

These clinics support healthier, happier lives through the mental, physical and social benefits fishing provides. From Esperance to Kununurra, our passionate instructors deliver fun, hands-on sessions that teach fishing basics, catch-and-release techniques, and positive life skills.

Now delivered in partnership with local community groups, clubs and tackle stores, our clinics are more accessible than ever.

Funded by Healthway

Proudly funded by Healthway, these clinics promote the SunSmart message through a long-running partnership. For over 20 years, they’ve served as a core avenue for delivering Healthway, Recfishwest, and SunSmart messages to the wider community.

Supported by Shimano

Our fishing clinics are supported by Shimano, one of the most trusted international fishing brands. Shimano also supports our smartphone app, weekly statewide fishing reports, and salmon fishing campaigns.

Check out the highlights from our Healthway Kids Fishing Clinic in Denham!

With more than 30 kids learning how to live healthier lives, catch top species, handle fish with care and release them back into the turquoise waters of Shark Bay. A big thanks to the Denham community for having us and making us feel so welcome!

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Fishing Clinic Structure

The basic structure of a Recfishwest Healthway Fishing Clinic combines the delivery of key knowledge and skills using fun group talks with demonstrations and hands-on fishing activities.

The briefing sessions before and after the actual fishing are designed to engage participants of all ages, and also aimed at informing and educating the supervising parents and guardians, so they may gain the confidence to take their children fishing into the future.

Our standard clinic structure involves three fundamental components;

1. Briefing session with key messages and some demonstration (15 mins)
2. Hands-on fishing activity at the selected location (60 mins)
3. Wrap-up chat, recapping key messages, and prize giveaways (15 mins)

Individual fishing clinics can be adapted around this basic structure so that we maximise participant experiences and enjoyment.

Sessions cater for a maximum of 30 participants for up to 90-minutes. If you’re interested in hosting a group clinic with Recfishwest, please fill out the application form below.

Upcoming Public Fishing Clinics

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm interested in joining a public fishing clinic, when and where are you running them? How do I register?

Check out our TryBooking Page for information on, and to register for all of our upcoming public clinics

I've registered for a clinic, what do I need to bring?

We recommend all participants wear a hat (preferably broad-brimmed), and consider wearing suitable SunSmart clothing covering the shoulders, sunglasses and appropriate footwear for the location.

Please also bring a drink bottle.

We provide all rods, gear, bait and sunscreen. (If you have your own fishing rod you can bring it if you really want to!)

What are some topics covered in the clinic?

The instructors give a presentation at the beginning of the clinic covering all our key topics, including:

• Fishing safety, such as rock fishing, boating and life jacket information
• SunSmart messaging
• WA recreational fishing rules and fisheries information
• Sustainability practices and environmental stewardship
• Keeping your catch
• Fish handling techniques and safety
• Basic fishing setup; including how the rod and reel is setup, types of fishing rigs, and rod handling
• Casting and fishing demonstration

Other topics may also be included covering any current news and safety topics as well as relevant local recreational fishing information and Recfishwest projects.

At the conclusion of the clinic, the instructors ask questions on what the participants have learnt throughout the duration of the clinic and may even hand out prizes!

What age groups are clinics suitable for?

Recfishwest Fishing Clinics are targeted towards participants aged between 7 and 12, however participants close to that age are welcome to join (no older than 15).

How much does it cost to attend a clinic?

Our public fishing clinics are $15 per participant, this payment helps cover all fishing rods, fishing gear, bait, instructor travel, and prizes.

Some community groups or clubs might offer the event to their members or the public free of charge, because they cover the costs of the clinic

If you’re booking in a clinic for a group, our application form has information on pricing

Can I keep the fish during the clinic?

No, generally not.

Our sessions are all about getting families outdoors and enjoying what Western Australia has to offer. It’s not about the catching so much as it’s about having a go.

Each fishing clinic promotes the need for a conservative approach to recreational fishing. Our instructors promote catch and release and always encourage participants to release any fish caught during our clinics.

Do I have to stay with my child for the duration of the clinic?

Yes, not only for the safety of the child, but also for the value of families spending time together enjoying outdoor activities.

What happens if the weather or location becomes unsuitable?

Clinics may be postponed, relocated, or cancelled if weather conditions are unsafe or the location is unfishable. If this happens, all participants will be contacted as early as possible with updated information or refund options.

What qualifications do the instructors hold?

All our instructors and volunteers have current ‘Working with Children’ (WWC) certification. All the clinic leaders also have current First Aid and CPR training from St John WA.

We do not require our instructors or volunteers to hold other lifesaving certification, such as Bronze Medallion.

Looking to join Recfishwest team as a Fishing Clinic Instructor? Please fill out our Expression of Interest Form, we’d love to hear from you!

Where are the sessions run?

The regular locations we use across WA are pre-assessed for suitability based on our minimum requirements for group access and comfort, as well as catching opportunity!

Many of these locations require prior approval from the managing body such as Department of Transport for service jetties and local shires for parks and beaches; and sometimes incur booking fees. Some of the locations are privately owned areas adjacent to camps, so only groups at those venues are allowed to use the area.

Regular Perth Metro locations include;

Woodman’s Point – Ammo Jetty
Bayswater – A.P. Hinds Reserve (Garratt Rd Bridge)
Hillarys Marina – Service Jetty in front of AQWA
Shelley Foreshore – Jetty and beach area
Chidley Beach – Foreshore area

How do I get Recfishwest to run a clinic?

If you’re looking to book in for an individual, we recommend checking our TryBooking Page for our public clinics.

If you’re looking to book in for a larger group, please fill out the application form above.

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