New metro FADs are a go!

Six new FADs have been deployed off the Perth coast, marking off a huge milestone in establishing Recfishwest’s three-year State-wide FADs trial. And, after only three weeks in the water, they’re already producing great dolphinfish action!

On Friday 13 December, Hon-Su Chin from Tackle West and Blake from Compleat Angler and Camping World Rockingham, headed out to the recently deployed FADs and got into some great dolphinfish action.

“It’s sensational to see the FADs already producing great sports fishing for metro fishers, opening up the sensational offshore pelagic fishing on offer,” Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland said.

“So as the water begins to warm up this summer, it’s perfect timing to put dolphinfish, tuna, wahoo and billfish on your target list.

“We’ve put two additional FADs at the back of Rotto, which will complement the existing spread of six FADs out there deployed by the Perth Game Fishing Club, with whom we have been working closely with to get this great project off the ground.”

In addition, in really exciting news for northern-suburbs recfishers, we’ve deployed a cluster of four FADs due west of Mindarie Marina. This means you now have access to FADs within a 40-50 km steam out from boat ramps at Hillarys, Ocean Reef, Mindarie and Two Rocks.

See the FAD deployment video below!

Check out the metro FADs map

Recfishwest’s Matt Gillett ready the FADs ahead of deployment.

Launching these FADs gets our toe in the water, gets the attention of Government and potential future partners and gives us the capability to learn more about when and where best to deploy the devices.

This is why we’re going for deployment in places like Albany, Cape Naturaliste and Geraldton as well to see how they might work there and closer to shore in Exmouth and Broome to see if they can open up more fishing opportunities.

Click here for more information about regional locations for FADs to be deployed in the next few weeks and months, as well as things to consider when fishing them!

When we publicly launched the FADs with Fisheries Minister Dave Kelly a couple of weeks ago, we said this is exactly what RFIF money should be spent on – new innovative projects meeting a high demand from the community that can dramatically enhance recfishing opportunities.

That’s why we’ve been so keen and persistent in pursuing this project, however, we’ve encountered quite a few obstacles along the way.

The approvals process has been particularly long and bureaucratic, but we kept our eyes on the prize – fantastic sportfishing for pelagics off the metro and regional centres for recfishers.

Now – it’s over to you – get out there, give the FADS a crack and let us know how you go – we’d love to hear from you and see some of your pics of prized catches on the new FADs.

One of the Perth devices after it was put in the drink!

Continue Reading

May 02, 2025

New Fisheries Minister announces year-round FADs for Dampier, Point Samson and Broome!

FADs fishing fanatics in Dampier, Point Samson and Broome are soon to be able to target pelagic powerhouse fishlike billfish and dolphin all year round! Recfishwest CEO Dr Andrew Rowland joined the new Fisheries…

Read More

May 01, 2025

Recfishwest partners with Wildtrak Leisure Australia to give you 10% off their gear for the great Aussie outdoors!

Refishwest has teamed up with the good folks at Wildtrak Leisure Australia to offer all our members, followers and supporters 10 per cent off ALL of Wildtrak’s extensive range of quality camping, 4WD and outdoors…

Read More

May 01, 2025

Recfishwest backs in Get Reel Two Rocks fishing competition with fantastic fishing prizes for nearshore species!

Recfishwest is excited to be backing the Get Reel Two Rocks fishing comp on 10th of May — a fantastic celebration of community, family fun and, of course, fishing in the northern suburbs! We’ll be on the ground…

Read More

April 29, 2025

King of the Reef 2025 promises fantastic fishing and prizes!

After a deluxe display of species diversity last year, the King of the Reef competition is returning from 1 May – 31 August to allow fishers to contribute to science – and have a crack at some fantastic…

Read More

April 29, 2025

300 kids catch fish and healthy living tips with Recfishwest’s Mid-West Kids Fishing Clinic Tour!

Our Fishing Clinics Coordinator Sedin Hasanovic recently hit the road with fishing instructor Brody Laroux to deliver fun-packed and educational kids fishing clinics over the school holidays in the Mid-West. This…

Read More

April 10, 2025

Recfishwest’s latest TV and radio commercials encourage fishers to stick to the beaches when chasing salmon this Easter

As thousands of fishers are heading to WA’s Southern and South-West coasts this Easter to chase massive schools of migrating salmon, Recfishwest is urging fishers to “keep the sand between their toes” by fishing…

Read More