Fishing in WA / Rules and Regulations

The Western Australian Department of Fisheries sets the bag and size limits and other rules for recreational fishing in Western Australia.

WA is divided into four regions. Some different fishing bag and size limits and other rules are set considering the abundance of the fish, the fishing pressures and the needs of sustainability.

Most importantly, the recreational fishing limits and rules are to ensure that fish will always be available in the future so that your children and grandchildren can continue to enjoy recreational fishing. Recfishwest works actively to ensure sustainability and the future of recreational fishing for the benefit of future generations.

Brochures for the four WA regions are available from the Department of Fisheries website links as shown below.

For more information on a desired region as put forth by the Department of Fisheries,
click a corresponding region below (separated by colour for your convenience):

The species identification guides have photos and descriptions of the common fish in the regions. These are an excellent answer to "What's that fish?", and are an easy to carry fish identification reference book for recreational anglers.

Recreational Fishing Licences

In March 2010 a number of changes were introduced to the recreational fisheries licence system including the introduction of a Recreational Fishing from Boat Licence.  A Recreational Fishing from Boat Licence is required to undertake any general fishing activity conducted with the use of a powered boat anywhere in the State. 

Examples of where the new licence is required when fishing from a powered boat include:

• line fishing (handline, rod and line, squid jigging);
• catching crabs;
• spearfishing;
• octopus trapping; and
• dip-netting for prawns.

In addition, a licence would be required where fish, crabs or shellfish are taken by wading or other non-boat based activities but where a powered boat is used to reach your immediate fishing location.

Where can I purchase a licence?

Licences are available online from the Department of Fisheries website here, Department of Fisheries offices and all Australia Post outlets.

How your licence money will be spent

All recreational fishing licence revenue is allocated into the Recreational Fishing Fund to be spent for the betterment of recreational fisheries management in Western Australia. 

As the peak body for recreational fishing in WA, Recfishwest has an important role in ensuring this money is spent on projects and initiatives to improve recreational fishing in WA.  Recfishwest has the position that expenditure against the Recreational Fishing Fund should focus on projects outside the core management services of the Department of Fisheries, such as; habitat and stock enhancement, dedicated recreational compliance, additional or non-core research, community based projects etc.

Recfishwest needs feedback from the recreational fishing community to ensure that this money is suitably spent.  If you have any comments or feedback please contact Recfishwest.