Fishing

Recreational fishing is one of the most popular pastimes in Western Australia: it has been estimated that a third of the state's population enjoys the wide range of fishing opportunities.

The Department of Fisheries works closely with Recfishwest, the peak body representing recreational fishers, to ensure that recreational fishing remains sustainable.

Both organisations produce information on how to ensure the healthy return of your catch to the water or how you can kill it quickly and humanely, keep it fresh and prepare it with minimum waste if you take it for the table.

The department enforces strict regulations. Ensure you are aware of, and comply with, these - there are heavy penalties for infringements. Additional regulations apply in our marine parks: recreational fishing is not permitted in marine nature reserves or in marine park sanctuary zones and further restrictions apply in some marine park special purpose zones.

Safety

Spending extended periods on or by the water fishers may fall in, be blown off rocks by gusts of wind (rock fishing is particularly hazardous), be washed into the ocean by a big wave or trapped by the rising tide.  Before going fishing check weather and tide forecasts at the Bureau of Meteorology and take time to check the conditions when you arrive at your spot. And stay alert at all times!

Recfishwest's website has essential safety information for rock fishing.

For more information on how to fish safely see our Safety and Fishing and Boating advice.