- Rebates of up to $50 can be claimed via ServiceWA for fishers with a current Recreational Fishing from Boat Licence
- Support to boost sales for participating WA independent tackle shops during the West Coast demersal fishing closure
- New demersal bag and size limits for the North, Gascoyne and South Coast bioregions introduced from 1 June
- Initiative part of the Fisheries Support Package, and Cook Labor Government's commitment to protect and restore the environment
The Cook Labor Government is offering recreational boat fishers a rebate of up to $50 for the purchase of fishing gear through participating Western Australian independent tackle stores.
The $3.3 million Tackle Shop Rebate Program opens on 18 May and aims to help recfishers diversify their fishing and support State-wide recovery efforts for demersal species.
It is expected to also provide a sales boost for participating tackle stores impacted by the demersal reform measures.
The rebate program is part of the Cook Labor Government's $29.2 million Fisheries Support Package to help rebuild demersal stocks to sustainable levels across the State.
Recreational fishers who hold a current Recreational Fishing from Boat Licence (RFBL) are eligible to apply.
More than 40 independent tackle stores are participating in the Tackle Shop Rebate Program across WA. A list of participating fishing tackle retailers is available on dpird.wa.gov.au/TSR
The rebates can be claimed via the ServiceWA App - the fastest, and most secure and convenient way to claim the rebate.
Recreational fishers are encouraged to seek advice from tackle shop staff on how to diversify their fishing experiences and target alternative sustainable species.
Targeting alternative sustainable species, such as inshore species or pelagics, is more important than ever to help support the long-term sustainability of WA's demersal fish stocks and ensure there are fish for future generations to enjoy.
A recovery closure is in place in the West Coast region, from Kalbarri to Augusta, until spring 2027 for boat-based demersal fishing.
Boat-based recreational fishing for demersal species remains open in all other regions.
To further support demersal recovery and sustainability, new bag and size limits for recreational demersal fishing will be introduced from 1 June in these regions.
This will include a new mixed species demersal daily bag limit of four demersal fish per recreational fisher outside of the West Coast region.
There will also be reduced individual species bag limits for key at-risk species.
The bag limit for WA dhufish will be reduced to one per recreational fisher.
Pink snapper, red emperor, baldchin groper and tuskfish will have a new bag limit of two, and bight redfish will have a new bag limit of four.
Size limits have been revised for some demersal scalefish including pink snapper, bight redfish (nannygai) and red emperor, as well as the removal of size limits for some species.
Shark and ray species have been re-categorised. Recreational fishers will now be able to retain a combined bag limit of three shark and rays per day, in addition to the existing large pelagic finfish bag limit.
Changes to recreational fishing arrangements for the West Coast region are being considered by the West Coast Demersal Ministerial Advisory Committee. A policy on spatial and temporal closures to protect spawning fish will also be finalised before the fishery reopens in spring 2027.
Recreational fishers are encouraged to check the Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development website for the latest information on fishing rules before hitting the water.
A full list of the rule changes is available at on the DPIRD website.
As stated by Fisheries Minister Jackie Jarvis:
"Our local tackle stores and their staff across Western Australia are a great resource for information and advice on what species to target, where to fish for them and what gear to use.
"I encourage recreational fishers to use the Tackle Shop Rebate as an opportunity to visit their local store and plan their next fishing trip to target one of the many sustainable fish species available.
"We are also bringing in one set of rules for demersal fishing across all regions, outside of the West Coast, as another key step towards protecting the long-term sustainability of stocks for future generations.
"The overwhelming majority of the WA fishing community is doing the right thing and adhering to the fishing rules for demersal species to help support the recovery of stocks.
"Unifying and simplifying the rules will make it much easier for fishers to follow, no matter if they are fishing in the Kimberley or down on the South Coast."
