Complete Guide to Western Australia Fishing Licenses

With warm weather, sandy beaches, and some of the best saltwater fishing in Australia, Western Australia truly is an angler’s paradise. One of the hardest decisions you’ll have to make is what species to target and which spot to fish in.

Before you go fishing in Western Australia, there’s a critical piece of information you’ll need to know: what type of fishing license do you need, how much does it cost, and where can you get one? But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered.

In the following guide to Western Australia fishing licenses, we’ll be covering:

If you’re planning a destination or holiday fishing trip to the beautiful state of Tasmania, then be sure to check out Your Complete Guide to Fishing in Tasmania, Australia, where we cover everything you’ll need to know about saltwater and freshwater fishing in Tasmania.

The premium Fishing Forecasting App, Fishbox App, allows you to track weather, tide, and atmospheric conditions to accurately predict the best times to go fishing in Western Australia, significantly increasing your chances of catching fish. It even has helpful information about local hotspots and secret fishing locations contributed by users.

Types of Fishing Licenses

Western Australia is one of the most scenic and almost warmest states in Australia, with thousands of kilometers of unpopulated coastlines available to any anglers willing to put in a little bit of hard work. With so many beaches and so much ocean, finding a spot to fish alone is never an issue in WA.

In West Australia, you aren’t required to purchase a recreational fishing license if you plan on fishing in saltwater from the shore, which is fantastic news for any saltwater shore-based anglers. However, regardless of the size, you must purchase the right type of WA boat fishing license if you plan on heading out on a boat and fishing boat. You’ll also need to buy a license if you want to catch or take any Rock Lobster, Abalone, or fish from one of the managed freshwater catchments and rivers.

The Western Australia boat fishing license is known as the Recreational Fishing from Boat License (RFBL). Other permits include:

• Recreational Fishing from Boat;
• Rock Lobster;
• Abal​one;
• Marron;
• Freshwater Angling;
• Net Fishing (set, haul, throw).

You can learn more about Western Australia fishing licenses and permits by visiting the Fish WA Website here.

Cost of Fishing Licenses

To help ensure that fish stocks in WA are carefully managed for future generations of anglers, the WA government has implemented several permits for freshwater anglers, anglers fishing from boats, and specific high-demand species of fish and shellfish.

The Western Australia fishing licenses and permits available to recreational anglers include:

• Recreational Fishing from Boat – $40.00;
• Rock Lobster – $50.00;
• Abal​one –​​ $50.00;
• Marron – $50.00;
• Freshwater Angling – $50.00;
• Net Fishing (set, haul, throw) – $50.00.

You can learn more about Western Australia fishing licenses and permits by visiting the Fish WA Website here.

By purchasing a fishing license and following all fishing regulations, including size, season, and bag limits, you’re ensuring that all future and current generations of anglers get to experience these pristine waters for themselves and enjoy the same incredible fishing opportunities.

Age Requirements for Fishing License

Any anglers who are under the age of 16 are not required to purchase a recreational fishing license if they’re saltwater fishing from the shore. If you are fishing from a boat or used a boat to get to your fishing location, even if it’s on the beach, you will be required to purchase a Recreational Fishing from Boat License (RFBL).

Anglers under 16 aren’t required to purchase a freshwater fishing license. 

Where to Obtain a Fishing License

Applying for a new license in Western Australia or renewing an existing license is fast and convenient and can be done in several different ways, including:

• Online – You can complete the online form using the WA Department of Transportation Website here.
• In-Person – You can also apply in person and visit one of the many license locations throughout WA.

Complete Guide to Western Australia Fishing Licences | Conclusion

Now that you know everything there is know about Western Australian fishing licenses, including how much they cost and where to buy one, the only thing left is to grab your fishing gear, pick your fishing spot, and get out on the water to take advantage of some of the best fishing in Australia.

Western Australia is one of the biggest states in Australia, with thousands of kilometers of beautiful coastlines, but this fantastic fishery won’t last forever unless it’s carefully managed. By purchasing a West Australian fishing permit and following all size, season, and bag limits, you can do your part to contribute to the ongoing health of this fantastic fishery.

The Fishbox App allows anglers to accurately track weather conditions and predict the best time to go fishing. Fishbox App utilizes in-depth analysis of weather patterns, fish behavior, and tidal and lunar conditions to predict the best times to go angling and when you’re better off relaxing at home.

If you have any questions about WA fishing licenses or would like to learn more about how much or where to buy a Western Australia angling permit, please don’t hesitate to drop a comment below, and if you found it helpful, give it a share.