Know The Rules
Regulations
Current closures, size limits, bag limits, and protected species. Always check before you go.
📢 Recent Rule Changes
Important regulation changes for WA recreational fishers. Stay up to date.
3 December 2025 (closure commenced 16 December)
West Coast Demersal Closure Extended to Spring 2027
Boat-based recreational fishing for demersal species will not reopen until Spring 2027. Commercial fishing permanently closed from January 2026. This is the biggest fisheries reset in WA history.
View WA Gov Announcement →1 December 2024
Cockburn Sound Crabbing Reopened
Blue swimmer crab fishing reopened in Cockburn Sound with reduced bag limit of 5 crabs per person (previously closed). Season runs 1 December to 31 August.
View Blue Swimmer Crab Guide →1 October 2024
Wire Trace Ban at Metro Beaches
Wire trace fishing prohibited within 800m of Perth metro beaches, Swan-Canning Estuary, Busselton Jetty/foreshore, and Esperance Jetty. Statewide ban on mammal/bird products as berley also applies.
View Details Below →1 March 2024
Southern Garfish Reopened in Perth Metro
Taking southern garfish in Perth metropolitan waters now permitted after 7 years of closure for stock recovery. Bag limit of 30 applies.
View Garfish Guide →1 January 2024
Barramundi Rule Changes
Can now use up to 2 rods when targeting barramundi. Spearfishing permitted in oceanic waters only (still prohibited in all estuaries, rivers, and inland waters).
View Barramundi Guide →🚫 West Coast Demersal Closure
Boat-Based Recreational Fishing CLOSED Until Spring 2027
All demersal scalefish are closed to boat-based recreational fishing in the West Coast bioregion (Kalbarri to Augusta).
Affected species include:
- WA Dhufish
- Pink Snapper
- Baldchin Groper
- Breaksea Cod
- Coral Trout species
- Tuskfish species
- Emperors and Seabream
- Foxfish and Pigfish
- Tropical Snapper (Red Emperor, Crimson Snapper etc)
- Western Blue Groper
- Nannygai (Redfish)
- Hapuku, Pearl Perch, Trevalla
Exceptions:
- Land-based line fishing is permitted (outside spawning closures)
- Land-based spearfishing is permitted (except for WA Dhufish)
- Charter fishing continues under reduced quota outside metro area
Spawning Closures
Annual closures to protect fish during spawning. These apply to ALL fishers (recreational, charter, commercial).
Pink Snapper - Cockburn & Warnbro Sound
1 Aug – 31 JanCockburn Sound and Warnbro Sound
No fishing for or possession of pink snapper while line fishing in closed waters. This is the site of the largest known pink snapper aggregations in the West Coast bioregion. Line fishing for other species is allowed, but no pink snapper can be on board.
Baldchin Groper - Abrolhos Islands
1 Oct – 31 DecAbrolhos Islands Fish Habitat Protection Area
Taking, landing or possessing baldchin groper is prohibited. Baldchin aggregate in shallow waters to spawn as water temperature rises.
Greenlip Abalone - Zone 3
Closed indefinitelyBusselton Jetty to Shoal Cape
Both recreational and commercial fishing closed since October 2023 for stock recovery. No end date announced.
Wire Trace Restrictions
Since 1 October 2024, wire trace fishing is prohibited in certain areas due to community concerns around recreational shark fishing.
Prohibited Areas (800m from shore)
Perth Metropolitan Beaches
Tim's Thicket Beach to 5km north of Two Rocks — 800m from shore
Swan-Canning Estuary
All waters of the estuary
Busselton
Foreshore from Vasse Diversion Drain to Georgette Street Boat Ramp — 800m from shore, 400m either side of jetty
Esperance Jetty
200m either side of jetty — 800m from shore
Also note: Statewide ban on using mammal and bird products (blood, offal) as berley.
🛡️ Protected Species
Some species are protected and must be released immediately if caught. Penalties apply for taking protected species.
Totally Protected (Cannot be taken by anyone)
- Whale Shark Rhincodon typus
- Potato Cod Epinephelus tukula
- Humphead Maori Wrasse Cheilinus undulatus
- Leafy Sea Dragon Phycodurus eques
- Common Sea Dragon Phyllopteryx taeniolatus
- Sawfish (all species) Pristidae family
- White Shark Carcharodon carcharias
- Grey Nurse Shark Carcharias taurus
- Speartooth Shark Glyphis glyphis
Recreationally Protected (Rec fishers cannot take)
- Black Stingray South Coast & West Coast only
- Smooth Stingray South Coast & West Coast only
- Barramundi over 800mm Must be released
If you accidentally catch a protected species, release it immediately with minimal handling. Report any injured protected species to FishWatch: 1800 815 507.
What's Still Open on the West Coast
The demersal closure applies to demersal species only. Plenty of other fishing opportunities remain.
Pelagic Species
Australian Salmon, Samson Fish, Yellowtail Kingfish, Spanish Mackerel, Tailor, Mahi Mahi, Tuna species, Cobia
Nearshore Species
Whiting species, Flathead, Herring, Garfish, Bream, Mulloway, Squid
Crustaceans
Western Rock Lobster (licence required), Blue Swimmer Crabs (Cockburn Sound: Dec-Aug, 5 bag limit)
Quick Reference - Common Species
| Species | Min Size | Bag Limit | WC Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Australian Salmon | 30 cm | 4 | Open |
| Samson Fish | 60 cm | 3 (mixed)* | Open |
| Spanish Mackerel | 90 cm | 3 (mixed)* | Open |
| Tailor | 30 cm | 8 | Open |
| Blue Swimmer Crab (Cockburn Sound) | 127mm carapace | 5 (20 boat**) | Dec-Aug |
| Southern Garfish | — | 30 | Open |
| Pink Snapper (West Coast boat) | — | — | Closed |
| Dhufish (West Coast boat) | — | — | Closed |
| All Demersals (West Coast boat) | — | — | Closed |
*Mixed limit: Samson Fish and Spanish Mackerel are part of a 3-fish total mixed large pelagic daily limit shared with Mahi Mahi, Yellowfin Tuna, and other large pelagics.
**Boat limit: Maximum 20 crabs when 4 or more RFBL holders are on board.
🎫 Licence Requirements
Some fishing activities in WA require a licence.
Recreational Fishing from Boat Licence (RFBL)
Required for fishing from powered boats in WA. Covers line, net, and pot fishing. Kayaks, rowboats, and other unpowered vessels are exempt. Passengers on licensed charter boats do not need RFBL.
Rock Lobster Licence
Required to take any species of rock lobster (Western, Southern, or Tropical).
Abalone Licence
Required to take any species of abalone. Limited open dates for Roe's abalone in Western Zone.
Marron Licence
Required to take marron in WA freshwater systems. Some areas are snare-only.
Official Resources
DPIRD Fishing Rules
Official recreational fishing rules for all WA bioregions.
Visit DPIRD →Species ID & Rules Search
Search any species for size limits, bag limits, and identification.
rules.fish.wa.gov.au →Recfishwest Fishing Rules App
Free mobile app with WA fishing rules, offline access, and fish ID.
Get the App →Recreational Fishing Guide (PDF)
Complete downloadable guide with all size and bag limits.
Download PDF →❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I still fish for demersals from shore on the West Coast?
Yes. The demersal closure only applies to boat-based fishing. Shore-based fishing for snapper, dhufish, baldchin groper and other demersals remains legal on the West Coast with normal bag and size limits.
When does the West Coast demersal closure end?
The current closure runs until Spring 2027. DPIRD will review stock assessments before confirming reopening arrangements. Check dpird.wa.gov.au for updates.
Can I fish for demersals from a boat in other regions?
Yes. The closure only applies to the West Coast bioregion. Boat-based demersal fishing remains open in the South Coast, Gascoyne, Pilbara, and Kimberley regions with normal rules.
Do I need a licence to fish from a boat in WA?
A Recreational Fishing from Boat Licence (RFBL) is required for fishing from powered boats in WA waters. Kayaks, rowboats, and other unpowered vessels are exempt. Passengers on licensed charter boats do not need their own RFBL.
What species can I catch from a boat on the West Coast during the closure?
Pelagic species remain fully open: Australian salmon, tailor, mackerel, tuna, kingfish, samsonfish, and cephalopods (squid, octopus). These offer excellent fishing opportunities while demersals are closed.
What is the wire trace ban and where does it apply?
Since October 2024, wire trace fishing is banned within 800m of shore at Perth metro beaches (Tim's Thicket to Two Rocks), all Swan-Canning estuary waters, Busselton foreshore, and near Esperance Jetty. Statewide ban on mammal/bird products as berley also applies.
Report Illegal Fishing
If you see illegal fishing activity, report it to FishWatch: 1800 815 507 or online at dpird.wa.gov.au