Fishing Licence WA: Application, Renewal, and Penalties Explained
There's nothing better than fishing in Western Australia's clear waters. You can reel in pink snapper off Mandurah, troll the rivers of the South West, or chase crayfish along the Coral Coast. But before you go, you'll need to know when and how to get a fishing license WA requires.
This guide covers the types of fishing licences, how much they cost, where to get one, and why it’s worth doing the right thing.
Overview of Fishing Licences in WA
Types of Western Australia Fishing Licences
Not all fishing in WA requires a licence, but certain activities do. Here are the main categories:
Recreational Fishing from Boat Licence (RFBL) – Required for anyone fishing from a powered boat. (If you’re new to this, check this practical guide on fishing from boat before heading out.)
Rock Lobster Licence – Needed if you want to catch any species of rock lobster.
Abalone Licence – For collecting abalone, which is tightly regulated.
Marron Licence – A seasonal licence for freshwater crayfish.
Netting Licence – If you’re using a set or haul net in approved waters.
For the official breakdown of all Western Australia fishing licence types, visit DPIRD Recreational Fishing.
Fishing Licence Fees in Western Australia
Licence fees vary depending on the type. As of 2025, typical costs are:
Recreational Fishing from Boat Licence – ~$45 per year
Rock Lobster Licence – ~$55 per year
Abalone Licence – ~$55 per year
Marron Licence – ~$50 per season
Netting Licence – from ~$40
Discounted rates apply for under-16s and concession card holders. And if you apply for a licence with more than one type of fishing activity in a single transaction, you are entitled to a 10% discount. Always check the official fees before you buy, as they may change.
How to Apply and Renew a Fishing Licence in WA
Application Methods
You can apply for or renew a WA fishing licence in three ways:
Online – The quickest method. Use the official site to apply or renew. You’ll get an immediate digital copy, which is legally valid.
At Australia Post – Selected outlets issue licences. Handy if you prefer paper forms or need assistance.
In person at DPIRD offices – You can apply directly at Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development offices.
Tip: If you’re heading off-grid for a fishing trip, it’s smart to save your licence digitally and pack a backup portable power station so your phone, fish finder, and GPS stay charged during the journey.
Licence Duration and Renewal
Most western Australia fishing licences last 12 months from the date of issue. For example, if you purchase on 20 April 2025, it will expire on 19 April 2026.
Some are seasonal. A Marron Licence, for instance, is valid only for the brief January season. Always check the validity dates when you purchase.
Renewal is just as simple as applying. You can:
Renew online through the DPIRD portal (fastest).
Renew via Australia Post outlets.
Renew in person at a DPIRD office.
If you’re planning a big trip—like chasing demersals offshore—it’s worth organising your renewal early and brushing up on deep sea fishing essentials so you’re fully prepared.
Penalties for Fishing Without a Licence and Why It Matters
Fishing without the correct fishing licence in Western Australia is a serious legal offence and can result in significant penalties. These fines are in place to protect WA's marine ecosystems and ensure sustainable fishing practices. Here's what you need to know:
Fines and Penalties
Fishing without a valid fishing licence in Western Australia can lead to on-the-spot fines of at least $200. However, for more severe offences—such as fishing for restricted species like abalone, rock lobster, or fishing from a boat without the proper licence—the penalties can escalate to $2,000 or even higher. In some cases, illegal fishing activities could result in court-imposed penalties and the confiscation of fishing gear or equipment.
The Western Australian Department of Fisheries and Marine Enforcement Officers actively monitor fishing areas, and they are equipped to detect illegal fishing practices. It's crucial to always carry your fishing licence with you when fishing to avoid these hefty fines.
Importance of a Licence
Funds practical management and research: Licence fees help pay for stock monitoring, habitat projects and recreational-fishing programs that keep fish stocks healthy.
Supports community projects and infrastructure: Revenue is used for things anglers directly benefit from — jetty upgrades, access improvements and local initiatives run with groups like Recfishwest.
Enables science-based rules that protect future catches: Data collected via licence frameworks and DPIRD surveys underpins bag limits, seasonal closures and other measures that sustain fisheries.
Funds enforcement and compliance activity: Licence income helps resource enforcement operations that detect illegal fishing; penalties and forfeitures illustrate the program’s role in deterrence.
A civic contribution to sustainability: Holding a valid fishing licence Western Australia is a small practical step that contributes to long-term access, fair sharing of resources and the economic value recreational fishing delivers to the state.
Other Essentials You Need for Fishing in WA
Beyond your WA fishing licence, a safe and enjoyable trip means being well-prepared. To make your trip comfortable and safe, you’ll want:
Esky: Keep your catch genuinely fresh — use an ice-slurry (lots of ice, some water), drain melt-water regularly so fish don’t sit in soggy melt, and store fish on top of the ice or in a raised tray. A good 30–55-litre esky will hold a day’s catch for most shore trips; for multi-day trips choose a heavy-duty cooler and replenish ice as needed.
Tackle: Match gear to the species — for beach/rock tailor use 7–12 ft rods with 5–12 kg ratings and medium 40–55 size reels; pink (and pink) snapper are well served by 4–8 kg rods with 3000–4000 reels or slightly heavier boat outfits; dhufish demand heavier tackle (8–10 kg rod, 40–50lb braid/strong leader or dedicated jigging outfits) because of their power and habitat. Local tackle shops (or a quick chat with bait-and-tackle staff) will point you to the best combos for the exact spot.
Sun protection: Australia’s UV is intense — use a broad-brim hat (UPF50+), slip on long-sleeve sun-protective clothes, and slop on SPF50+ broad-spectrum sunscreen. Wear close-fitting, wraparound or polarised sunglasses that meet Australian standards to cut glare and protect eyes on the water. Plan trips around lower UV times when possible and reapply sunscreen after swimming or heavy sweating.
Backup power solutions: If you’re planning multi-day trips, a long-lasting battery like the EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Portable Power Station is the perfect companion. With expandable capacity up to 6144Wh, it can power your fridge, lights, and even fishing gear for multiple days. Its fast recharge time of just 2.3 hours ensures you're always ready for the next adventure. Running quietly at only 30 dB, it won’t disturb your surroundings or scare away the fish, making it ideal for a peaceful, power-packed fishing experience.
EcoFlow DELTA 2 Max Portable Power Station for Fishing
Conclusion
Getting a recreational fishing licence WA requires is simple, affordable, and ensures that everyone enjoys fair access to the state’s incredible marine resources. Whenever you’re dropping a line off a jetty, chasing lobster, or heading offshore, remember to bring along the right WA fishing licence.
Having a reliable, portable power source also provides peace of mind during your fishing trip around Australia's remote lakes. So grab your licence, pick one of the best solar generators for fishing, and enjoy everything Western Australia’s waters have to offer.
FAQs
Who needs a fishing licence WA?
Not every angler needs a licence, but many activities do require one. Fishing casually from jetties, beaches, or rivers for common species such as herring or whiting is licence-free. However, you need a recreational fishing licence WA if you plan to fish from a powered boat, or target abalone, marron, or rock lobster. These species are strictly managed, so having the correct licence is essential to comply with WA laws.
Do pensioners need a fishing licence WA?
Yes, concession holders still need a licence for regulated activities like boat fishing or crayfishing. The difference is that fees are heavily reduced for seniors. For example, a WA fishing licence for pensioners might cost less than half the standard fee. This keeps fishing accessible while still ensuring funds go toward fishery sustainability programs run by DPIRD.
Do I need a fishing licence to fish off the beach in Western Australia?
Most beach fishing in WA does not require a licence. Casting a line for herring, tailor, or whiting from the sand is licence-free. However, if you’re collecting abalone from the reef or fishing from a boat just offshore, then you’ll need the appropriate fishing licence in WA. Always check bag and size limits, which apply even when no licence is needed.
Are there free fishing days in WA?
WA doesn’t currently offer free fishing days like some overseas regions. The good news is that much of the state’s best fishing—off beaches, jetties, and riverbanks—is already free and doesn’t require a licence. For anything more specialised, such as rock lobster or abalone, you’ll need a fishing licence Western Australia requires, even if it’s just for a short season.