Changes to the recreational fishing rules in WA came into effect on 1 July 2021.
Key changes include:
Introduction of trip limits. While on a fishing trip you may accumulate up to 10kg of finfish fillets of any species, no skin required, plus an additional 10kg of fillets of large pelagic fish with skin on. The existing possession limit of 20kg of fillets of any species will continue to apply at a person's principal place of residence.
Removal of the 30cm minimum fillet length for filleting at sea.
Update to the definition of whole fish, which can now be cut in two pieces and still be considered as one fish. (For both filleting and whole fish rules, skin will need to be attached while still at sea.)
Release weights will be required for the master of all fishing boats fishing by line for demersal finfish, anywhere in WA, not just in the West Coast Region.
For more information, read our FAQ and media release.
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To help keep our fish resources sustainable, we have developed a comprehensive set of rules for recreational fishers.
By following the rules you will help maintain the fantastic fishing opportunities here in WA, ensuring there are fish for the future for you and the generations to come.
Most of the key Statewide fishing rules can be found online and in our 
Recreational fishing guide, which includes bag and size limits tables for the main species you are likely to catch throughout WA.
A number of rules also apply to licensed fisheries and some rules apply to specific biological regions, known as 'bioregions' – click on the relevant section in the map below for more details.
You should also be aware of rules for Marine Protected Areas and for individual species.
The rules form part of our management strategies, which are based on ongoing research monitoring of our fish and aquatic resources.