Skip to main content Skip to navigation

Demersal information for recreational fishers

On this page you'll find a recreational fishing guide, calendar, informative videos and fishing rules for demersals. 

Breaksea cod underwater with a coral reef in the foreground

New demersal rules from 1 June 2026 and Tackle Shop Rebate available

New demersal bag and size limits for the North, Gascoyne and South Coast bioregions will be in place from 1 June.

Changes to recreational fishing arrangements for the West Coast bioregion are being considered by the West Coast Demersal Ministerial Advisory Committee before the fishery reopens in Spring 2027.

From Monday 18 May, Recreational Fishing from Boat Licence (RFBL) holders in WA can claim a rebate on fishing gear up to $50 to help diversify their fishing and support statewide recovery efforts for demersal species. More information about the Tackle Shop Rebate is available on our website.

View the new rules

In the West Coast bioregion, recreational fishing for demersal scalefish by boat is prohibited until Spring 2027. This is in place to support the recovery of the West Coast demersal scalefish resource.

These measures do not apply to land-based recreational fishers (fishing by line or spearfishing), who can continue to fish for demersal scalefish year round, outside of existing spawning closures. Note that land-based spearfishers are not permitted to fish for WA dhufish.

Ministerial Advisory Committee

The Minister for Fisheries has established the West Coast Demersal Scalefish Resource Ministerial Advisory Committee. The Committee has been appointed to provide recommendations to the State Government on:

  • additional spawning closures to provide protection for key species including pink snapper and WA dhufish
  • locations to establish demersal sanctuary zones to ensure the long-term sustainability of stocks
  • changes to recreational fishing rules, such as boat and bag limits, to support the ongoing recovery of fish stocks when boat-based fishing reopens.

Members of the Ministerial Advisory Committee include recreational fishing, charter fishing, science and conservation representatives. The advisory committee will operate from February 2026 until May 2027.

Resources for recreational fishers

The recreational fishing guide is also available from DPIRD offices.  

Demersal rules video series

Rules for commercial fishers and charter operators

Demersal fishing reforms for the future of Western Australia

Learn more