About Us

About Us

RecFish SA is the nationally recognised peak body for recreational fishing in South Australia. We undertake a range of projects like fish stocking, habitat enhancement and fishing clinics, to benefit recreational fishers.

RecFish SA’s membership is made up of individuals and organisations, including fishing clubs and associations, regional Recreational Fisheries Committees, coastal progress associations, and recreational fishing related businesses. You can become a member for free!

We routinely consult with the recreational fishing community on a range of issues, through surveys and “Have Your Say” campaigns. If you love fishing be sure to check out our low cost and free membership options so that you get the latest news and opportunities to provide feedback. You can also follow us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.

Our Network

RecFish SA has an extensive network, with thousands of recreational fishers right around South Australia. We are an open and inclusive organization, so get in touch or join for free to find out how you can participate and stay up with the latest fishing news.

Our community network includes over 4000 Individual Members, Fishing Clubs & Associations, Community & Progress associations, Regional and Metropolitan Recreational Fisheries Committees, and Individual Financial Members

We have RFCs and Member Organizations in the following regions of SA:
– Adelaide

– Yorke Peninsula

– Eyre Peninsula

– West Coast

– South Coast/South East

– Murray River

– Barossa Valley

Our Projects and Activities

In addition to our advisory and advocacy roles, RecFish SA undertakes a range of projects and activities all of which benefit recreational fishing in South Australia.

Reservoir Fishing

RecFish SA has long fought for reservoir fishing in SA.  After securing a commitment from the SA Government to open up to 5 reservoirs for recreational fishing, we began an extensive fish stocking program to further develop these fisheries.

We have already stocked thousands of Murray cod, Golden perch and Silver perch into Warren, Bundaleer and Beetaloo Reservoirs, as well as Rainbow and Brown trout at Bundaleer. Stocking has been funded through the SA Recreational Fishing Grants Programme. RecFish SA also partnered with local groups, clubs and committees to develop a thorough Reservoir Fishing Development Strategy which we hope Government will support.

In 2019, RecFish SA in partnership with Dept of Environment and Water (DEW), stocked 20,000 Golden Perch and 10,000 Murray Cod into the pristine waters of Aroona Dam. This will provide a boost to Leigh Creek in the north of the state and is predicted to increase tourism in the area.

Fish Stocking

In addition to stocking Reservoirs, RecFish SA have long been actively involved in moves to stock Murray Cod into the SA section of the River Murray. In 2016 the SA Government committed to and funded the first stocking. RecFish SA and our Club volunteers were charged with releasing the fish at Swan Reach and Kingston on Murray.

RecFish SA has in-house fisheries management and bio-security expertise. We are able to offer fish stocking services and were further contracted by the Renmark Paringa Council to stock more Murray Cod in 2017. Funds for this project are from the SA Recreational Fishing Grant Programme. Our Members also play a vital role in fish stocking with membership funds allowing us to further stock 7500 Murray Cod at Cadell in 2019.

Fishing Clinics

Fishing is a fun, healthy, family friendly activity that is hard to beat! So we are thrilled to be able to partner with like-minded organizations to offer fishing clinics.

RecFish SA supply experienced fishing tutors to help aspiring fishers of all ages, learn how to rig up, bait hooks, cast and catch fish. We are pleased to have put many South Aussies onto their first fish.

Over the past 2 years we have been working with NaturePlay SA and Edmund Rice Camps to provide fishing clinics in Adelaide and on the Fleurieu peninsula. Contact us to find out more.

Fish Habitat

A quality environment means quality fish, this is because fish rely on their habitat to provide essential resources and conditions. RecFish SA believes that fishers need to play an active role in protecting and enhancing fish habitat. We have partnered with OzFish Unlimited to improve the capacity of SA fishers tacking fish habitat issues.

Through our partnership with OzFish Unlimited, and their FRDC funded project, RecFish SA are able to employ an in-house Fish Habitat Officer. Dr Travis Howson runs workshops, on-ground works and education clinics with SA recreational fishers.

Our recent projects include building and installing new fish habitat in Westlakes (in partnership with the City of Charles Sturt), on ground works at at the Onkaparinga river, and the 2016 SA Fishers For Fish Habitat forum. Find out more..

Habitat enhancement projects are also underway in the Warren Reservoir with ceramic pots that were donated to RecFish SA being installed in the Reservoir in partnership with SA Water, the local OzFish Unlimited Chapter and Warren RFC.

Sustainable Fishing

 

RecFish SA are committed to sustainable fishing. We fully recognise that there are things that fishers can do today, which will ensure a vibrant fishing future; supported by the broader community. As fishing community leaders in SA, we have worked hard to support and develop best practice fishing communications.

Our work in this area includes, collaborating with interstate and national counterparts to develop a National Code of Practice for Recreational Fishing and widely sharing the Code of Practice for Southern Bluefin Tuna.

We have also developed our own series of videos to help raise community awareness and educate about best practice fishing. The topics covered include; Using Circle Hooks, Using Release Weights, Ike-jime Fish Dispatch and the Southern Bluefin Tuna Code of Practice. Click here to watch the videos..

 

 

 

 

 

 

Grants Assistance

 

The South Australian Recreational Fishing Grants Programme has already proved to be a huge success. Having funded many projects from fish stocking, jetty shelters, fish cleaning tables and breakwall upgrades, to kids fishing clinics and family fun days.

New projects, designed and backed by local communities to benefit recreational fishers, are popping up right around the state. RecFish SA are contracted to have an active role in assisting potential grant applicants with their project ideas and applications.

We specifically encourage projects that align with the objectives of the South Australian Recreational Fishing Strategic Plan, and have provided letters of support for project ideas that really hit the mark.

RecFish SA takes seriously our commitment to ensuring that the project ideas of grassroots recreational fishers, are connected with potential applicants, especially local councils. RecFish SA are once again on hand to provide assistance for the SARFGP Round 3 in 2017.

 

Community Event  Support

RecFish SA provide event support for our members such as the Bream Master SA Kayak Fishing Tournament held by our Kayak Committee, and on ground support for the annual ‘Gone Fishing Day’ hosted at the Warren Reservoir by the Warren Recreational Fishing Committee (RFC).

 

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