Who is ARFF?
The Australian Recreation Fishing Foundation is the national representative organisation for recreational fishing in Australia. Together with our members, we strive to support Australia’s 5 million recreational fishers and promote ethical, sustainable, and enjoyable fishing.
Key Resources
The Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation, in collaboration with the Fisheries Research & Development Corporation, is proud to announce the release of the RecFishing Research; RD&E Plan, 2024-2029, which has been developed to strategically address the needs of the Australian recreational fishing sector over the next 5-10 years. In developing the plan, RecFishing Research was able to leverage the extensive reach of ARFF’s member organisations to identify the issues most important to the future of fishing in Australia.
You can read the plan by clicking the image.
Celebrate Gone Fishing Day 2025 – Sunday, 19 October
Get ready to cast a line and join thousands of Aussies celebrating Gone Fishing Day 2025 on Sunday, 19 October!
Gone Fishing Day is all about sharing our love of fishing and the many benefits it brings — from time spent outdoors to the connections we build with family, friends, and our local communities. It’s also a day to appreciate Australia’s stunning natural environments and the role recreational fishing plays in connecting us to them.
Theme for 2025:
The 2025 theme will be released shortly…
Find an Event Near You
Across the country, fishing clubs, groups and volunteers are hosting events to celebrate Gone Fishing Day — from local community competitions to kids’ clinics and environmental activities. Keep an eye out for a full list of events closer to the date, by state, on the OzFish website: ozfish.org.au/gone-fishing-day.
How to Get Involved
Grab your fishing gear, rally your family or friends, and make plans to spend Sunday, 19 October 2025 outdoors. Whether you’re casting a line for the first time or a seasoned angler, it’s a great chance to discover new fishing spots, meet other anglers, and celebrate the joy of recreational fishing.
Gone Fishing Day is an initiative of the Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation (ARFF), the national voice for Australia’s recreational fishing community. These events are proudly supported by BCF – Boating, Camping, Fishing.
National Recreational Fishing Forum Highlights
What an incredible day at the Recreational Fishing Forum 2025!
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us at the Sofitel Broadbeach to make this event such a success. From celebrating the leadership of women in fishing, to exploring the power of recreational fishing data, and sharing stories of stewardship and community action, your energy and insights are helping shape the future of our sector.
Together we’re building a stronger, more connected recreational fishing community.
Recreational Fishing Research Coordination Program Testimonial Video
Recreational Fishing Research Coordination Program Testimonial Video
Behind every strong fishing community is strong research and collaboration.
Find out how the Recfishing Research Coordination Program is leading the way—and how you can be part of it.
Recreational Fishing Forum 2025
Recreational Fishing Forum 2025 – Driving the Future of Recreational Fishing
Join recreational fishing leaders and advocates from across Australia for a one-day forum dedicated to strengthening and advancing the sector. This event brings together peak bodies, decision makers, researchers, and innovators to share initiatives and insights, while building capacity and connection across the recreational fishing community.
Key themes include:
The Power of Recreational Fishing Data
The Economic Value of Recreational Fishing
Rec Fisher Stewardship
Elevating Women in Fishing
If you’re passionate about the future of recreational fishing, whether you work, play or have any role in the sector — this is an event not to miss.
To find out more about the event and register your spot visit the website!
THE NATIONAL FISHERIES PLAN
The National Fisheries Plan aims to support and empower all sectors of the fishing, aquaculture and seafood community. These sectors are commercial, Indigenous and recreational fishing (marine, lakes and rivers), aquaculture and post-harvest. The broader fishing, aquaculture and seafood community also extends to those involved in fisheries research and members of the general public who consume seafood or otherwise have an interest in fisheries.
To find out more about the National Fisheries Plan click the link provided.
Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry – National Fisheries Plan