The Australian Recreational Fishing Foundation (ARFF) is inviting Australians of all ages and experience levels to get out on the water and celebrate Gone Fishing Day 2026, taking place nationwide on Sunday 18 October.
Gone Fishing Day is Australia’s annual celebration of recreational fishing. Established in 2016, the day is all about one simple thing: getting outdoors, wetting a line and enjoying everything that recreational fishing has to offer.
Whether it is casting from a favourite riverbank, dropping a line from a jetty, heading offshore or spending the day in a tinny on the bay, Gone Fishing Day is an opportunity for Australians to get involved and share their passion for fishing.
Across the country, hundreds of events are expected to be held by fishing clubs, schools, community groups and other organisations. These events will bring people together to celebrate fishing, introduce new people to the pastime and encourage Australians to spend time outdoors enjoying their local waterways.
Fishing clubs, community groups and families are encouraged to plan their own Gone Fishing Day activities and join the nationwide celebration.
So, mark Sunday 18 October 2026 in the calendar, grab your fishing gear and get out to your favourite fishing spot.
However you fish, wherever you fish, make the day yours.
For information on Gone Fishing Day events, including how to register an event or find one near you, visit Gone Fishing Day.