Gone Fishing Day 2025

• Recreational fishing clubs and associated organisations

Gone Fishing Day fishing packages or grants support fishing clubs and associated organisations to promote and celebrate fishing through the running of events on or around Gone Fishing Day.

To be eligible for a package the fishing club or organisation must: 

• be a previously established recreational fishing club or associated organisation.
• be able to host a Gone Fishing Day event prior to 30 November 2025.
• only apply for one fishing package per organisation per event.
• complete the application in full (with sufficient detail to enable a sound assessment).
• show clearly how the project team will deliver the project (including adequacy of expertise within the project team).
• have submitted final reports and evidence of project expenditure to DPIRD for all past Gone Fishing Day grants (if relevant).

To be eligible for a grant the fishing club or organisation must:

• be an incorporated recreational fishing club or associated organisation.
• be able to host a Gone Fishing Day event prior to 30 November 2025.
• have an Australian Business Number (ABN)*. 
• hold or commit to obtaining public liability insurance of not less than $10 million per occurrence or hold equivalent or better self-insurance to the satisfaction of the Department, prior to executing a funding deed with the Department.
• only one application for funding will be accepted per organisation per event.
• applications must be completed in full, including the budget section (with sufficient detail to enable a sound assessment).
• applications must show clearly how the project team will deliver the project (including adequacy of expertise within the project team).
• fishing club/organisation or project manager must have submitted final reports and evidence of project expenditure to DPIRD for all past Gone Fishing Day grants (if applicable).

*Note: Applicants without an ABN may be able to submit a Statement by supplier form in accordance with the law. However, applicants with an intent to submit a future Statement by supplier form must get approval from DPIRD prior to an application being submitted.

The project must be completed by 30 November 2025.

Applicants can apply for grants to purchase or hire fishing gear, bait, food and non-alcoholic drinks, participant giveaways and other equipment required to run a local Gone Fishing Day event and associated activities.

Applicants not meeting the above requirements.

• Gone Fishing Day events must not be held on private land or land with no public access (where relevant).
• Project activities must not include commercial ventures or materials developed for a primarily commercial purpose.
• Project activities must not include improving club facilities that are only available to organisation/club members.
• Project management expenses or salaries cannot be included in the project budget.
• Individual items purchased must not exceed $400 in value.
• Total catering expenses must not exceed $800.
• Grant funding sought must not include expenses for fishing charters, fishing guides or boat hire.
• Grant funding sought must not include accommodation expenses or meal expenses prior to or after the event.

• casting and fishing activities
• fishing information sessions