WA Tackle Shop Rebate — Get $50 Back on Fishing Gear
If you hold a Recreational Fishing from Boat Licence in Western Australia, you can now claim up to $50 back on fishing gear purchased from participating tackle shops — including Compleat Angler Nedlands.
The WA Government's Tackle Shop Rebate program opened for claims on Monday 18 May 2026 and is part of a $29.2 million Fisheries Support Package designed to support recreational fishers and local tackle shops during the West Coast demersal fishing closure.
Here's everything you need to know — who's eligible, how to claim, what you need, and how to make the most of it.
What Is the Tackle Shop Rebate?
The Tackle Shop Rebate is a WA Government initiative offering eligible recreational boat fishers a rebate of up to $50 when they purchase fishing gear from one of 45 participating independent tackle shops across Western Australia.
The program has two goals:
- Encourage fishers to diversify — with the West Coast demersal ban in place until Spring 2027 (affecting boat-based fishing for dhufish, snapper, baldchin groper, and other demersal species from Kalbarri to Augusta), the rebate encourages anglers to gear up for alternative, sustainable species like pelagics, squid, estuary species, and more.
- Support local tackle shops — independent tackle stores have been hit hard by the demersal closure. The $3.3 million rebate program drives foot traffic and sales to help these businesses through the closure period.
Am I Eligible?
To be eligible for the Tackle Shop Rebate, you must:
- Be a Western Australian resident
- Hold a current and valid Recreational Fishing from Boat Licence (RFBL) at the time of your claim
That's it. If you have a current boat fishing licence, you're eligible.
Don't have an RFBL? You can apply for one online through the WA Government's recreational fishing licence page. It's required for anyone fishing from a powered boat in WA anyway, so if you fish from a boat, you should already have one.
How Much Can I Get Back?
The rebate is up to $50. This means:
- Spend $50 or more on fishing gear → get $50 back
- Spend less than $50 → get the purchase amount back (minus GST)
It's a one-off claim per licence holder. You get one shot at it, so make the most of it.
How to Claim — Step by Step
What You'll Need
Before you start your claim, make sure you have:
- Your Recreational Fishing from Boat Licence (RFBL) number
- A Digital ID (myID) set up to Standard identity strength — learn how to set up your Digital ID here
- Your Australian bank account details (for the rebate payment)
-
An itemised tax invoice from a participating tackle shop showing:
- Business name
- ABN
- Total value (including GST)
- Purchase date (must be on or after 15 May 2026)
- Itemised fishing gear purchased
Claiming via the ServiceWA App (Fastest Method)
- Purchase fishing gear from a participating tackle shop (like Compleat Angler Nedlands) and keep your tax invoice
- Download the ServiceWA app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store
- Log in with your Digital ID (myID) at Standard identity strength
- Go to the Discovery tab and tap Offers
- Select Tackle Shop Rebate and follow the prompts
- Upload your invoice and submit your claim
You'll receive a ServiceWA inbox message with your claim reference number once submitted.
Alternative Claiming Method (Online Form)
If you prefer not to use the app, you can claim via the DPIRD online form. Note that this method requires a 100-point ID check and may take up to 30 business days to process (compared to 7 business days via the app).
For claims on behalf of someone under 16, a parent or guardian can submit via the online form.
When Will I Get Paid?
If your claim is successful, you'll receive the rebate in your nominated bank account within 7 business days (via ServiceWA app) or up to 30 business days (via online form).
Important Dates and Limits
- Purchases eligible from: 15 May 2026 onwards
- Claims open: 18 May 2026
- Claims close: 17 November 2026 (6 months), or when 66,000 claims are reached — whichever comes first
- One claim per RFBL holder
⚠️ There are only 66,000 rebates available. With over 250,000 RFBL holders in WA, these will likely be claimed quickly. Don't wait — get in early.
Compleat Angler Nedlands Is a Participating Shop
Yes — Compleat Angler Nedlands is one of the 45 participating tackle shops in the Tackle Shop Rebate program. Any fishing gear purchased from us on or after 15 May 2026 is eligible for the rebate.
Come into the store at 154 Stirling Highway, Nedlands and our team will:
- Help you find the right gear for targeting alternative species during the demersal closure
- Provide you with a proper itemised tax invoice for your rebate claim
- Talk you through species and techniques you might not have tried before
Call us on (08) 9389 1337 if you have any questions.
You can also shop online at compleatanglernedlands.com.au — but make sure to check the rebate terms regarding online purchases, as the program is specifically designed for participating tackle shop purchases.
What Should I Spend My Rebate On?
The rebate is an opportunity to gear up for the species you can target during the demersal closure. Here are some ideas:
Get Into Squidding
Peak squid season coincides perfectly with the demersal closure. A dedicated egi rod, a 2500 spinning reel, and a handful of quality squid jigs will get you set up for under $50 worth of jigs alone. Read our complete guide to squid fishing in Perth.
Target Estuary Species
Black bream, flathead, and whiting are all unaffected by the demersal ban and provide outstanding light tackle fishing. Stock up on soft plastics, jig heads, and estuary lures. Check out our guides to bream fishing and flathead fishing in Perth.
Upgrade Your Line and Leader
Fresh braid and fluorocarbon leader make a genuine difference to your fishing. If your braid is faded or your leader is old, now's the time to replace it — and get $50 back for doing it.
Try Drone Fishing
With the demersal ban exempting land-based fishing (including drone fishing), now is the perfect time to invest in drone fishing gear. Drone rigs, heavy leader, and circle hooks are all under $50 and will get you started. Read our complete guide to drone fishing in Perth.
Service Your Reels
We offer reel servicing at the store. Use the downtime during the demersal closure to get your reels serviced and ready for when the fishery reopens in Spring 2027.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the rebate for online purchases?
The program is designed for purchases from participating tackle shops. Check the official DPIRD page for the latest terms regarding online purchases.
What counts as "fishing gear"?
The invoice needs to show itemised fishing gear. This includes rods, reels, line, lures, hooks, sinkers, tackle, and other fishing-specific equipment. Check the terms and conditions for the full list of eligible items.
Can I claim if my licence expired?
No — you must hold a current and valid RFBL at the time of your claim. If your licence has expired, renew it before claiming.
How long until the rebates run out?
There are 66,000 rebates available. With hundreds of thousands of RFBL holders in WA, these are likely to be claimed quickly. Get in early — don't wait until November.
Can more than one person in my household claim?
Yes — each person with their own current RFBL can make one claim each. So if you and your partner both hold licences, you can both claim $50 each from separate purchases.
Key Links
- ServiceWA: Tackle Shop Rebate claim page
- DPIRD: Full program details, participating shops list, and alternative claim form
- Set up your Digital ID (myID)
- Apply for or renew your Recreational Fishing from Boat Licence
Come and See Us
Compleat Angler Nedlands is proud to be part of this program. Whether you're looking to try a new species, upgrade your gear, or get set up for squidding, estuary fishing, or drone fishing — come in and chat with our team. We'll help you find the right gear and make sure your invoice is set up correctly for your rebate claim.
Compleat Angler Nedlands
154 Stirling Highway, Nedlands
(08) 9389 1337
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