The designated recreational fishing dates for the 2025/26 West Coast Rock Lobster season, have been announced.
They are as as follows:
- 20, 21, 27 and 28 December 2025
- 3, 4, 24, 25 and 31 January 2026
- 1 February 2026
- 21 and 22 March 2026
“These dates have been finalised following a thorough and science-based assessment to ensure that recreational opportunities are balanced with the long-term sustainability of our marine resources,” says the new Minister of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment, Willie Aucamp.
Read Who Is Willie Aucamp?
The dates were determined taking into account the West Coast Rock Lobster breeding season; alignment with weekends, public holidays and the festive season; and the timing of the low tide periods to maximise safe and responsible harvesting opportunities.
Fishers are requested to fish responsibly and to adhere to the regulations for recreational fishing. These include, but are not limited to, that fishing is prohibited on the days that are not included in the above list.
Fishers must hold a valid recreational permit and follow the bag and size limits. These measures collectively support stock recovery trajectories and contribute to ensuring that utilisation remains within sustainable thresholds. .
Recreational West Coast Rock Lobster permits can be purchased at any South African Post Office or online via the Department’s official e-permitting platform at: https://www.fishing.dffe.gov.za
There’s more to read here…
This content is for subscribers only.Subscribe to Fishing Industry News SA to get full access to our exclusive content now.
Subscribe Now
