Crayfish Season: West Coast Rock Lobster Fishing Opens 16 December 2024

The recreational West Coast Rock Lobster (WCRL) season will open on 16 December 2024 and close on 30 March 2025, with a fishing effort of 12 days.

Always fish responsibly and adhere to the size and bag limits.

A seasonal WCRL recreational fishing permit costs R94 and can be purchased online from the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment (DFFE) website. The recreational fishing permit is valid for the entire season.

For online fishing permits, visit www.fishing.dffe.gov.za on a PC, as the site is not mobile-friendly, or click here and create a new account. For all enquiries contact: CSCenquiries@dffe.gov.za

Crayfishing will be allowed as follows:

• Monday, 16 December 2024 (low tide 09:50)
• Sunday, 29 December 2024 (low tide 08:17)
• Monday, 30 December 2024 (low tide 08:56)
• Tuesday, 31 December 2024 (low tide 09:35)
• Wednesday, 1 January 2025 (low tide 10:14)
• Saturday, 4 January 2025 (low tide 12:26)
• Sunday, 5 January 2025 (low tide 13:19)
• Sunday, 12 January 2025 (low tide 08:24)
• Friday, 21 March 2025 (low tide 13:03)
• Saturday, 22 March 2025 (low tide 14:17)
• Saturday, 29 March 2025 (low tide 09:23)
• Sunday, 30 March 2025 (low tide 10:01)

Take note of the following:

• WCRL may be caught between 08:00 and 16:00 on the specified days.
• The bag limit is four per person per day.
• The size restriction is 80 millimetres carapace length.
• No person catching WCRL with a recreational fishing permit may sell their catch.
• Any WCRL caught, collected, or transported must be kept in a whole state.
• You must have a valid license to go crayfish diving.
• Only persons over the age of 12 may obtain a recreational fishing permit.