Support Your Association

The Australian Fishing Trade Association (AFTA) is your professional trade association. Your membership fee supports the future sustainability of our industry and ensures the rights of recreational anglers throughout Australia are safeguarded for future generations. Our purpose is to benefit our members: wholesalers, importers, manufacturers, retailers of fishing goods and services, and those involved in recreational fishing media.

 Protecting Fishing’s Future

AFTA is dedicated to safeguarding the future of recreational fishing through proactive engagement with political leaders at all levels of  government. The organisation regularly submits proactive, comprehensive, and detailed recommendations that accurately reflect the
interests and concerns of its members. In addition, prior to each election, and in partnership with local AFTA members, policy manifestos are submitted to both government and opposition parties, emphasising the triple bottom line – economic, social, and environmental considerations.
AFTA’s objective is to secure robust, informed, and equitable policy outcomes that advance positive impacts and mitigate adverse effects on the recreational fishing sector.

In 2025, AFTA addressed a diverse range of challenges nationwide, including advocating for fair, science-based fisheries management policies, contesting seasonal closures, reductions in catch limits, and restrictions on marine park access, and negotiating the buyback of gillnet licences to protect vulnerable species. The association responded promptly to environmental crises, such as the algal bloom in South Australia, and actively
sought financial and infrastructure support for affected businesses and communities. AFTA also promoted youth engagement and education initiatives in New South Wales, supported stock enhancement programmes across Australia, and advocated for equitable resource allocation during ongoing reforms in Queensland and Western Australia.

Furthermore, AFTA managed regulatory matters by opposing the extension of the NSW Blue Groper ban, supporting the introduction of new safety regulations, and evaluating the implications of offshore wind farm developments, while consistently promoting the economic, environmental, and social value of recreational fishing throughout Australia.

AFTA operates independently of government funding; its membership and the AFTA Tackle Show finance organisational and administrative expenses. This approach ensures impartiality and objectivity in representing members’ essential interests. Nevertheless, AFTA does apply for
grants to improve recreational fishing outcomes and seeks sponsorship for Public Day and Networking Events at the AFTA Tackle Show.

Media, Retail and Wholesale companies with an Australian Business Number operating in the recreational fishing tackle industry are encouraged to apply.

Types of members:

A media member is a member whose primary business or interest is selling or distributing fishing media and services to the public.

A retail member is one whose primary business or interest is selling or distributing fishing goods and services to the public.

A wholesale member is a member whose primary business or interest is selling or distributing fishing goods and services to the retail sector (not directly to the public).

Membership fees are relative to the size of your business and are based on your fishing tackle turnover in Australia in the last financial year (2024-2025). The AFTA Board has once again voted against increasing membership fees and is holding the current rates for 2026.

Don’t forget, the AFTA tackle show entry is included with your AFTA membership! 

Ready to join? Simply click the link below to fill out the form, and answer the few quick questions. We’ll process your application as efficiently as possible, and then you’ll receive a link to log back in and pay via credit card.

All Members Benefit from 

• Political Liaison and Advocacy with both State and Federal Governments
• Listing in AFTA’s fully searchable online Members Directory
• Let’s Fish Australia’s social media campaign resources
• Advertisement of positions vacant on the AFTA website and Facebook page
• AFTA members can exhibit at the ICAST show at ASA member rates.(ASA requires a confirmation from AFTA of your status as a current financial member).

and AFTA’s Corporate Travel Insurance Policy 

• AFTA’s Corporate Travel Policy – it’s comprehensive policy, which at a glance includes
  • All Business trips by directors and employees
  • Accompanying spouses and dependents
  • Leisure travel added on to a business trip
  • Pure leisure travel for directors and their families
  • Pre-existing medical conditions
  • Lost luggage
  • Cancellation due to illness
  • Hire Car excess

Save Money with these AFTA Partners

Current members can renew via the AFTA member portal. 

The portal includes all the links you need to take advantage of our PARTNER OFFERS.

In addition, members can access information such as the ABS Import Data, Board Meeting Minutes and AFTA Financials.

Log in anytime and update your listing in the online member directory.

Membership Enquiries

If you have any queries or need assistance to apply or renew, contact Heatha at admin@afta.net.au

AFTA is committed to a strong future for recreational fishing and the fishing industry, each and every member matters!