The Australian National Sportfishing Association is considered the peak body of sportfishing in Australia and encompasses all the needs of the beginner as well as the experienced angler The Association is the Australian organisation that represents the recreational fishing industry and the recreational sportfisher through its various branches and affiliated clubs in Australia. Joining a local ANSA affiliated club is the best way to maximise the benefits of ANSA membership.
Our costs are minimal and the benefits are high.
More about us
The ANSA record chart is the largest in the world and covers line class captures with breaking strains from 1 Kg through to 60Kg. There are seven different divisions that an angler can fish ranging from the general sportfishing through to flyfishing, gamefishing, etc. ANSA also conducts a non line class “All Tackle” Length Only record chart and a national tagging programme across most states under the “Austag” banner. Capture and release is strongly encouraged and ANSA does provide a Masters capture awards program for those sportfishers who really want to test their individual angling skills.
The Australian National Sportfishing Association is the thinking anglers choice for sportfishing in Australia.
Clubs usually meet about once a month to plan competitions or fishing trips for that month. Most clubs have an excellent social atmosphere and often have social training nights for beginners. Please email us for more information using the contacts page for phone numbers or email addresses.
Our ethics
"Sport, Conservation and Integrity"
Obey and respect the local regulations and conventions that govern fishing in your chosen area.
Purposefully conduct yourself in such a manner so as to minimize any negative impact on the fish’s environment. Being mindful of anchoring and speed restrictions is as important as preventing littering, pollution and habitat destruction.
The angler’s environment should be protected as well as the fishes. Do not indulge in littering, in particular with discarded tackle. Disposal of offal and unwanted bait should be undertaken in a manner that is both environmentally sound and publicly acceptable.
Respect the rights and interests of others especially those other anglers and commercial fishers who are legally participating in the fishery.
Be aware of the relationship between the angler and their quarry and understand that the choice of the individual is important when dealing with a capture.
Respect the rights of property owners including those that exclude access for personal or cultural reasons and negotiate access to waters rather than trespass.
Participate where possible in scientific, educational and community programs that benefit the fishery or recreational anglers.
Fish taken should be killed quickly and should be prepared and preserved in such manner as to minimize spoilage and waste. Where a fish is not wanted it should be returned in such manner as maximizes its chances of survival. Wanton unnecessary destruction of undesired species is unacceptable.
Membership benefits
No.1 A National Record Chart and rule book.
No.2 Access to Masters, ANSA provides a series of awards that recognise personal achievement.
Masters categories include 6 tackle divisions plus tagging, freshwater impoundment, landbased sportfishing.
No.3 Badges and Patches
Masters patches and 5 to 1 club patches
250 point capture
500 point capture
750 point capture
1000 point capture
boat stickers
car stickers
masters pins
No.4 Association with a world leader in the recreational fishing industry.
ANSA is affiliated with IGFA.
Members can claim world records.
No.5 National Record Charts
Records recognised in 6 tackle divisions and 8 line classes, and a non line class category and now length only.
Extensive eligible species list including all IGFA recognised gamefish.
No.6 Diversity in fishing experience
Sportfishing
Lurecasting
Flyfishing
Gamefishing
Landbased Gamefishing
Handlining
Tag and Release
Freshwater impoundment
Landbased sportfishing
No.7 Fishing Ethic
The underlying spirit of angling is that the skill of the angler is pitted against the instinct and strength of the fish and that the latter is entitled to an even chance for its life.
No.8 Conservation Ethic
Tag and Release for scientific purposes.
Revegetation of depleted areas.
Input into freshwater stream flow research.
National Carp Policy.
National Aquaculture Policy.
No.9 Fellowship within a National organisation
200 clubs across Australia
Conventions
Conferences
Visiting ANSA sportfishers warmly greeted by local contacts.
Local knowledge freely passed between members.
No.10 Representation on peak bodies
Founding member of RECFISH AUSTRALIA
Affiliated with IGFA.
State Branches members of independent peak bodies (where established).
No.11 Recognition of most meritorious capture - Australia wide
Winner presented with prize at Annual National Conference.
No.12 Internet Site
Achievements and ethos available to the world.
Record chart updated regularly.
No.13 Family
A family oriented organisation.
Women well represented at all levels.
Children welcomed and encouraged.
No.14 Functions, conferences, conventions
Open to all members.
Conferences provide interaction between members, politicians and fishing industry.
Conventions provide opportunity for members to fish together and exchange experiences.
No.15 Representation to/with parliamentarians
Parliamentarians at State and National level are ANSA members.
Organisation is respected, providing access to high levels of government.
No.16 Active participation in scientific research
ANSA Research Foundation - providing research opportunities for recreational fishing priorities.
AUSTAG - State tagging programmes established under a National banner.
Catch Effort databases being established
Size/weight frequency data collection.
Preparing and publishing scientific papers from our own data.
Member Clubs
Welcome to our Members Club section, where we celebrate the vibrant community of fishing enthusiasts. Here, you can connect with fellow anglers, share your experiences, and learn from one another.
Joining an ANSA Club enables you to gain ANSA records, ANSA masters achievements, enter club competitions and join research program's such as SAFTAG.
Northern Districts Sportfishing Club
PO Box 8012, Parafield Gardens, SA 5107
Whyalla Sportsfishing Club
P.O.BOX 2180, Whyalla, Norrie, SA 5608
whyallasfc@hotmail.com
Lower Murray Lure Fishing Club
Recfish SA Citizen Science
Young Husband Fishing Club
Steel City Sportfishing Club