The South Australian recreational fishing app – called SA Fishing – has been upgraded, bringing with it a host of exciting new features.

Key features include weather forecasting, fishing rules, shark sighting reporting and fishing tips.

Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development David Basham says the new app would be valuable for the estimated 277,000 South Australian men, women and children who enjoy recreational fishing each year.

“This is the ultimate must-have recreational fishing guide for South Australia,” he says.

“The latest version enables fishers to easily share photos of their catch with friends on social media, suggests lesser known species to catch in a region, provides weather information, recommended gear and bait by species and allows recreational fishers to easily contribute to citizen science if they want.

“Even expert recreational fishers will enjoy the features including GPS maps of fishing closures and easy reporting of those fishers breaking the rules.

“Historically, it has been difficult for recreational fishers to get access to the latest news and updates about what is happening in the sector.

“Now, by simply downloading the app, recreational fishers will have in the palm of their hand, all the latest recreational fishing news, such as restocking events, fish stock status and citizen science research projects to participate in.

“We value recreational fishing. Fishing is more than a great hobby and excuse to get outside, it contributes to our state’s economy through tourism, hospitality, tackle shops and boat sales.

“The Marshall Liberal Government is expanding recreational fishing opportunities in South Australia with the development of the Minister’s Recreational Fishing Advisory Council, the opening up of reservoirs for recreational activity, fish stocking and the establishment of new shellfish reefs.

“The upgrade of this app complements all of our government’s initiatives and provides fishers with a one-stop shop for all the information they might need when dropping a line.

“It’s easy to find – just search ‘SA Fishing’ in your app store to download.”

The app is now available as a free download from the Apple and Google Play app stores.