Recreational fishing in Australia is highly important both socially and economically. One in five people go fishing every year, equating to over 4 million participants, contributing over 100,000 jobs and over $11 billion per year to the Australian economy. Most Australians find recreational fishing to be a highly acceptable pastime that is good for personal health and wellbeing, social connectivity, physical activity and environmental stewardship. Given the importance of recreational fishing to the Australian community, it’s essential that the management, governance, and leadership of recreational fishing is informed though ongoing engagement with world best practice. The World Recreational Fishing Conference is the leading international forum for sharing developments in recreational fisheries science, policy, management and community engagement. In February 2026, thanks to support from the Fisheries Research Development Corporation (FRDC), an Australian delegation of leaders and emerging leaders participated in the 11th World Recreational Fishing Conference held in South Africa (WRFC11). This presentation reports on outcomes from the Australian delegation to WRFC11 in engaging with global best practice, strengthening national and international networks, and identifying opportunities to benefit recreational fishing in Australia. We outline practical insights into stewardship, social licence, citizen science, habitat restoration, communication and inclusive participation, as well as expert feedback confirming that Australia is well placed globally. The findings provide opportunities to maximise the benefits of recreational fishing in Australia and a productive platform for discussion at the next Australian Recreational Fishing Forum in 2027.