REACREATIONAL fishermen could have their tackle taxed under a plan being explored by the Federal Government.

The Government has given a recreational fishing group, RecFish Australia, almost $200,000 to look at how the levy would be introduced.

Buried within the Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry's website is a one page document revealing the $198,680 grant would be used to "explore the issues that need to be addressed on the concept of levies for the establishment of a secure, reliable and independent revenue stream from recreational fishers".

RecFish Australia has also been ordered to investigate other possible funding options for recreational fishing.

But the department paints an appealing picture of what the levy could achieve if implemented.

"A levy would enable the sector to promote growth, participation, research and development and extension, infrastructure, habitat restoration, succession planning, capacity building and communications."

The money was provided under the $15 million Recreational Fishing Community Grants Program.
RecFish Australia was not immediately able for comment.