Fishing

With 4,800 kilometres of coastline, along with lakes and the Murray River, South Australia offers fishing from rocks, boats and beaches. With so many fishing spots to choose from, it just depends on what type of fishing is preferred. For big-game fishing, head to the Yorke Peninsula, Eyre Peninsula or Kangaroo Island and take a boat charter offshore or fish from the riverbank along the Murray River. 

Australian Coastal Safaris, Eyre Peninsula 
Professional charters from deep-sea sports fishing and reef fishing to in-shore fishing for delicate table fish and beach fishing for big Australian salmon. Tours are topped off with accommodation in a modern four-bedroom beach house overlooking Boston Bay in Port Lincoln.

Glenelg Fishing Charter, Adelaide 
Fishing trips for experienced, not-so-experienced fisherpersons, recreational, sporting and corporate groups. Half-day and Full-day fishing charters.

Kangaroo Island Fishing Adventures, Kangaroo Island
Full-day and multi-day fishing charters with onsite accommodation.

Port MacDonnell Fishing Charters, Limestone Coast
Half-day and full-day personalised fishing charters located half-way between Adelaide and Melbourne.

Marion Bay Fishing Charters, Yorke Peninsula 
Based in Marion Bay offering full-day adventures.

Fishing at City Beaches

Brighton, Glenelg, Henley Beach and Semaphore jetties are less than 30 minutes from Adelaide. Many anglers' fish from the jetties for tommy ruff, salmon trout, mulloway, bream and squid.

Fishing at Regional Beaches

Head down to Victor Harbor on the Fleurieu Peninsula and throw a line off the Causeway or Bluff jetties. There’s bream, garfish, whiting, mullet, and flathead. Try beach or rock fishing at Waitpinga Beach. You may snag a salmon or two.

For rough surf and big fish, head to the west coast of Eyre Peninsula - the commercial fishing hub of South Australia. Catch Australian salmon at Locks Well beach near Elliston on the Eyre Peninsula. You will find mulloway, salmon trout, snook and King George whiting in the open water. Both the Eyre Peninsula and Yorke Peninsula are home to abalone, razor fish, scallops, and southern rock lobsters. To get the most out of the Eyre Peninsula, hire a boat or choose from one of the many fishing charters.

Crabbing is popular in the Yorke Peninsula towns of Port Hughes, Moonta and Wallaroo. There are plenty of blue swimmer crabs between September and April. You will find some of the best jetty fishing in these towns. Expect good hauls of snapper, King George whiting, squid and flathead.

There are many options for fishing on the Limestone Coast, try Port MacDonnell, Robe, Beachport, Kingston and The Coorong.

River Fishing

If you prefer freshwater fish, head to the Murray River. The most popular angling and eating fish is callop, also known as golden perch or yellow belly. The famous Murray River yabby is typically abundant from October to April, especially after high winter and spring flows. A good spot to try is Katarapko Creek in the Murray River National Park. The legendary Murray cod is a protected species and must be returned to the water.

Fish Responsibly and Safely

When fishing in South Australia, be aware of protected species, marine park sanctuary zones, minimum sizes, bag limits and licences (penalties apply). It is important to remember that bag and size limits apply to most fish species caught in South Australian waters. Some fish also have closed seasons and others are completely protected. The limits vary, so it is important to make sure you are well aware of what you can catch and how much of it you can take home. Primary Industries and Resources South Australia (PIRSA) is responsible for fishing regulations in South Australia. See PIRSA's recreational fishing website for a searchable list of fishing limits and fish sizes.

Download the SA Recreational Fishing Guide app for iPhone, Windows or Android.