South Australia may be known for its wine and wildlife, but there’s also plenty to discover off the coast. fishing in South Australia shouldn’t be missed. Between great offshore fishing opportunities and stocked freshwaters inland, the fishing in South Australia shouldn’t be missed! 

What to Expect

There are plenty of options for angers in South Australia. Freshwater or saltwater, you’ll be kept busy on your fishing trip.

Inland

You’ve got to know where to go when freshwater fishing in South Australia. There are some huge lakes in the outback, such as Lake Eyre and Lake Torrens, which are dried-up salt flats for most of the year! Instead, you’ll want to head to places such as Warren Reservoir and Murray River. 

Warren Reservoir is stocked with Murray Cod, Silver Perch, and Callop (Golden Perch). Murray River is one of the best places for Murray Cod, as well as good populations of Redfin, Perch, Bream, Catfish, Callop, and plenty more. A shorter trip is perfect for targeting these fish. Due to the sheer number of these fish, an inshore trip is great to take the kids along on. All Murray Cod should be released once caught.

On the Coast

Beach fishing is also popular in SA. With over 2,900 miles of coastline, there’s plenty of opportunities to wet a line. At Ocean Beach you can reel in the likes of Australian Salmon and Pink Snapper, whereas Henley Beach and Brighton Beach are great for Mulloway, Bream, and Tommy Ruff.

To the east of Eyre Peninsula and close to shore is St. Vincent Gulf and Spencer Gulf. These have good populations of Bream in the mangrove creeks here. The Eyre Peninsula is a hot spot for fishos, both for the fish and the Scallops and the Southern Rock Lobster. You can have a very swish dinner after your fishing trip.

Offshore

If hiring a boat to take you offshore, you’ll be able to target top game fish, including Striped Marlin, Southern Bluefin Tuna, Yellowfin Tuna, Big Eye Tuna, Mako Shark, Nannygai, Samson Fish, and more. Pink Snapper get big in SA, with fish 9 kilograms on average.

SA has some of the biggest populations of King George Whiting found in the country – have these fried with chips after your trip for a delicious dinner!

The offshore waters of SA can get pretty rough, with swells over 10 meters in places like Cape Jarvis and very powerful waves in Venus Bay. The longer offshore trips are more suited to experienced anglers. Children will enjoy the beach fishing and inshore fishing much more. 

How to Prepare

You won’t need a licence when fishing in SA, but you should be aware of the catch limit and sizes, as well as the legal fishing gear allowed in certain areas. There are some bodies of water where you’ll need a permit.

Any European Carp you catch must not be returned to the water – these are considered pests in SA.

Head to the land down under today and experience firsthand the excellent fishing in South Australia!