Jetty Fishing
Types of fish
Salmon, garfish, tommies, flathead, whiting, mullet, trevalley, port jackson, gummy and school shark, barracuda, squid...
Hooks
Small hooks (long shank no.10)
Bait
There are no rules when it comes to this. One day they will take cockles, then cray tail and then prawn. A no.10 hook will land a pound whiting and you have the advantage of being able to catch the smaller fish on the same gear. Keep your bait small.
Gear
When fishing with 2 rods it is advisable to have a float on one and use the other on the bottom.
Location
Jetties at Beachport & Southend. Best time to go is an hour either side of the tide.
FOR The KIDS (5-17): Rivoli Bay Jetties Junior Fishing Competition is held each April school holiday. It's a fun opportunity to have a go and with great prizes to be won!
Boat Fishing
Types of fish
In the bay: Whiting, mulloway, flathead, salmon, garfish, mullet. Out deep also: snapper, shark, tuna, nanygai and a variety of other species.
Bait
Burley is a must for good fish catches. Do not overfeed.
Location
Rivoli Bay - Good areas for night dabbing Garfish near the Jetty. Out deep varies locations.
Gear
For fishing outside this area a good sea boat of at least 5m is a minimum requirement. The wind can rise very quickly and cause trouble if you are not prepared. If you have an echo sounder look for the higher peaks and drop offs. If not, and there is a swell, look for the 'boils'. Drifting can also be productive in these areas, anchoring when fish are found. Heavy gear is used for Snapper, Mulloway and Gummy Shark.
Boat ramp permits available at Beachport information centre, Jarmos Petrol Station or EasyPark online.
Fishing Charters are available from Beachport with Seeker Charters
Beach Fishing
Types of fish
Salmon, mulloway, rays, flathead, snapper, small shark and king whiting..
Bait
Cockle (for whiting), fish fillets, pilchard's, squid, craytails or octopus.
Gear
Longer rods (12 foot) are normally required/advised but if not available try what you have. A good reel with 300 yards of at least 20 pound line with 6.0 to 7.0 hooks is suggested. Salmon hole use 30-50gm metal lures. This type of fishing is best at sunrise, sunset or an overcast day.
Location
Excellent surf beaches stretch around Rivoli Bay from Beachport to Southend. Various locations within the Beachport Conservation Park and Canunda National Park. Accessible by 4WD or take 2WD vehicles as far as possible and then travel on foot.
Rock/Reef Fishing
Types of fish
Salmon, mullet, snapper, sweep, crayfish (with drop nets).
Bait
Cockle, pilchards, red meat & fish strips. Float fishing is best but heavier gear can be used if trying for Salmon etc.
Location
Various locations within the Beachport Conservation Park and Canunda National Park. Accessible by 4WD or take 2WD vehicles as far as possible and then travel on foot. Note: Please be aware of the tracks on which you drive and that they do not enter private property.
CAUTION: For large waves and unsafe cliffs. Do not wear rubber waders as they could possibly fill with water.
Estuary Fishing
Types of fish
Bream, mullet.
Bait
Cockles
Location
Southend Drain
Mesh net fishing in Lake George
Lake George is the only area in the State where open access to the use of recreational mesh nets are permitted. There are an abundance of Lake George mullet to be caught and as you can see by this photo of Ashley Madden, the birdlife is pretty healthy too.
Apply for or Renew a Mesh net registration HERE
Please look after Lake George.
General Fishing Tips and info:
Ask a local fisherman
The weather and tide movement are the number one priority. Conditions are generally calmer early in the morning.
To obtain a boat ramp permit for Beachport fishing visit the Beachport Visitor Info Centre, Jarmos Petrol Station or EasyPark online. Whilst there perhaps pick up a size, bag & boat limit brochure.
Mulloway like deeper gutters and bite best on a rising tide, an overcast sky and murky water. They respond best to vibration of live bait. Best 2-4 days either side of a full moon.
Oct - May are best for Snapper and Whiting. Try for these on a filling tide and snapper on a high tide.
Flathead bite well an hour each side of low tide and also when the moon and tides are rising.
Beach Fishing is best when dawn or dusk coincide with a high tide.
A cheap option for Burley: chicken pellets or bran mixed with a little tuna oil.
Deep Sea Fishing - best on change of tides. "No run, no fun if thers no tide".
Recreational Fishing Licenses are not required in SA (except crayfish)
PIRSA Mt Gambier Office: 08 8735 1300
SE Regional Office: 08 8735 1177
If you have no luck catching anything head to the Lobster Pot along the foreshore in Beachport to purchase all your fresh seafood. Or check our local eating spots for some great seafood dishes.
Compiled by Rachel Hales. Photo contributors:: Rachel Hales, Leni Clifford, Josh Hales, Henry Bowering, Eli Kneen, Brayden Chambers, Rivoli Bay Junior fishing FB page, Axel Joyce.
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