Fishing in South Australia

First of all when planning a fishing experience you need to know what type of fishing is suitable to the location. Naturally fresh water fishing is different from salt water fishing. It requires different bait and rigging. The idea is to use the correct bait and line setup as to increase your catch. Certain rigging and bait matching the areas weather and fish will catch the fish. It is no coincidence as to why some people catch more than others. Copy the locals if you are not from the area.

For those who want to salt water fish and don't have a boat sand fishing is done on the shore which is called sand fishing. If you don't want to sand fish you may plan to fish on a jetty. Jetties allow you to fish in shallow water as well as relatively deep water. A huge variety of fish species can be caught on the shore as well as on a jetty. While sand fishing I have caught rather large fish like salmon in South Australia at Port Willunga beach. In recent times I have witnessed net fishing there which I believe it is not practiced there now. Probably some sort of legal obligation that makes it not profitable to fish there in that way. While fishing on a jetty you may catch a large variety of fish although usually not large in size. At Henley Beach jetty in South Australia you may catch tommy ruffs, whiting, squid, sand crabs, garfish and shark. At other jetties you may catch leather jackets and flathead.

Boating gives you the best chance of catching larger fish. If you can find a school of fish it is realistic that you will catch up to 4 dozen or more. Electronic equipment called sonar can increase your chances of finding a school. Port Lincoln and other parts of the Eyre Peninsula in South Australia are good fishing spots. So is the Yorke Peninsula. Actually any coast with a boat ramp in reality is an opportunity for boating.

A major factor to consider before choosing your fishing location is to take the local conditions into consideration. Is it open water? Is it protected water? Is the water a sanctuary? Protected water means the waves are smaller in size. Unprotected coastline means the waves will be larger then in protected water. The Great Barrier Reef in Australia's Queensland is World Heritage listed. This means that the water and all its occupants such as the tropical fish must be left exactly as found. Although this is not a fishing spot it is amazing to see the various colours of these fish in their natural habitat. Also the coral is quite spectacular and there are many charter boats that will take you to experience these wonders. If your intention is to game fish do it elsewhere and check the local conditions before you set out. A larger boat is safer in large swells.

Also just before you leave to go fishing you must know the weather conditions. This is very important. Is it stormy conditions? When will the tide come in and when will it go out? I hope you enjoy your fishing and that you catch a tub full.