Ardrossan -

An hour and a half drive from Adelaide is Ardrossan. The town is widely regarded as the South Australian capital of Blue Swimmer Crabs. These tasty crustaceans can be caught by simply dropping nets off the town jetty or wading the calm, shallow beaches with a rake in hand. Whichever method you chose, these easy-to-catch critters are sure to keep the kids entertained for hours (be careful of their claws!). The equipment used is surprisingly inexpensive. A few nets, accessories and a bucket will struggle to burn more than a $50 hole in your pocket. Not bad considering you’re a great chance of returning home with some of SA’s best seafood!

Blanchetown –

Fishing on the Murray River is one South Australia’s more relaxing activities. The scenery, peace and tranquillity allows you to forget about the drama of city life and enjoy time with the family. Fishing off the bank is an easy and affordable pastime. Any light-medium sized rod and reel combo paired with pre-tied river fishing rigs, scrub worms for bait and a bell on each rod is all you need. Let me tell you, nothing gets a kid more excited than the sound of a bell and a bent rod! Carp are prolific all year round from the town banks, and if you’re lucky you may catch more desirable species such as Callop (Legal Size: 33cm) and Catfish (Protected Species – Must be returned to the water). If you’re visiting in between the months of October - April set a few Yabbie nets overnight. A good feed of Yabbies are a real possibility!

West Lakes –

If restrictions are keeping you from heading out of town West Lakes is the perfect place to take the kids for a cheeky arvo fishing mission. Bream are everywhere and are easy to catch for everyone. Use small, lightweight rods (such as kid’s combo’), running sinker rigs and a piece of peeled prawn or cockle for bait. How easy! Spots such as Inlet Reserve (Trimmer Parade), Mariners Reserve and Tiranna Reserve are productive and they each feature a playground, just in case the fish aren’t biting. As well as Bream, you may be surprised by a few Whiting, Salmon, Garfish or Mullet.

Port Noarlunga (Onkaparinga River) –

Another hassle-free local trip. The sandy sheltered beach inside the mouth of the Onkaparinga River is a great place for a family day out. Start your session by setting up a berley trail. The ideal mix consists of pellets and tuna oil dispersed by a plastic berley pot. The use of berley will bring schools of Mullet and Salmon Trout to your feet. Casting a light Mullet rig with baits of cockle or mullet mix and can provide hours of fish-catching fun. Occasionally, Bream, Flathead and Whiting can be caught amongst the Mullet and Salmon Trout. Don’t forget to take a ruler and a bucket because a fresh feed of fish is always on the cards!

Rapid Bay -

To the south of the CBD the iconic town of Rapid Bay on the Fleurieu Peninsula is a popular and productive fishing haven that caters for fisho’s of all skill levels. The Rapid Bay Jetty is always worth fishing from at sunrise or sunset for Squid. Squid fishing equipment is inexpensive, a squid jig attached to a light-medium sized combo is all that’s needed to be in the action. Focus your efforts towards the end of the jetty where the water is deep and the bottom is weedy. Mullet, Salmon Trout and Whiting can be caught off the beach on mullet rigs baited with cockle. This is a great option if the jetty is packed, and the results can often be mind blowing!