The Eyre Peninsula is one of Australia's best fishing regions and encompasses many of the best fishing destinations in South Australia. It's home to some renown world class fishing spots including Fowlers Bay, Coffin Bay, Whyalla and Australia's seafood capital; Port Lincoln to name a few.

There are not too many popular South Australian fish species that cannot be caught on Eyre Peninsula, including monster Mulloway on the Far West Coast, torpedo-sized Salmon around Elliston, horse Yellowtail Kingfish at Port Augusta, and even the humble King George Whiting at Coffin Bay.

You would be considerably unlucky to have an unproductive fishing trip on South Australia's Eyre Peninsula. Despite the overall productiveness of SA's fishing mecca, we've broken down the towns and hot spots to guide anyone who may decide to wet a line on their next fishing expedition on the Eyre Peninsula.

Far West Coast – (WA Border to Ceduna)

Yalata

Species: Mulloway, Salmon, Gummy Shark, School Shark, Bronze Whaler Shark, King George Whiting, Flathead, Mullet

Summary:

What better place to start this guide than the famous surf beaches of Yalata. It goes without saying this stretch of sand has produced more trophy Mulloway than anywhere in the country. The Mulloway season starts as early as October and continues through until late February; with early December considered the peak time for genuinely big fish. Salmon over 5kg, Gummy Sharks, Bronze Whaler Shark, and School Sharks can be caught year round. The lagoons within the land have huge King George Whiting, Flathead and big Mullet available, if you can resist the temptation of surf fishing for big silver fish!

Dog Fence Beach

Species: Mulloway, Salmon, Gummy Shark, School Shark, Bronze Whaler Shark, Mullet

Summary:

Next door to Yalata is another first class fishing spot. Dog Fence Beach can produce as many trophy Mulloway as Yalata. It fishes almost identically to Yalata in terms of seasons and species; with the exception of Whiting and Flathead due to the lack of sheltered lagoons.

Scott’s Beach

Species: Mulloway, Salmon, Gummy Shark, School Shark, Bronze Whaler Shark, Silver Trevally, Flathead, King George Whiting

Summary:

Scott’s Beach has something for every land based angler with a 4wd. Although famed for its big Salmon (and many believe this is South Australia’s best Salmon beach), Mulloway and various Shark species can be caught off the main surf beach in the middle of the bay. Conversely, the Western and Far Eastern ends of the beach produce good numbers of King George Whiting. These areas are fun areas to fish with lures and light tackle as Silver Trevally, Flathead and Salmon all cruise the low lying reef.

Fowlers Bay

Species: Tommies, Squid, King George Whiting, Silver Trevally, Snook, Kingfish, Samson Fish, Tuna, Gummy Shark, Nannygai, Blue Groper

Summary:

Fowlers Bay features one of South Australia's best fishing jetties. The class of fishing here and the remoteness will make you feel like you’ve gone back in time to the ‘70’s. Some of the biggest Tommies in Australia (up to 40cm!) are caught after dark, and can be a ton of fun to catch on small soft plastics. Bycatch of metre long Snook are also mixed in with the giant Tommies. Huge Southern Calamari up to 4kg, Silver Trevally, Kingfish of all sizes, and King George Whiting can be caught at the Fowlers Bay Jetty. Offshore fishing is excellent as Kingfish and Samson Fish to 40kg, Tuna to 30kg, 6ft+ Gummy Sharks and Blue Groper can all be caught in these pristine offshore waters.

Ceduna

Species: Tommies, Squid, King George Whiting, Garfish, Silver Trevally, Snook, Kingfish, Samson Fish, Tuna

Summary:

Ceduna’s Town Jetty is convenient and reliable. Most notably, Squid fishing here is productive with quality and quantity on offer. Other popular bread and butter species such as King George Whiting, Garfish and Tommies can be abundant in the right conditions. Silver Trevally and Snook are often caught on small lures. The mass of smaller fish is perfect for predators such as Kingfish and Mulloway which show up at the jetty every now and then. The offshore fishing scene is good, with big Samson Fish, Tuna, and Kingfish all possible offshore of Ceduna. 

West Side – (Ceduna to Coffin Bay)

Streaky Bay

Species: King George Whiting, Tommies, Squid, Garfish, Snook, Blue Swimmer Crab, Samson Fish, Tuna, Salmon, Mulloway, Mullet, Nannygai

Summary:

As far as South Australian country towns go, Streaky Bay is a little gem. The variety of fishing options in Streaky Bay is vast with quality jetty, rock, small boat, offshore and surf fishing possible within 20 minutes of the town centre. The Town Jetty attracts Blue Swimmer Crabs during the warmer half of the year. Tommies, Garfish and Squid are also caught at the Streaky Bay Jetty. The bay is a renowned King George Whiting haven where quality and quantity is available around the Razorfish beds and The Spit. The offshore scene is brilliant and boats generally don’t need to go out further than 10kms at the right time of year to catch Tuna, Nannygai and Samson Fish. The surf beaches to the west provide good Salmon fishing in winter and the odd Mulloway in summer.

Venus Bay

Species: Tommies, Squid, King George Whiting, Garfish, Silver Trevally, Snook, Kingfish, Salmon

Summary:

The sheltered Venus Bay has excellent land-based fishing in all-weather conditions at all times of the year. Squid, Tommies, Trevally and Garfish are frequently caught from the local jetty. King George Whiting move in during late autumn and winter and bite best on days with good tidal movement. Rat Kingfish make their way into the bay at the start of summer and harass the schools of smaller fish around the Jetty. If you’re struggling to get a bite at Venus Bay, it’s likely the little Kings are around.

Talia Beach

Species: Salmon, Gummy Shark, School Shark, Bronze Whaler Shark, Mulloway, Mullet

Summary:

Possibly one of the best surf fishing beaches in the state. Talia Beach is capable of producing all of the regulars to South Australian surf fishing as listed above. Big Salmon however is what Talia is best known for. The months of winter, particular August produces Salmon over 5kg regularly. Talia Beach is best accessed via 4x4 and experience with driving on sand is essential if you wish to explore the whole 25km of beach.

Elliston & Locks Well

Species: Tommies, Squid, King George Whiting, Garfish, Silver Trevally, Snook, Salmon, Mullet, Blue Groper

Summary:

Some of the easiest land-based King George Whiting fishing can be had within Waterloo Bay. Whether it’s off the Town Jetty or off the beach, a simple whiting rig baited with cockles or fresh squid will get you into SA’s favourite seafood. The Town Jetty has nice sized Tommies, Squid and Snook at night under the lights. Rock fishing (when the swell is low and safe) is excellent for Trevally, King George Whiting, Tommies and the occasional Blue Groper if you’re lucky!

A special mention to another premier Salmon beach. The staircase at Locks Well can be a nightmare to walk up and down, however the Salmon fishing is usually worth it. Salmon from 3-5kg can be caught year round on bait and lure.

(Image: Matthew Gorne)

Sheringa

Species: Salmon, Tommies, King George Whiting, Flathead, Mullet

Summary:

Another land-based gem. Although popular for its Salmon fishing, Sheringa’s lagoons also offer fun and entertaining  fishing. Lure anglers can expect some nice Flathead from summer to autumn with Salmon up to 3kg as by-catch. Bait fishing can produce nice size King George Whiting; which at times can be thick. Mullet and Tommies round out the other smaller species you're likely to encounter while bait fishing at Sheringa.

Bottom End (Coffin Bay to Port Lincoln)

Coffin Bay National Park

Species: Tommies, Flathead, King George Whiting, Garfish, Silver Trevally, Kingfish, Salmon

Summary:

If you love fishing and 4-wheel driving Coffin Bay National Park needs to be on your bucket list. Surf fishing the famous beaches of Gunyah Beach and Almonta Beach are a must do for any Salmon chaser. The schools can be huge and the bite window has potential to last from sunrise to sunset. The rock ledges produce their fair share of Salmon, as well as Silver Trevally, Tommies and the odd Kingfish. The sheltered beaches on the north-facing side of the National Park are good for King George Whiting, Garfish and Flathead.

Coffin Bay

Species: Tommies, Flathead, King George Whiting, Garfish, Silver Trevally, Kingfish, Samson Fish, Tuna, Gummy Shark, Blue Groper

Summary:

3 words come to mind when Coffin Bay is mentioned: shallow water Kingfish. If you’re visiting in spring with a small boat, make sure you get up early to chuck live baits and surface lures into a pack of hungry Kings in less than 2m of water. Stealth and accuracy is essential when drifting the bay as these Kingfish can be quite shy and spooky. It’s possible to catch Kingfish from the Town Jetty, although smaller species such as Tommies, King George Whiting, Garfish, Silver Trevally and Flathead are more reliable targets. The offshore scene is incredible. Greenly and Rocky Islands are well known for producing Kingfish, Samson Fish, Blue Groper, big Gummy Sharks and Tuna.

Port Lincoln National Park

Species: Squid, Tommies, Flathead, King George Whiting, Garfish, Silver Trevally, Snook, Kingfish, Salmon

Summary:

Port Lincoln National Park is another great area to fish and is more 2wd friendly than Coffin Bay National Park. The numerous shallow bays and rock ledges are awesome spots to catch Squid, Flathead, King George Whiting and Garfish. If you do take a 4x4 it’s worth checking out Wanna Beach and Miller’s Hole for schools of Salmon. Like Gunyah Beach and Almonta Beach, the Salmon fishing can be exceptional!

Port Lincoln

Species: Squid, Tommies, Flathead, King George Whiting, Garfish, Silver Trevally, Snook, Yellowfin Whiting, Kingfish, Samson Fish, Tuna, Salmon, Blue Swimmer Crab, Nannygai, Blue Morwong

Summary:

If we had to choose one place to almost certainly catch a Squid, it would be the Town Jetty at Port Lincoln. Most days at sunrise and sunset can be chaotic with ink flying in all directions more often than not. Although the Town Jetty is reliable, almost anywhere land based within casting distance of weedy bottom will yield Squid. King George Whiting are often easy to find in the Bay as are Tommies and Garfish; with the help of berley. Although inshore and land-based fishing is brilliant, it’s the offshore Tuna fishing that Port Lincoln is best known for. In addition to Tuna, Kingfish, Samson Fish, Nannygai and Blue Morwong are also caught offshore.

East Side (Port Lincoln to Port Augusta)

Tumby Bay

Species: Squid, Tommies, Flathead, King George Whiting, Yellowfin Whiting, Garfish, Silver Trevally, Snook, Kingfish

Summary:

King George Whiting fishing at Sir Joseph Banks is one of the best spots in the state for trophy-sized Whiting and large quantities of them. It’s one of those places where you can bag out and potentially no fish will be smaller than 40cm, that’s how good it can be! On land, Yellowfin Whiting and Flathead can be caught on the flats and sheltered beaches. The Town Jetty has Squid, Garfish, Tommies, Silver Trevally, Snook, King George Whiting and the odd Rat Kingfish.

Arno Bay

Species: Squid, Tommies, Flathead, King George Whiting, Yellowfin Whiting, Garfish

Summary:

Arno Bay was once a Snapper mecca years before the state-wide ban was introduced in November 2019. Although Snapper are off the table for now, Arno Bay still possesses some top class fishing. King George Whiting are well abundant, even within a kilometre from shore. Many trophy Whiting have been caught in Arno Bay waters. The not so well known Town Jetty is one of SA’s best Squid fishing jetties. Yellowfin Whiting are also very common in the shallows and can be caught on bait or surface lures.

Whyalla

Species: Kingfish, Squid, Tommies, King George Whiting, Yellowfin Whiting, Garfish, Blue Swimmer Crab, Salmon

Summary:

Similar to Arno Bay in regards to the Snapper saga. Whyalla is still a worthy fishing destination. Boat fishing is good for King George Whiting and Squid (Outside the Exclusion Zone), as well as big Yellowtail Kingfish towards Point Lowly. The beaches on the town foreshore are ideal for Yellowfin Whiting and the odd Salmon. Blue Swimmer Crabs and Garfish run hot during the warmer part of the year.

Port Augusta

Species: Kingfish, Squid, Tommies, King George Whiting, Snook, Garfish, Salmon, Blue Swimmer Crab

Summary:

The Kingfish fishery has grown over the last decade or so at Port Augusta especially with the booming popularity of down-rigging with live bait. This technique has seen many dedicated South Australian anglers pull in more trophy Kings than most other methods. It’s an incredible fishery and many seasonal regulars participate in the exercise of catch and release. This is vital to keeping a world class fishery around for years to come. Aside from the major attraction, Port Augusta has some of the biggest Blue Swimmer Crabs the state has to offer. The common bread and butter species such as Squid, Tommies, King George Whiting, Snook, Garfish and Salmon Trout are also caught in the Port Augusta area.

(Image: Steve Filiangouras)