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South Australian Fish Species Guide

South Australian Fish Species Guide

Posted by Tackle World Adelaide Metro on 28th Jun 2021

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South Australia has an abundance of popular recreational fish species. This guide briefly summarizes some of the most sought after fish in South Australia, the best time of year to target them, and the best baits and/or lures to catch them with. 

Summary: Black Bream are primarily found in estuaries around the state. Occasionally, they are caught on beaches and rock walls. They grow up to 50cm and are one of the most accessible fish to catch in South Australia.

Summary: Also known as Queen Snapper, Blue Morwong are caught on offshore reefs where Snapper and Nannygai are found, excluding gulf waters. Growing up to 80cm in length, they put up a good fight in deep water and are excellent on the plate.

Summary: One of our tastiest crustaceans, the Blue Swimmer Crab is also one of the most accessible targets in gulf waters. They can be caught using a drop net from jetties or boat, or by a method known as “raking”, which is essentially scooping them up by a special rake on shallow tidal beaches. Maximum carapace size: 20cm.

Summary: Also known as Golden Perch or Yellowbelly, Callop are primarily caught in the Murray River. Most reservoirs with access to fishing are now stocked with Callop. Maximum size: 60cm

Summary: The humble Garfish are a popular target along the coast throughout the warmer part of the year; and can be caught from jetties, rocks, or boat. Berley is needed to attract schools of Garfish to you. Although rarely exceeding 35cm, Garfish are considered one of SA’s best table fish.

Summary: Gummy Shark (Flake) are targeted due to their table quality. In SA, they are caught on offshore reefs or surf beaches. Reaching up to 6ft in length, big Gummy Sharks put up a great fight on all line classes.

Summary: SA’s favourite seafood, the King George Whiting. Majority of the recreational catch is targeted by boat in sheltered waters such as the gulfs; however, the biggest King George are caught offshore. Commonly caught between 30cm – 40cm, they can grow over 60cm. Needless to say, their table quality is exceptional.

Summary: Also known as Jewfish, the silver ghost often eludes beginner, intermediate, and even expert anglers at times. They are caught from a variety of environments but are predominately targeted in estuaries or on surf beaches. Seldom do they grow longer than 1.6m

Summary: An Australian icon, the Murray Cod is the pinnacle of freshwater fishing in Australia. South Australia’s population of Murray Cod is on the rise with recent stocking in the Murray River and selected reservoirs. Catch and release only within allowed season in SA. Length can exceed 150cm and can weigh over 100kg.

Summary: Also known as Bight Redfish, Nannygai are often in abundance in SA’s offshore waters. Nannygai are a popular target for anglers with boats capable of reaching their deep-water environment due to their amazing taste. Total length is usually under 65cm.

Summary: Although a noxious pest in South Australia, Redfin Perch are a popular target species as they are quite easy to catch and taste great. Reservoirs are the most popular locations, although they can be caught in creeks and dams in the Adelaide Hills. 50cm maximum size.

Summary: Salmon and Salmon Trout are the same species. Their size defines whether the fish in question is a Salmon or Salmon Trout: (Salmon Trout < 35cm) (Salmon > 35cm). Salmon Trout are mostly found in estuaries, on jetties, and on surf beaches. Salmon are predominately caught on surf beaches. Can weight up to 6kg and grow over 90cm in length.

Summary: A deep-water amberjack, Samson Fish are targeted almost exclusively for sport. One of the hardest fighting fish in SA are found on offshore reefs and pinnacles throughout most of the state. Can weight over 40kg and grow over 1.7m in length.

Summary: Although current Snapper closures almost completely restrict access to the species for now, Snapper are easily one of SA’s most sought after fish. Targeted mostly within the gulfs; however, they can be caught in offshore waters right around the state. Capable of growing in excess of 15kg in SA waters.

Summary: Snook are found in all near-coast waters with rocky and weedy habitat. Snook were mostly targeted by trolling metal or hard plastic lures with a paravane in years gone by (this method still catches plenty of Snook), although the trend has predominately shifted to flicking soft plastic or hard body lures for them. Snook can grow up to 1m long.

Summary: School-size Southern Bluefin Tuna (under 30kg) are accessible at certain times of the year in offshore waters across the state. Summer is the best time to try at popular spots such as Victor Harbor, Marion Bay, and Port Lincoln. In Winter, Port MacDonnell in the state’s South East hold great numbers of School Tuna, as well as Barrel Tuna over 100kg!

Summary: South Australia’s predominant Flathead species, the Southern Bluespot Flathead are targeted on sheltered beaches and shallow rocky shorelines throughout Autumn. They are caught occasionally by King George Whiting anglers by boat. Can grow up to 80cm.

Summary: Another one of South Australia’s most sought after species, the Southern Calamari are found among inshore weedy and rocky environments around all of South Australia. They taste sensational, are quite easy to catch, and are readily accessible to land-based and boat anglers. Hood size is usually under 30cm, although winter can produce Squid over 40cm!

Summary: Also known as Herring, Tommies are found in similar environments as Garfish are, and they are often caught together. After dark, Tommies are very active and are usually caught at jetties under the jetty lights. Berley is needed to either bring them to you, or to start a feeding frenzy. Tommies can reach 40cm in remote locations around South Australia.

Summary: Brown and Rainbow Trout can be caught in South Australia. Although access is quite limited, it is possible to catch them in the Adelaide Hills. There have been plans to stock selected reservoirs with Trout as well. Can grow over 70cm.

Summary: Yellowfin Whiting are targeted from beaches within the gulfs with worms or small topwater lures. Yellowfin Whiting are popular considering their table quality is excellent, and they are almost exclusively caught land-based. Often confused with Silver Whiting, Yellowfin Whiting grow much larger, up to 45cm.

Summary: Regarded as SA’s hardest fighting fish, Yellowtail Kingfish are not to be taken lightly. Big fish (1m+) migrate to our gulfs in Spring to breed before heading offshore in Summer and Autumn. Schools of “Rats” (< 1m) frequent many inshore and offshore areas throughout summer. Can grow over 40kg and 1.7m in length.

For all up-to-date information about size & bag limits, seasonal closures, and exclusion zones, head to PIRSA here: https://www.pir.sa.gov.au/fishing/fishing_limits