South Australia has established a new government Recreational Fishing Authority (RFA) as part of a broader initiative to enhance recognition and support for recreational fishing in the state. The announcement, praised by Premier Peter Malinauskas, marks a significant step toward addressing a longstanding perception that the sector has been under-recognized compared to similar efforts in states like Victoria. The RFA’s objectives, as outlined in official documentation, focus on improving facilities and support for recreational fishers across South Australia, a move that has been welcomed by many anglers, though some remain cautious about the initiative’s long-term impact.
Fishing activity across South Australia remains varied depending on location and species. Along metropolitan beaches between O’Sullivan Beach and Sellicks Hill, mullet and salmon trout are actively biting, especially during early morning and late afternoon hours. Anglers report that peeled prawn bait and a steady supply of berley have proven effective. The Onkaparinga River continues to yield bream, with Perry’s Bend and sheet-piling areas highlighted as productive spots. While some mulloway have been caught, the majority are below legal size. Crabbing remains productive from jetties in Grange, Semaphore, Largs, and Brighton, with night-time netting enhancing catch rates. Reports of whiting vary across metropolitan waters, with some reasonable catches in Brighton and West Beach but less success further north. Freshwater anglers have shown interest in the introduction of rainbow trout up to 5 kilograms in Happy Valley Reservoir, offering an alternative to coastal fishing.
In the south coast and Kangaroo Island regions, salmon over 3 kilograms have been reported near the Murray Mouth under favorable conditions, while gummy sharks have been caught after dark at Goolwa Beach. Fishing at Rapid Bay yielded tommies and salmon trout over the recent long weekend. Lady Bay has been recommended for early-morning snook. On Kangaroo Island, King George whiting are available in Nepean Bay and the Bay of Shoals, with Kingscote Jetty seeing good activity after dark. Launching from Emu Bay, anglers have found trevally, substantial whiting, and large snook in Dashwood and Smith Bays.
The South East region has seen strong salmon runs along accessible beaches, particularly within Canunda National Park. Gummy sharks weighing up to 12 kilograms have been landed by surf casters at locations including Browns Beach and Carpenter Rocks. Garfish populations are well established in sheltered bays such as Livingstones and the Petrified Forest. King George whiting, tommies, and salmon trout are available from Port MacDonnell Jetty. At the Glenelg River, estuary perch and bream up to 40 centimeters continue to be caught reliably.
Along the Eyre Peninsula, surf fishing for salmon has been productive between Sleaford and Wanna in Lincoln National Park, with fish exceeding 3 kilograms recorded. Port Lincoln has yielded whiting and an unusual catch of a blue morwong from the town jetty. Blue swimmer crabs have been reported from Louth Bay, and snook are present near Boston Island. The west coast, especially areas around Elliston, has maintained consistent salmon runs, with some fish approaching 4 kilograms during the recent long weekend.
On the Yorke Peninsula, salmon trout remain abundant between Black Point and Port Vincent, attracting holiday anglers. While whiting are present, their catch is hampered by the dominance of salmon. Ardrossan Jetty has seen angler activity focused on tommies near day's end and small blue crabs, with expectations that crab size will increase as water temperatures rise. School sharks are accessible on deep reefs near the peninsula’s southern end, offering a challenging but rewarding fishery requiring wire traces to prevent gear loss.
Overall, the establishment of the Recreational Fishing Authority coupled with a diverse range of active fisheries across South Australia signals a promising future for the state’s recreational fishing community. Observers hope that sustained government support will translate into tangible improvements and recognition in the years ahead.