FLEURIEU PENINSULA

Cape Jervis Fishing

Cape Jervis, South Australia

Overview

Cape Jervis is a launching point for Kangaroo Island waters and a fishing spot in its own right - the jetty and rock ground produce King George Whiting, tommy ruff, salmon and squid.

Local Rules & Closures

SOUTHERN ROCK LOBSTER CLOSED SEASON — SOUTHERN ZONE

Rock Lobster must not be taken from the Southern Zone from 6:00 pm 31 May to 6:00 am 1 October.

SOUTHERN GARFISH CLOSURE — GULF ST VINCENT & KANGAROO ISLAND

A closure in place since 1 May 2026 prohibits the targeting, take and possession of Southern Garfish in the Gulf St Vincent & Kangaroo Island fishing zone for recreational and charter boat fishing.

SOUTHERN CALAMARI CLOSURE — GULF ST VINCENT & KANGAROO ISLAND

A total closure from 1 May 2026 prohibits the targeting, take and possession of Southern Calamari in the Gulf St Vincent & Kangaroo Island fishing zone for recreational and charter boat fishing.

SNAPPER CLOSURE — WEST COAST, SPENCER GULF & GULF ST VINCENT/KI

Snapper fishing is closed until 30 June 2027: targeting, take and catch-and-release fishing are strictly prohibited. Do not transit through a closure area with Snapper on board — bringing Snapper back to any boat ramp in a closed area (including Cape Jervis, Wirrina and Penneshaw) is prohibited.

KING GEORGE WHITING SPAWNING CLOSURE

The targeting, take and possession of King George Whiting is prohibited in Gulf St Vincent and Spencer Gulf during the annual spawning closure (1 March – 30 June).

Quick Info

BEST FOR

Southern Calamari, King George Whiting, Australian Salmon, Tommy Ruff

FISHING TYPES

Shore, Rocks, Jetty, Boat

ENVIRONMENT

Wind-swept gulf entrance with rock ground and channels

DIFFICULTY

Mixed

BEST SEASON

Spring - Autumn

ACCESS

Moderate

What Can I Catch?

Southern Calamari

COMMON

Best: Spring & Autumn

King George Whiting

COMMON

Best: Spring - Autumn

Australian Salmon

SEASONAL

Best: Autumn - Winter

Tommy Ruff

SEASONAL

Best: Winter - Spring

Sweep

OCCASIONAL

Sweep are the silver flashes around South Australia's rocky headlands, jetties and offshore reefs. They school in loose groups near structure, take small baits and lures enthusiastically, and fight well for their size on light gear. Smaller sweep are a great family species, with bigger fish a solid catch for experienced anglers.

Where to Fish

Cape Jervis Jetty

JETTY

Jetty at the gulf entrance - King George Whiting, tommy ruff and squid; best in calm weather when the ferry traffic settles.

JettyAccess: Easy

TARGETS: King George Whiting, Tommy Ruff, Southern Calamari

How to Fish Here — Rigs

Paternoster / Dropper Rig

A versatile and highly effective rig for King George Whiting and many other species.

Best Baits & Lures

Pilchard

The classic saltwater baitfish - a staple for salmon, mulloway, snapper and gummy sharks, fished whole or in strips.

Squid Jig

The dedicated lure for Southern Calamari - cast and retrieved with a jerky motion around jetties, weed edges and lighted areas at night.

Pipi / Goolwa Cockle

The number one King George Whiting bait in South Australia.

Fishing Environments

ShoreRocksJettyBoat

Best Seasons

Sheltered days fish best; salmon in the cooler months.

Fishing Rules

Size, bag and possession limits apply to every species here — each species page carries the current verified SA rules from PIRSA. Marine park sanctuary zones are no-take areas. Always check current regulations before fishing.

View SA Fishing Rules

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