EYRE PENINSULA
Port Lincoln Fishing
Overview
Port Lincoln offers big-water fishing on Boston Bay and the surrounding islands — whiting, snapper, tuna and more from boat, jetty and shore.
Local Rules & Closures
A total closure from 1 May 2026 prohibits the targeting, take and possession of Southern Calamari in Spencer Gulf for recreational and charter boat fishing.
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.
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
What Can I Catch?
Best: Spring & Autumn
Best: Spring - Autumn
Best: Summer - Autumn
Best: Summer - Autumn
Best: Summer
Best: Spring - Autumn
Best: Winter - Spring
Best: Spring – Autumn
Best: Summer – Autumn
Best: Open season months
Best: Winter – Spring
Best: Spring - Summer
Best: Summer - Early Autumn
Best: Autumn - Spring
Best: Late Spring - Late Summer
Best: Caught year-round; best in Autumn - Spring
Best: Summer - Autumn
Best: Summer - Autumn
Nannygai — known in South Australia as Bight Redfish — are a much-loved deep-water table fish. They live in schools over deeper reef and rough ground and are targeted on the bottom with baits from a boat. Their bright red colour and sweet white flesh make them a prized reef catch.
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
Town jetty on Boston Bay - King George Whiting, squid and tommy ruff, with deep water at the end.
How to Fish Here — Rigs
The boat setup for Southern Bluefin Tuna — skirted lures or deep-diving hardbodies trolled in a spread behind the boat at walking pace, worked through baitfish schools and temperature lines.
The dedicated snapper rig — two snelled hooks on a long sliding leader with the sinker running free on the main line, so a suspicious red can mouth the bait and run without feeling any resistance.
A versatile and highly effective rig for King George Whiting and many other species.
Best Baits & Lures
The classic saltwater baitfish - a staple for salmon, mulloway, snapper and gummy sharks, fished whole or in strips.
The dedicated lure for Southern Calamari - cast and retrieved with a jerky motion around jetties, weed edges and lighted areas at night.
The number one King George Whiting bait in South Australia.
A tough, reliable whiting bait that stays on the hook.
Fishing Environments
Best Seasons
Whiting and squid year-round; snapper best in the warmer months.
Family Fishing
Good — sheltered town jetties and beaches; the big water needs care.
Access & Facilities
Full town services; boat ramps on both sides of the bay.
Fishing Rules
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