Got some fish on your bucket list that you want to tick off? South Australia and Queensland share a border as well as a love of good fishing… and our fishing trip was GOOD. First on our list was the Eyre Peninsula!
The Eyre Peninsula is a triangular peninsula and its coastal waters are teeming with marine life. Our base was Port Lincoln, which is about a 45-minute flight from Adelaide.
The weather gods were on our side as we set out early in the morning with Daniel from GT Charters. GT Charters has been in operation for over 10 years and Daniel’s a man of confidence. We launched from Coffin Bay and headed towards Dan’s favourite spot.
That spot will be familiar to Southerners: the Whidbey group, which includes the Four Hummocks.
Within minutes of setting the lines and slowly trolling, we were on with a little double hookup. Southern bluefin tuna are large, fast-swimming, pelagic fish and typically they will run from the boat.
Within an hour, our tuna were ticked off with six each, catch and release. Our catch of the morning also included nannygai, snapper, gummy shark and many more.
GT charters is Good Time charters and Dan wants to put smiles on people’s faces. We were grinning from ear to ear. You can contact him at 0408 691 469 or online here.
When you get to South Australia, you want to fish for King George whiting.
King George whiting is endemic to Australia and inhabits the south coast – from Western Australia to Botany Bay. You can tell a King George whiting by the unique pattern of spots, as well as its elongated shape.
In SA, KGW – the local nickname – like to move around with the seasons. In summer, they prefer sandy environments, and during winter — the reefs.
We could not be in better hands than with Peter from Triple Bay Charters. Born and bred in Port Lincoln, he knows the waters well.
He gave Scotty a couple of tips on where to cast, wait for a nibble and flick the rod, set the hook. Scott was on with not one but two whiting, and Olivia did not let the side down. Peter was wetting a line on the side and brought in a squid! The fishing was like no other. Scott threw a line over his shoulder and guess what? He caught a KGW. To say Peter knows the waters around Port Lincoln is an understatement.
If you are in Port Lincoln, take the 30-minute drive to Coffin Bay. Coffin Bay National Park should not be missed. With its rugged coast line, azure waters and sandy beaches, it is a breathtakingly beautiful part of Australia. Most of the roads are sealed, so there’s easy access.
Whilst in Coffin Bay you would be a fool not to visit the Coffin Bay Oyster Farm, where you can pull on the waders and take a tour of a working farm. Kim will show you how the oysters are grown and you can take a seat at table, then learn to shuck. Once shucked, you can sit back and enjoy a glass of wine and taste the creamy, salty oysters. Straight from the water — you can’t get fresher — they really are divine.
The fishing and fun in South Australia is extraordinary and you can find BCF stores nation-wide. So whether you’re in South Australia or Queensland, you’ll be able to drop by, grab some gear, pick up some local knowledge and get out there and go boating, camping and fishing.
When in South Australia, we choose to stay at the Port Lincoln Hotel. The view is overlooking the magnificent Boston Bay and they have accommodation styles to cater for all your needs. While there, check out Sarins Restaurant, your taste of fresh seafood.
