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Port Lincoln, South Australia

The Seafood Capital of Australia

Port Lincoln: The Seafood (and Fishing) Capital of Australia

Port Lincoln is one of the state’s most popular locations for visitors to drop a line with plenty of places and facilities catering to keen anglers. Whiting, salmon, sweep, snook, trevally, Australian herring (tommy ruff), garfish, squid, and many other species are available year-round, while late summer and autumn are best for tuna and kingfish.

OR, you may wish to go out with a professional and take a tour, with all gear supplied and a feed (almost!) guaranteed. For land or sea based fishing tour options, see our featured fishing charter operators below...

Fishing Calendar

October - May

Bronze whaler sharks
Yellowtail kingfish

November - April

Blue swimmer crabs

November - May

Southern rock lobster

December - May

Bluefin tuna

All year round

Australian herring (tommy ruff)
Flathead*
Garfish*
Gummy and school sharks*
King George whiting*
Nannygai
Salmon*
Samsonfish
Snook*
Squid*
Yellowfin whiting
Snapper**

* Can be caught year-round, but at their prime at specific times of the year. Check with local fishing outlets.
** State-wide closure until 31st January 2023
Fishing Kids
Sheltered Clear Waters

Fishing Charter Operators

Jetty (Pier) Fishing

For land-based anglers, jetties are by far the most popular and most accessible spots to try your luck, with the Port Lincoln town jetty and the Port Lincoln Tourist Park jetty two of the more popular locations.

Other jetties can be found a short drive from Port Lincoln at North Shields, Tumby Bay, Coffin Bay and Mt Dutton Bay.

Fishing by Boat

Boaties can launch at marinas at both Port Lincoln and Tumby Bay. Other boat ramps are located at Tumby Bay, North Shields, Port Lincoln, Taylor’s Landing, Port Neill, Coffin Bay and Mt. Dutton Bay. Beach launching is also possible at Louth Bay, Avoid Bay (4WD required) and Farm Beach.

Before you launch it's recommended you check sea and beach conditions and get local tips by chatting with boating equipment and tackle dealers.

Coastguard stations at Louth Bay and Tumby Bay monitor all marine radio frequencies. You may find yourself many hours from emergency help, so it's advisable to let the relevant stations know of your plan as a safety precaution.

Surf, Beach and Rock Fishing

Many beach and rock fishing locations are a short drive from Port Lincoln with local favourite spots within the National Parks. Just remember that you’ll need an entry permit – available at the Port Lincoln Visitor Information Centre.

Finally, fishing regulations, size limits, and bag limits vary for different species, so be sure to carry the latest fishing guide.

Related Information