Fishing Report: Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island (July 1 - 15)

As winter settles over the Fleurieu Peninsula and Kangaroo Island, local anglers will find rewarding catches despite the cooler temperatures. The first half of July will bring a mix of challenges and triumphs to the fishing community, with diverse species making their presence known in these rich waters. From shore fishing hotspots to prime offshore locations, the region continues to offer excellent opportunities for both seasoned fishers and newcomers alike. Here's a detailed look at the expected fishing activity from July 1 to 15, covering the most productive areas, standout catches, and tips for your next outing.

Fleurieu Peninsula

Kings and Waitpinga beaches expect to yield good catches of salmon trout and mullet. Garfish are schooling inside the basin at Cape Jervis and Morgan's Beach, providing ample opportunities for a decent haul. The jetties at Rapid Bay and Second Valley are productive spots for tommies, lazy drummer, squid, and green mackerel.

Boat crews fishing from Wirrina and Lady Bay faced challenging conditions with dirty water last week, making it tough to catch whiting. However, garfish and squid are present in decent numbers, though they are slow to bite. Some of the winter garfish are particularly fat and moist, offering great eating qualities.

Shore-based fishing along this scenic part of the Fleurieu has been relatively quiet. Anglers have had occasional success with mullet, salmon trout, and flathead from Carrackalinga, Myponga, and Maslin's beaches. The jetty at Pt Noarlunga has been producing garfish, squid, and tommy ruffs.

For freshwater enthusiasts, the Myponga Reservoir is a prime spot for callop and Murray cod (catch and release), along with redfin perch.

Fishing Tips:

1. Targeting Garfish: Try using smaller hooks and lighter lines to increase your chances. Berley can help attract garfish closer to your fishing spot.
2. Squid Fishing: Squid are often slow to bite in winter, so patience is key. Use brightly coloured jigs and fish during dusk or dawn for the best results.
3. Whiting in Dirty Water: When water clarity is low, use baits with a strong scent like fresh squid or cockles to draw in whiting.
4. Freshwater Fishing: In Myponga Reservoir, try using lures that mimic local baitfish for redfin perch, and remember to practice catch and release for Murray cod to help conserve their population.

Kangaroo Island

Intrepid big boat crews fishing in the deeper waters off southern KI have reported successful catches of tuna, red nannygai, kingfish, and shark. Inshore drops are holding KG whiting, flathead, squid, and snook. As the water temperatures drop, large salmon schools have become more prevalent along the southern coastline and through Investigator Strait, with fish up to 4 kilos being caught in the surf and surges on beaches exposed to south-westerly swells and currents. Anglers are advised to exercise caution when fishing in these conditions.

King George whiting, squid, and flathead can also be caught from Smiths Beach, Emu Bay, Kingscote, American River, and Penneshaw. Local jetty-based fishing has been fruitful, offering nice tommies, squid, and salmon trout.

Fishing Tips:

1. Targeting Tuna and Kingfish: Use live baits or lures that mimic local baitfish. Deep trolling can be effective in deeper waters.
2. Inshore Fishing for Whiting and Squid: Light tackle and fresh bait such as squid or cockles work well for King George whiting. For squid, try using brightly coloured jigs and fish during low light conditions.
3. Surf Fishing for Salmon: Use metal slugs or pilchards on gang hooks to attract salmon in the surf. Be mindful of safety and fish with a buddy in rough conditions.
4. Jetty Fishing: For tommies and salmon trout, use small hooks and a bit of berley to draw the fish in. Squid jigs in natural colours tend to work well off jetties.

Stay tuned for more updates, and tight lines to all our local anglers!