Foreshore JettyCatches of tommy ruff (Australian herring), garfish, whiting and squid can be had, especially on the rising tide. Popular blue swimmer crabs are often caught in the warmer months.
Between Spring and Autumn, the beach is a popular spot for crabbing at low tide. The blue swimmer crabs can be either dug up from the sand after the water recedes, or in some instances may be caught swimming in the distant shallows. Crabbers are advised to wear some form of footwear as a precaution against crabs' pincers.
From RocksOne of the most accessible areas is around the Point Lowly Lighthouse. The rocky coastline, and sandy beaches extending from the lighthouse are popular spots for salmon, garfish, tommy ruff and small to medium sized snapper. The best land based snapper and salmon fishing is often experienced during the coller months, but a major run of snapper often occurs in January (please note that there is a total snapper ban during November).
Squid jigs can only be used on the eastern side of Point Lowly, the best times are Autumn and Winter but squid catches occur all year. Rare large kingfish are a aprime target from the rocksusing floating baits of squid, live fish or pilchards.
Whyalla is a boaties paradise for many different species - garfish, snook, tommy ruff, snapper and whiting.
Whyalla is well known as the home of Australia's best red snapper fishing with "big reds" in excess of 15kg being caught. A trip to Point Lowly should produce a good catch of snapper, while some of the southern snapper grounds and the deeper channels may require the boat to have a modern EPIRB. Many snapper are caught close to the Whyalla and Point Lowly ramps - Marek's reef is just a few kilometres from the Whyalla ramp.
King George whiting may be found on sand patches along the coast close to shore. Well known areas are the "silt grounds" about 3km due east of the steelworks, foreshore, or south towards Cowleds Landing and the Eight Mile Creek fishing and sand patches.
Boaties also catch surface fish such as garfish, snook and tommy rugg.
The Whyalla Visitor Centre can provide you with tide times and a local fishing map which includes GPS co-ordinates.
Bait, Tackle & AccessoriesFrozen bait is readily available from most service stations. Most also stock a basic range of tackle and accessories. Other outlets include:
Located at the Marina, ph 8644 0414 or call on radio (27mg88 UHF16) for weather updates or assistance.
