Arno Bay’s big snapper historically attracted many Adelaide boaters to its waters, but there is good fishing for other species.

The offshore wrecks and reefs between 25km and 30km out are where the big snapper were fished, with mostly smaller fish on the shallower inshore reefs.

There is not a lot of reef in the waters around Arno Bay, so whatever you do find usually holds fish.

The inshore reefs and immediate surrounding areas produce flathead, squid, trevally, snook, red mullet and king george whiting.

The king george whiting are best in late autumn and winter.

Arno jetty is famous for its summer squid.

Some big snook are caught from the end of the jetty in autumn.

Yellowfin whiting are a popular target off the shallow beaches.

Summer and autumn are best for yellowfin whiting. Use beach worms or prawns for bait. Light tackle and distance casting is needed for these fish when the water is clear.

Mullet and salmon trout (small Australian salmon) are caught off the relatively low energy beaches around Arno in winter and spring, with school mulloway in spring and autumn.

For mulloway, fish a big late afternoon or early evening high tide and use only fresh or live bait.

Landbased fishos can try the rocky shores between Red Banks and Poverty Bay, with snapper historically caught off the rocks after rough weather.

Unfortunately the local prevailing wind is an onshore south-easter, so the seas along this coast are often choppy.

The chop can stir up the water, which can be helpful when chasing mulloway or snapper, but squid prefer clear water after calm weather.

If the boating forecast looks poor, sheltered Franklin Harbour at Cowell to the north is the best bet for some good fishing in this region.

Arno Bay coastline on Beachsafe
Arno Bay tides
SA fishing regulations
SA marine parks

NOTE: Special snapper rules apply in South Australia – more info here.

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