Cowell township lies next to an almost fully enclosed bay called Franklin Harbour.
There is almost 50sqkm of sheltered waters to fish adjacent to Cowell, making this a popular boating holiday destination.
The bay’s shallower flats and beaches are home to vast numbers of quality yellowfin whiting, best in summer and autumn.
Fishing slightly deeper, king george whiting are abundant around the seagrass beds in winter and spring.
If the whiting caught are small, try moving until you find bigger fish.
Blue crabs, salmon trout, mullet, gar, snook, squid, flathead and flounder are a common catch.
Cowell is also renowned for big snapper (summer), large rays, and gummy sharks.
Franklin Harbour is best for blue crabs from October to April.
Snook are best in autumn, using small metal slugs or soft plastics.
The long jetty fishes well mainly for gar, tommy ruff and squid.
Boating facilities are good.
Marine sanctuaries apply in this area, note the map extract and more detailed map link above.
To the south, beachside camping and fishing can be had in the dunes around Gibbon Point, with good fishing when the persistent south-easterly wind is not blowing.
To the south, when the weather is suitable, Port Julia attracts a lot of fishermen.
South of Cowell, Arno Bay is a popular fishing spot.
Here is a list of recommended tackle for SA waters.
Here is the SA seasonal fishing calendar for various fish species.
Cowell coastline on Beachsafe
Cowell marine sanctuaries
Cowell tides
SA fishing regulations
SA marine parks
NOTE: Special snapper rules apply in South Australia – more info here.
Email corrections, additions, pictures or video here.
