Port MacDonnell is a holiday destination with surf, jetty, breakwall and rock fishing, as well as good offshore spots.
Port MacDonnell and the south-east’s Robe are arguably South Australia’s big-tuna capitals.
The region has abalone, southern rock lobster (crayfish), snapper, king george whiting, gummy and school shark.
Tommy ruffs are the main target on the jetty, along with salmon, squid and whiting.
The boat ramp is sheltered inside a 1km breakwall, which is a great fishing spot.
Some boaters catch plenty without leaving the harbour.
Pinchcut Reef lies 1km east of the jetty, and in calm weather the reef around Ruby Rock can be worth the 18km sea trip east, fishing outside of the sanctuary zone.
Breaksea Reef is 2.5km south of the marine rock wall.
Summer snapper are caught in the surf near rock outcrops.
The biggest tuna are caught offshore from March to July.
The Continental Shelf lies just 30km south of the port, with tuna, albacore, mako and thresher sharks, and more.
A marine sanctuary exists east of Port McDonnell.
Pinchcut Reef 38 03.390S 140 42.687E
Breaksea Reef (may break) 38 04.770S 140 41.566E
Ruby Rock (dries) 38 05.129S 140 54.682E
Continental Shelf drop-off 38 19.416S 140 36.027E
Here is a list of recommended tackle for SA waters.
Here is the SA seasonal fishing calendar for various fish species.
Port Macdonnell weather and tides
SA fishing regulations
SA marine parks
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