Point Lowly, just out of Whyalla has some of the best and most accessible rock fishing in South Australia.  To get there, travel along the highway from Whyalla approximately 10k’s toward Port Augusta, and turn right at the Port Bonython/Point Lowly sign.  The road is bitumen all the way to the Point Lowly Lighthouse, which is also worth a look.  Continue along this road and turn left when you see a boat ramp and breakwater.  You should also be able to see the lighthouse in the near distance.  Anywhere along this stretch is good fishing, both off the breakwater and on the rocks/beach nearby.

On a trip in January I fished the breakwater and caught some good sized Snook and Tommies.  I used a light spinning reel outfit with a silver 30 gram Halco Twisty, my favourite lure for fishing the Whyalla area.

I have also caught Squid, Snapper, Salmon and Whiting in the past in this area.  When fishing for Tommies I use a pencil float with a small hook and maggots for bait.  I use a Halco Twisty ranging from 15 to 40 grams to catch Salmon.  I have found the best bait for Snapper to be Carp from the Murray River, as it is tough and seems to stay on the hook for longer.  But, unless you know someone who can catch a heap of Carp for you, Pilchards or Squid work great too.

While fishing we saw a 1-2 metre Kingfish, swimming about 10 metres off shore.  We cast out near him, but didn’t have the right lures or rigs at the time to catch a beauty like that!  Those large Kingfish are definitely out there and would be worth a try with a larger rod and reel outfit and either a lure or live bait on a float.

If you have a car with good ground clearance there are also a lot of tracks, which you will pass on your way along the bitumen to Point Lowly.  Many of these tracks lead to great fishing spots off the rocks, where I’ve caught many snapper in my time, especially at Black Point.  It can be quite cold and windy so a warm jacket is recommended.