Fishing Wirrina Cove & Rapid Bay
The regional marine system is driven by strong oceanic flushes from Backstairs Passage that feed dense kelp forests and deep limestone drop-offs. Summer and autumn bring action for Yellowtail Kingfish, Samson Fish, Sand Flathead, and Silver Trevally. Note that under 2026 PIRSA rules, Southern Calamari and Garfish are subject to a total closure in these waters, Snapper is 0-retention, and the newly deployed Wirrina Cove Artificial Reef (35° 27.225' S x 138° 12.396' E) is strictly closed under a 12-month zero-harvest fishing ban from May 2026 to May 2027.
Land-based fishers can work the 240m Rapid Bay New Jetty, Second Valley rock ledges, and Wirrina Marina breakwalls. Dropping live mullet or pilchard blocks off the outer Rapid Bay jetty T-head targets roaming Yellowtail Kingfish, Australian Salmon, and Silver Trevally. Casting metal spinners off Second Valley rocks yields Australian Salmon in the current wash.
Boaters launching from Wirrina Cove Marina Ramp enjoy a fully sheltered 2-lane concrete launch basin accessing deep open water. Trolling large skirted lures or slow-boating live baits around Cape Jervis and Rapid Head targets Yellowtail Kingfish and Samson Fish. Heading out to the 15 to 35-meter deep marks off Second Valley produces outstanding King George Whiting, Silver Trevally, and Gummy Sharks.
Top 10 Species
Landbased
- RAPID BAY NEW JETTY: State-of-the-art 240-meter timber and concrete jetty extending over a deep limestone shelf. Dropping live mullet or pilchard blocks off the outer T-head pulls Yellowtail Kingfish, Australian Salmon, and Silver Trevally. Note that Southern Calamari and Garfish are subject to total 2026 fishing closures in these waters.
- SECOND VALLEY ROCKS: Rugged granite and limestone rock platforms surrounding the historic cove. Cast 28g to 40g metal spinners or white soft plastics far out into wave wash for schooling Australian Salmon and Snook. Sturdy non-slip footwear and caution are required near ocean swell waves.
- WIRRINA MARINA BREAKWALL: Heavy rock breakwater protecting the marina basin facing open gulf water. Cast 3-inch soft plastics or metal spinners into current seams for Australian Salmon and Snook. Soaking pilchard slabs or fresh fish fillets on heavy bottom setups pulls Sand Flathead and Gummy Sharks.
- NORMANVILLE FORESHORE BEACH: Wide sandy beach reserve featuring clear sand gaps and ribbon weed beds. Wader fishers cast fresh ghost shrimp or cockles on light running sinker rigs into sandy gutters for King George Whiting. Early morning high tides deliver peaceful, active fishing.
- CARRICKALINGA HEADLAND: Low clay and granite headland north of Normanville offering elevated casting into deep water. Set up rod stands and fish ledger rigs loaded with earthworms or sweetcorn for Tommy Ruff and Flathead. High water levels bring feeding fish right up against the rock shelf.
Offshore
- RAPID HEAD DEEP DROP-OFF: Sheer underwater limestone cliffs plunging into 20 to 35 meters depth off the headland. Troll large 120mm deep-diving hardbodies or down-rig live mullet around rock pinnacles for trophy Yellowtail Kingfish and Samson Fish. Bottom-bouncing fresh fish fillets yields limits of King George Whiting.
- WIRRINA INSHORE WEED FLATS: Wide shallow bay basin sitting in 3 to 8 meters depth packed with ribbon weed beds. Drift across clear sand gaps casting light whiting rigs baited with fresh ghost shrimp for limits of King George Whiting. Using a sea anchor slows your drift speed through the tide.
- SECOND VALLEY KELP REEFS: Submerged limestone and kelp reef system sitting in 8 to 18 meters depth off the cove. Drift across clear sand gaps casting light whiting rigs or soft plastics for Sand Flathead and King George Whiting. Clear water days with light winds deliver ideal conditions.
- BACKSTAIRS PASSAGE CURRENT SEAMS: Deep ocean channel separating Fleurieu Peninsula from Kangaroo Island where strong tidal currents rip past. Troll 90mm shallow-diving hardbody lures at slow idle speed along channel edges for Australian Salmon and Snook. Watch tidal current seams closely as fish gather to feed.
- YANKALILLA BAY SAND RIDGES: Open gulf sand flats located in 12 to 22 meters depth north of Wirrina. Set heavy anchors at night with fresh fish fillets, salmon slabs, or whole fish heads for cruising Gummy Sharks. Heavy 80lb monofilament leader is required to handle abrasive shark skin.
Hot Spots
- Rapid Bay New Jetty: World-famous 240m land-based platform offering premier casting for Kingfish and Trevally.
- Wirrina Cove Marina Ramp: Premier fully sheltered all-weather launch facility accessing deep Fleurieu gamefishing grounds.
- Rapid Head Drop-off: Deep underwater limestone wall holding heavy Yellowtail Kingfish, Samson Fish, and Whiting.
- Second Valley Cove: Picturesque granite cove providing exceptional land-based spinning for Australian Salmon.
- Yankalilla Bay Flats: Vast shallow sandbar basin producing limit bags of King George Whiting and Sand Flathead.
Local Bait Tips
- GHOST SHRIMP (PINK NIPPERS): Pumped using a stainless steel yabbie pump on exposed low-tide sandflats near Normanville. Keep alive on damp sea-sponge in a cool shade box as top bait for King George Whiting.
- BLUE MUSSELS: Hand-scraped from sub-surface jetty pylons around Rapid Bay Jetty below the low-tide mark. Thread soft mussel meat onto fine wire hooks for Silver Trevally and Tommy Ruff.
- COCKLES (PIPIS): Gathered along sandy intertidal wash zones on ocean beaches at low tide by foot-twisting in wet sand. Thread two whole cockles onto long-shank hooks for King George Whiting and Sand Flathead.
- LIVE MULLET: Caught in local estuarine river mouths using light float rigs baited with bread dough. Pin live through the top lip for targeting roaming Yellowtail Kingfish off Rapid Bay Jetty.
Boat Ramps
- Wirrina Cove Marina Boat Ramp:
Wirrina Cove Marina Boat Ramp (Marina St Vincent) is located off Paradise Drive inside the Wirrina Cove Marina, managed by the District Council of Yankalilla. The regional facility features dual concrete launching lanes equipped with floating boarding pontoons inside a fully enclosed breakwater marina basin, offering all-weather deep-water access to Investigator Strait and Backstairs Passage. Note that there are no fish cleaning tables on site; amenities include paved trailer parking, public restrooms, and nearby resort services.
Bait and Tackle
- Yankalilla & Normanville Tackle: 83 Main Rd, Yankalilla SA 5203 - Ph: (08) 8558 2010
- BCF Noarlunga: 2/12-18 Seaman Rd, Noarlunga Centre SA 5168 - Ph: (08) 8326 4400
- OTR Normanville (24/7): 49 Main Rd, Normanville SA 5204 - Ph: (08) 8558 3100
Basecamp & Accom
- Wirrina Cove Resort: 175 Paradise Dr, Wirrina Cove SA 5204 - Ph: (08) 8598 2400
- Normanville Foreshore Caravan Park: 12 Jetty Rd, Normanville SA 5204 - Ph: (08) 8558 2038
- Second Valley Caravan Park: 1 Finniss Vale Dr, Second Valley SA 5204 - Ph: (08) 8598 4054
Emergency & Safety
- Sea Rescue SA Wirrina Cove: Paradise Dr, Wirrina Cove SA 5204 - Ph: 0418 108 226 / Emergency 000 - VHF Ch 16 / 80
