By Linda and Martin Bastick
We’ve probably caught enough fish, but when I feel a nibble, I can’t resist. My heart races as I reel in a good-sized mullet and see Martin has caught one too.
Living in South Australia, we’re lucky to have excellent fishing spots within easy reach, and can walk to the beach, rod in hand. There is nothing I enjoy more than fishing off the land, with sand under my feet.
There is so much to love about fishing! Unlike Martin, who grew up fishing during family holidays, I discovered it four years ago. At fifty-five, I was a late starter! Looking back, it makes sense—I’ve always loved the beach, and seafood is a staple in my diet. Fishing gives me a steady supply of both!
Fishing keeps us healthy both mentally and physically, which is important as we move toward retirement. Walking soft sandy beaches, climbing steep staircases, and reeling in fish keeps us fit. Running from the waves after casting, flicking lures, and pulling in fish is exhilarating exercise. Of course, there’s also the more relaxed kind of fishing—deck chairs, an esky, maybe even fishing out of the back of the car. It’s perfect for those days when health problems limit mobility.
The best part? Fishing is something Martin and I can do together. As we work less and transition into retirement, we’ve gained more leisure time. Fishing has added a new dimension to our camping trips, enriching the time we spend together. Discovering new fishing spots has been a joy.
Where have we been fishing?
Over the past few years, we’ve travelled to some beautiful places in South Australia, camping near the ocean and discovering pristine beaches, catching fish, and turning them into delicious meals.
- Kangaroo Island: We spent two incredible weeks fishing around Kangaroo Island. The diversity of fishing experiences was unexpected, and the fish were plentiful. This underrated gem is perfect for fishing and camping.
- Eyre Peninsula: Last winter, we fished around Streaky Bay and the beaches near Elliston. We caught our biggest fish here—a huge salmon. There’s nothing like the thrill of reeling in a big fish that leaps out of the water. The wild beauty of this coastline, even in winter, was unforgettable.
- Fleurieu Peninsula: Living in Adelaide’s southern suburbs, we’ve fished around the Fleurieu for four years. Jetties, rock fishing, beaches, and reservoirs—it has plenty of options. We can always find somewhere to catch dinner.
- Yorke Peninsula: We fished around the bottom end of Yorke Peninsula. The scenery was breathtaking, and the fishing didn’t disappoint. Just beware of the stairs at some of those beaches!
Watch Fishing Sister for more adventures
If you’d like to learn more about the fantastic South Australian fishing spots we’ve visited, check out our Fishing Sister YouTube channel. We’ve shared more than 90 videos showing where we fished, what we caught, and what rigs and bait we used. Our motto is: “If we can do it, so can you!”
In our videos, we use maps to show exactly where we are, discuss facilities, and talk about beach access—like whether you’ll need a 4WD or if there are stairs. Watching our videos will give you a realistic idea of whether the beach is worth the trip, potentially saving you time.
We also run a Fishing Sister group on Facebook where members ask questions, share stories, and connect with other like-minded fishers. Martin and I post where we’re going fishing, and members can join us if they’d like. It’s a friendly, respectful community.
So, if you’ve never been fishing but think you might enjoy it, why not step out of your comfort zone and give it a try? It’s never too late to learn something new, and like me, you might discover a passion for fishing that has been waiting for you your whole life.
Follow Linda and Martin Bastick at @fishing_sister
