Fishing limits

Recreational Snapper fishing is open in South East Fishing Zone (SEFZ) only. See a map of Snapper management areas ( PDF 440.7 KB )

The following daily fishing limits apply:

  • Size limit: 38 cm
  • a bag limit of 3 and boat limit of 9

If you catch undersized Snapper, or if you accidentally hook one while fishing for other species, you must immediately release it back to the water. We advise using a release weight to return Snapper.

Find out how to release fish affected by barotrauma to give them the best chance of survival.

Closures

The West Coast, Spencer Gulf, and Gulf St Vincent/Kangaroo Island Fishing Zones are closed to Snapper fishing until 30 June 2027. Catch and release fishing is strictly prohibited in closed areas.

You must not transit through a Snapper closure area if you have legally caught Snapper on board. This means it's prohibited to bring Snapper back to any boat ramp in a closed area, like Cape Jervis, Wirrina, or Penneshaw.

Reporting

You must report Snapper catches through either the 24-hour Fishwatch hotline or the free SA Fishing app.

Fishwatch 1800 065 522 SA Fishing app

How to complete a mandatory snapper catch report

Transcript

It's quick and easy through the SA Fishing app.

Launch the app, click on 'Add fishing log', click 'New' and select the date you caught the snapper.

Select where you fished by using the map to drop a pin point or use the search bar to type the location, then tap 'Done'.

Next, add snapper to your fishing log.

Add the amount you kept, and tap 'Done'.

You can also choose to log any other species caught by scrolling through the species catalogue or using the search bar.

Next, there is an option to upload photos of your catch as part of your diary entry or skip this part to continue the report.

When snapper is retained in South Australia, it is mandatory by law for recreational fishes to report it to PIRSA Fisheries.

Tap 'Acknowledge and continue'.

Create a new profile or use your existing saved details.

Add additional required report details, then tap 'Next'.

Review the report summary, and tap 'Submit'.

All done.

Your report helps PIRSA manage fish stocks and sustainability in South Australian waters for current and future generations.

Snapper management and recovery

Supporting measures have been established to protect the future of Snapper stocks in South Australia and promote ongoing action.

Learn more about Snapper recovery.