Bait and berley
Before you go fishing, make sure you are familiar with the bait and berley rules for South Australia. These help to limit the spread of aquatic disease and pests.
You can buy bait and berley from your local tackle shop or fishing store. The fresher the bait, the more appealing it is to fish. Try using:
- local sardines
- squid
- pipi
- cockles
- beach worms
- artificial bait such as soft plastics and lures.
Imported bait
Check the origin of bait before you buy it. Imported bait must be labelled and treated to remove any potential exotic disease.
Prawns and worms from particular areas in Queensland must be irradiated.
A temporary import ban on specific fishing bait or berley from NSW and the NT has been implemented to prevent white spot disease from entering South Australia. This applies to:
- live or dead untreated crustaceans
- polychaete worms.
European carp
European carp (Cyprinus carpio) is an aquatic pest, but can be used as bait or berley only when:
- It has been taken from within waters of South Australia, and
- it has been frozen prior to use.
Prohibited bait and berley
Do not use any of the below products for bait or berley within SA waters:
- Pacific oysters
- abalone (live or dead) – this presents a risk of AVG
- any uncooked seafood sold for human consumption
- blood, bone, meat, offal or animal skin (other than a fish, worm or insect).
You must not take bivalves (oysters, mussels, razorfish, cockles) from the Port River and surrounding area for any use.
It is also an offence to release or dispose of the following into state waters:
- oyster shells – these must go to landfill instead
- aquatic pests, including exotic or aquaculture farmed species.
