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As the crisp bite of autumn settles in, May becomes a magic month for anglers across Australia. The water temperatures drop just enough to spark feeding frenzies in some of the country’s most prized species – King George Whiting, Southern Calamari, and Tuna. Whether you're flicking a soft plastic in the shallows or chasing big pelagics offshore, there’s no shortage of action.
King George Whiting – Southern Sensation
May is prime time for King George Whiting, especially along the southern coastlines of Victoria, South Australia, and Tasmania. These tasty little torpedoes are active in cooler waters, often found around seagrass beds, sandy bottoms, and near inshore reefs.
Hot Spots:
- Port Phillip Bay (VIC)
- Coffin Bay (SA)
- Georges Bay, St Helens (TAS)
Top Gear Tips:
- Light spinning setups (2–4kg)
- Long shank hooks (size 4–6)
- Fresh bait like pipis, mussels, or squid strips
Product Rec: Try the Shimano Sienna 2500 combo for a budget-friendly, responsive rig ideal for whiting sessions.
Southern Calamari – Autumn Inkfest
Squid are going bananas in May, with Southern Calamari schooling up along weed beds and jetties. They’re a fun, fast-paced target – and a great feed.
Hot Spots:
- Mornington Peninsula & Bellarine Peninsula (VIC)
- Yorke Peninsula (SA)
- South Coast NSW
Top Gear Tips:
- Use size 2.5–3.5 jigs in natural colours (brown, green, or pink)
- Fish early morning or dusk around high tide
- Slow lift-and-drop retrieves work best
Product Rec: Grab a few Yakamito PX Jigs – they’re deadly in cooler water conditions.
Tuna Offshore – Time to Chase Barrels
Autumn is still firing offshore, especially for southern bluefin tuna. May sees consistent runs along the southern coast, with plenty of schoolies and the occasional barrel pushing over 100kg.
Hot Spots:
- Portland & Port Fairy (VIC)
- South West Rocks (NSW)
- Kangaroo Island offshore (SA)
Top Gear Tips:
- Troll skirted lures or hardbodies like Halco Laser Pros
- Look for bait balls and birds working the surface
- Use 24kg+ setups for barrels, 15kg for schoolies
Product Rec: The Shimano Tiagra 50W on a sturdy game rod is a go-to for big tuna hunters.
Final Cast
May is an underrated gem for fishing in Australia. While the weather cools, the fishing action heats up. From the inshore delicacies of whiting and calamari to the adrenaline rush of offshore tuna, there’s something for every angler this month.
So, stock up on gear, check the tides, and get out there – the fish are waiting.
