Whiting

Whiting (family: Sillaginidae) are slender, fast-swimming fish that inhabit shallow sandy and muddy coastal waters, including estuaries and bays. They are typically found in the warm waters of Australia’s eastern and southern coasts, and they are easily recognizable by their long, tapered bodies and small, sharp teeth. These fish are bottom feeders, hunting for small crustaceans, worms, and other invertebrates in the sand. Despite their small size, Whiting are highly prized by anglers due to their tasty, tender flesh and their fast, energetic strikes when hooked. They often swim in schools, making them easier to locate and target. Angling for Whiting typically involves light tackle with small hooks and fine fishing lines. Baiting with worms, yabbies, or pipis works well, and they can also be caught using small soft plastics or lures. Whiting fishing is especially popular with shore anglers, though boat fishing can also be effective in deeper waters. The best time to fish for Whiting is during the warmer months, particularly in sheltered estuaries and bays. Locations around Queensland, New South Wales, and South Australia are known hotspots for Whiting fishing.