West Australian Dhufish
Regulations
| State | Size | Bag |
|---|---|---|
| WA | 50 cm min | 1 |
Closed: West Coast Demersal closure 1 Feb - 14 Mar and 15 Oct - 15 Dec | ||
Regulations change. Always verify with the relevant state fisheries authority before fishing.
Overview: about west australian dhufish
Endemic WA reef fish and the state's premier table species, found from Shark Bay south to the Recherche Archipelago. Targeted with bait and jigs over deep reef in 30-100m. Slow-growing and tightly managed — strict bag, size and seasonal closure rules apply on the west coast.
Biology: West Australian Dhufish size, diet & habitat
- Habitat
- Offshore, Reef
- Typical size
- 50–90 cm (max 122 cm)
- Weight
- 3–15 kg (max 26 kg)
- Depth range
- 5–200 m
- Diet
- octopus, squid, small fish, crabs
- Most active
- diurnal
- Global range
- Endemic to WA, Shark Bay to Esperance
How to target: West Australian Dhufish angling strategies
Generally fished with medium tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.
- octopus or large squid baits on a snelled rig over offshore reef in 30-80m
- soft plastics worked slowly along the bottom
- slow-pitch jigs over isolated bommies on the Perth canyons
Best season: when to catch west australian dhufish in Australia
- WA
- Apr-Sep (outside demersal closures)
Seasons shift with water temperature and local conditions, so check recent reports before a trip.
Safety & handling
Vent fish caught in deep water to release alive — bring up slowly.
Conservation
IUCN Vulnerable; WA West Coast Demersal Scalefish suite under strict management with seasonal closures.
Recent community catches: anglers who caught west australian dhufish
No west australian dhufish catches logged yet. Log one and you'll be recognised here.
Where to catch: west australian dhufish fishing spots in Australia
Western Australia17
- Bunbury Artificial ReefReef · WA-33.27°
- Cape NaturalisteHeadland · WA-33.54°
- Centaur ReefReef · WA-28.63°
- Cheynes Beach OffshoreReef · WA-34.88°
- Five Fathom BankBait Ground · WA-32.16°
- Houtman Abrolhos IslandsReef · WA-28.72°
- Jurien LumpShoal · WA-30.28°
- Lancelin LumpShoal · WA-31.02°
- Lighthouse LumpShoal · WA-28.78°
- Marmion Marine Park ReefReef · WA-31.83°
- Mewstone ReefReef · WA-31.67°
- Mindarie Keys MarinaBreakwall · WA-31.69°
- Rottnest Island - Strickland BayBay · WA-32.02°
- Sanko Harvest WreckWreck · WA-34.02°
- Stragglers ReefReef · WA-32.03°
- Three Mile ReefReef · WA-31.93°
- Two Rocks MarinaBoat Ramp · WA-31.49°