Species
Pilchard
Sardinops sagax
Also known as Australian sardine · blue bait
Tier 2Eating5/10ultralight tackleNSWVICSAWATAS
0 waypoints15–20 cm (max 30 cm) typical
Overview: about pilchard
Schooling baitfish of southern Australian inshore waters, mostly netted commercially but bait-jigged by rec anglers when schools come within range. Frozen pilchards are the universal cocktail bait — used for everything from tailor to mulloway.
Biology: Pilchard size, diet & habitat
- Habitat
- Bay, Inshore
- Typical size
- 15–20 cm (max 30 cm)
- Weight
- 0.05–0.2 kg
- Depth range
- 0–50 m
- Diet
- phytoplankton, zooplankton
- Global range
- Indo-Pacific
How to target: Pilchard angling strategies
Generally fished with ultralight tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.
- bait-jigs in schools
- cast nets in bay shallows
Recent community catches: anglers who caught pilchard
No pilchard catches logged yet. Log one and you'll be recognised here.
More information: pilchard references & sources
Saved.