Species
Sand Whiting
Sillago ciliata
Also known as summer whiting · yellowfin whiting · blue-nose whiting
Tier 2Eating10/10ultralight tackleNSWVICQLD
6 waypoints25–35 cm (max 51 cm) typicalLast catch 2 mo ago
Regulations
NSW27 cm min · bag 20QLD23 cm min · bag 30
| State | Size | Bag |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | 27 cm min | 20 |
| QLD | 23 cm min | 30 |
Regulations change. Always verify with the relevant state fisheries authority before fishing.
Overview: about sand whiting
East-coast estuary and beach favourite from southern QLD to eastern VIC. Targeted with beach worms, pipis and small soft plastics on sand flats, gutters and bars. Light gear, long casts and moving baits — top sport on 2-4kg line and superb table fish.
Biology: Sand Whiting size, diet & habitat
- Habitat
- Beach, Estuary, Inshore
- Typical size
- 25–35 cm (max 51 cm)
- Weight
- 0.2–0.5 kg (max 1.4 kg)
- Depth range
- 0–30 m
- Diet
- marine worms, pipis, small crustaceans
- Most active
- diurnal
- Global range
- East coast Australia (Sillago ciliata)
How to target: Sand Whiting angling strategies
Generally fished with ultralight tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.
- beach worms or pipi on a long-shank hook in beach gutters and sand flats
- saltwater nippers fished unweighted on the run-in tide
- small surface lures (Bassday Sugapen) walked over shallow flats at dawn — top NSW summer tactic
Best season: when to catch sand whiting in Australia
- NSW
- Sep-May (estuaries and beaches)
- QLD
- year-round
Seasons shift with water temperature and local conditions, so check recent reports before a trip.
Recent community catches: anglers who caught sand whiting
Where to catch: sand whiting fishing spots in Australia
More information: sand whiting references & sources
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