Species
School Whiting
Sillago flindersi
Also known as eastern school whiting · silver whiting · stout whiting
Tier 1Eating8/10light tackleNSWVICQLDTAS
0 waypoints18–28 cm (max 35 cm) typical
Regulations
NSW27 cm min · bag 20VICbag 20
| State | Size | Bag |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | 27 cm min | 20 |
| VIC | — | 20 |
Regulations change. Always verify with the relevant state fisheries authority before fishing.
Overview: about school whiting
Schooling offshore whiting taken on sand bottoms from southern QLD to eastern Bass Strait, often a bycatch turned target on light bottom gear. Caught on small paternoster rigs with squid strip, pilchard or worm in 20-60 m. Excellent eating despite their modest size.
Biology: School Whiting size, diet & habitat
- Habitat
- Inshore, Shelf
- Typical size
- 18–28 cm (max 35 cm)
- Weight
- 0.1–0.3 kg
- Depth range
- 10–80 m
- Diet
- small crustaceans, polychaete worms, small fish
- Most active
- diurnal
- Global range
- Western Pacific (eastern Australia)
How to target: School Whiting angling strategies
Generally fished with light tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.
- small paternoster rigs with squid or pilchard strips in 20-50 m
- drifting over clean sand bottoms
- berleyed bait-jig with size 8 hooks
Best season: when to catch school whiting in Australia
- NSW
- year-round
- VIC
- Nov-Apr
Seasons shift with water temperature and local conditions, so check recent reports before a trip.
Recent community catches: anglers who caught school whiting
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More information: school whiting references & sources
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