Species
Southern Garfish
Hyporhamphus melanochir
Tier 2Eating8/10ultralight tackleVICSAWATAS
0 waypoints20–30 cm (max 50 cm) typical
Regulations
VICbag 40SAbag 60
| State | Size | Bag |
|---|---|---|
| VIC | — | 40 |
| SA | — | 60 |
Regulations change. Always verify with the relevant state fisheries authority before fishing.
Overview: about southern garfish
Iconic bait and table garfish of southern Australia, central to the SA and VIC bay fisheries. Berleyed and float-fished with maggots or dough over seagrass beds. Fine eating; the classic 'gar' of pier and bay anglers.
Biology: Southern Garfish size, diet & habitat
- Habitat
- Bay, Estuary
- Typical size
- 20–30 cm (max 50 cm)
- Weight
- 0.1–0.4 kg
- Depth range
- 0–15 m
- Diet
- weed, small invertebrates
- Global range
- Southern Australia
How to target: Southern Garfish angling strategies
Generally fished with ultralight tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.
- berleyed float-rigged dough over seagrass
- small maggots under quill floats
Recent community catches: anglers who caught southern garfish
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More information: southern garfish references & sources
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