Species
Tarwhine
Rhabdosargus sarba
Also known as goldlined seabream · silver bream · yellowfin bream
Tier 4Eating7/10ultralight tackleNSWVICQLDWA
3 waypoints20–30 cm (max 45 cm) typical
Regulations
NSW20 cm min · bag 20QLD23 cm min · bag 30
| State | Size | Bag |
|---|---|---|
| NSW | 20 cm min | 20 |
| QLD | 23 cm min | 30 |
Regulations change. Always verify with the relevant state fisheries authority before fishing.
Overview: about tarwhine
Bream-cousin of east-coast and WA beaches, estuaries and inshore reef. Targeted with prawn, worm and pipi baits in beach gutters and over rocky reef — often mixed in with bream schools. Yellow horizontal stripes and a rounded snout distinguish them from yellowfin bream.
Biology: Tarwhine size, diet & habitat
- Habitat
- Beach, Estuary, Inshore
- Typical size
- 20–30 cm (max 45 cm)
- Weight
- 0.3–0.8 kg (max 2.5 kg)
- Depth range
- 0–30 m
- Diet
- worms, small crustaceans, molluscs
- Most active
- diurnal
- Global range
- Australia, NZ, South Africa (Rhabdosargus sarba)
How to target: Tarwhine 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
- saltwater nippers on a light running sinker rig over weedy bottoms
Recent community catches: anglers who caught tarwhine
No tarwhine catches logged yet. Log one and you'll be recognised here.
Where to catch: tarwhine fishing spots in Australia
Western Australia2
Queensland1
More information: tarwhine references & sources
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