Whiting Fishing Gear

Whiting are commonly found throughout estuaries and along beaches across most of Australia. They are a predominately shallow water species spending majority of their time cruising sand flats and in shallow gutters foraging for food. Whiting can be caught year-round but are most active in the heat of summer.

To make the most of the spirited whiting's fight, light tackle in both the surf and rivers is recommended. On the beach long slow tapered surf rods with 6-8lb mono is perfect for both casting distance and bite sensitivity. In the estuaries casting lures and baits, a light 1-3kg or 2-4kg spinning outfit spooled with 2-6lb braid will do the trick.

Despite being an unsuspecting lure target, whiting can be caught very successfully on small surface lures and less frequently on soft plastics and divers. Small prawn imitation poppers in the 50-90mm range worked quickly over estuarine sand flats will draw aggressive strikes from packs of angry whiting. Razor sharp trebles and assist hooks are the key to a good session.

Whiting are very popular bait fishing targets, responding well to live yabby's, worms, prawns and strips of squid. Due to their mouth size, using a hook or baits that is too big will result in missed hook ups. Size 1-2 long shank bloodworm hooks spiced with red tubing is an effective rig on the beaches and in the rivers.