Overview
Yellowfin whiting are the surface-lure whiting of the west and south coasts, feeding on sand crabs, worms and small prawns across sun-warmed flats.
They move onto the sand with the first of the run-in tide and can be spotted as wakes and puffs of sand in only 20–40 cm of water.
Unlike sand whiting, they tolerate very warm, hypersaline water, which makes places like Shark Bay and the top of Spencer Gulf outstanding.
Where to find them
- ▸Wide sand flats inside sheltered bays and inlets.
- ▸Edges of seagrass patches where sand and weed meet.
- ▸Shallow gutters between sand bars on a rising tide.
- ▸Around jetty pylons on the flats at dawn.
Tackle
- ▸Rod: 7' 1–3 kg spin with a 2000–2500 reel.
- ▸Line: 6–8 lb braid with 6 lb fluorocarbon leader.
- ▸Lures: 45–70 mm surface walkers and poppers, or 2" grubs on 1/20 oz heads.
Tips from the water
- ▸Keep the popper moving constantly — pausing loses the fish's interest.
- ▸Wade rather than walk the bank so you can reach the second gutter.
- ▸Fish rising water over sand that has been dry and warming in the sun.
Regulations
Size, bag and possession limits differ between states and can change each season. Check the current rules with your state fisheries authority before keeping a fish.