Southern School Whiting

school whiting
© Tasmanian Government. Image Peter Gouldthorpe
Season: Open all year

bag limit15

 

possession limit30

 

boat limit-

Limits apply to whiting species combined, not including King George whiting.

Guide to symbols

bagBag Limit
housePossession Limit
boatBoat Limit

Minimum size

None
Measuring

Most scalefish are measured from the nose to the end of the tail. Get your scalefish measuring ruler or sticker at any Service Tasmania outlet.

Stock status

Sustainable

Other names

silver whiting, sand whiting


Scientific name

Sillago bassensis

Grows to


Up to

33cm and 0.5kg

Identifying features


​Southern school whiting have a long body with slight tapering at the head. The tail is markedly forked. Colour is yellowish brown with a number of orange-brown spots on the body. A silvery stripe can be seen along the flanks. Tail, pectoral and dorsal fins are brown, other fins are yellow or white.

​Habitat

Young whiting are generally found inshore on sandy bottoms and in estuaries. They move into deeper water as they grow and form large spawning schools seasonally. Found in depths from 10-50 metres.

Fishing information

Most commonly caught on a hook and line when using small hooks baited with pieces of fish, prawn or squid. Marine worms are also considered good bait. A good fighting fish on light gear.

Handling

Handle carefully as they can lose scales easily.

Cooking

An excellent eating fish, though many Tasmanian fishers consider them rather small for the plate. Whiting has low oil content, a delicate flavour and white flesh which flakes easily. Use as fillets or whole fish. Suitable to bake, barbecue, grill, foil bake or shallow fry.

Hotline

Fishwatch Report illegal fishing

0427 655 557

What to report? arrow button

Contact us

Recreational Fishing

Level 3, 134 Macquarie St

Hobart TAS 7000

Phone: (03) 6165 3233, 1300 720 647

Email: fishing.enquiries@nre.tas.gov.au

Commercial Fisheries

Level 3, 134 Macquarie St

GPO Box 44

Phone: (03) 6165 3000, 1300 368 550

Email: commercial.fisheries@nre.tas.gov.au

Commercial Fisheries Licensing

Level 1, 134 Macquarie St

GPO Box 44

Phone: (03) 6165 3000, 1300 368 550

Email: fisheries.licensing@nre.tas.gov.au