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Yellowfin Whiting

Yellowfin Whiting

Yellowfin whiting are a staple of the shallow-water fishery along Australia's southern and south-western coasts. Native to the country and found nowhere else, they draw anglers onto sandy flats from Shark Bay in WA through to the two South Australian gulfs.

The eating quality is exceptional — firm, sweet white flesh — and they're catchable on both bait and lures, which makes them a genuine all-rounder for shore-based and wading anglers.

Scientific Name: Sillago schomburgkii

Also known as Western sand whiting, fine-scaled whiting, silver whiting

Physical Characteristics:
  • Elongated, slightly compressed body; sandy-brown to sandy-yellow above, paler below — classic camouflage for life over sand and seagrass.
  • The giveaway ID feature: distinctly yellow pelvic fins, which separate this species from other whiting at a glance.
  • Dorsal, anal and caudal fins are pale yellow to whitish, often with small brown or grey spots on the dorsal fins.
  • One of the largest sillaginids in Australia — grows to 42 cm, with fish over 35 cm considered a solid catch; most kept fish run 24–32 cm.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Endemic to Australia; range runs from around Exmouth and Shark Bay in WA east through the remote southern coastline to Gulf St Vincent and Spencer Gulf in SA.
  • Shallow inshore waters for their entire life — tidal flats, sandy creek mouths, large estuaries, seagrass beds and sandy spits are all home ground.
  • Two distinct WA stocks (northern and southern) and two SA stocks (Gulf St Vincent and Spencer Gulf) are managed separately; the populations show low connectivity between regions.
  • All four stocks are currently assessed as sustainable under Australian federal fisheries reporting.

Key Locations

  • Shark Bay, WA — one of the two major commercial and recreational fisheries for the species; extensive shallow flats hold large numbers of fish.
  • Spencer Gulf, SA — a key recreational and commercial fishery; the semi-enclosed gulf environment suits the species well.
  • Gulf St Vincent, SA — the other SA gulf fishery, including metro Adelaide beaches and the Yorke Peninsula foreshore.
  • Yorke Peninsula, SA — a well-known recreational destination with accessible sandy beaches, tidal flats and creek mouths producing consistent catches.

Specific Spots

  • Sandy flats in as little as 20 cm of water — fish move up onto the shallows to feed on an incoming tide, so follow the water as it pushes in.
  • Deeper gutters cutting through sand flats are key holding zones; fish the gutter edge on whichever side the tide is pushing bait and worms into.
  • Look for worm holes and small disturbances in the sand surface — active feeding fish leave visible signs, and a school working a flat will show as small silver flashes just under the surface.
  • Seagrass edges adjacent to clean sand give fish a travel corridor and a food source; work the sand-to-grass transition rather than the thick weed itself.

Yellowfin Whiting FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Yellowfin Whiting?

Beach worms are the benchmark bait, natural scent and movement on the bottom is hard to beat; rig with just 2–3 cm on a long-shank hook so the tail wriggles freely.

When is the best time to fish for Yellowfin Whiting?

Spring (September–November), fish begin moving onto shallower flats as water warms; lure fishing picks up and bait fishing remains reliable. Summer (December–February), peak activity on the flats; spawning period, fish are most accessible in very shallow water on warm, calm days with an incoming tide.

How do you catch Yellowfin Whiting?

Most anglers target yellowfin whiting by wading or fishing from shore on sandy tidal flats, timing their sessions to coincide with an incoming tide pushing warm water over the shallows.

What do Yellowfin Whiting eat?

Polychaete worms (beach worms and tube worms) make up the bulk of the diet, which is exactly why threading 2–3 cm of beach worm on a size 6–8 long-shank hook is the go-to bait rig across SA and WA.

Where do Yellowfin Whiting live?

Endemic to Australia; range runs from around Exmouth and Shark Bay in WA east through the remote southern coastline to Gulf St Vincent and Spencer Gulf in SA. Shallow inshore waters for their entire life, tidal flats, sandy creek mouths, large estuaries, seagrass beds and sandy spits are all home ground.

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