Silver Whiting
School Whiting, Sand Whiting, Silver Whiting
Sillago bassensis
Overview
Silver Whiting are the smallest of South Australia's whiting family, schooling in big numbers over shallow sand in bays, gulfs and coastal waters. They are caught in numbers on light gear with fresh bait, are great fun for kids, and make a lovely plate of small sweet fillets when cleaned fresh.
Quick Info
Identification
A small, slim, silvery whiting with a pointed snout, faint darker back and pale silvery body. Small in comparison to King George Whiting — and easily separated by the lack of spots or yellow fins.
Small, slim silvery body, pointed snout, no brown spots (unlike King George Whiting) and no yellow fins (unlike Yellowfin Whiting).
King George Whiting have rows of brown spots and grow much larger; Yellowfin Whiting have bright yellow fins. School/Silver Whiting are the smallest SA whiting and often confused with juvenile whiting of other species — check the species before keeping.
Where to Find Them
Typical depth: 0.5-10 m
Fishing environments: Shore, Jetty, Boat
When to Fish
How to Catch Them
Fish a light paternoster or running sinker rig with a small fresh bait over shallow sand, adding a light berley trail. Silver whiting bite quickly and fight hard for their size on light gear.
Tiny fresh baits of pipi meat or peeled prawn on small hooks, presented lightly weighted on the bottom over shallow sand.
Not required: whiting are taken on small bait pieces under a float or on light running sinker rigs.
Rapid small taps that build to weight — silver whiting mouths are soft, so feed a moment then lift smoothly.
A gentle smooth lift once the rod tip loads steadily — small hooks set easily in soft mouths.
Great family fishing — a small rod, tiny hooks, fresh bait and a light berley trail over shallow summer sand will get kids into plenty of action.
Hooks and baits too large, and confusing them with juvenile King George or Yellowfin Whiting — check the species before keeping.
Best Baits
Rigs & Gear
The simplest and most natural presentation rig in fishing — a sinker that slides freely on the line so a fish can pick up the bait without feeling any weight. Perfect for finicky biters like whiting, bream and mullet.
A versatile and highly effective rig for King George Whiting and many other species.
Current SA Fishing Rules
CURRENT SA FISHING RULES
Always check current regulations before fishing. Fishing rules and closures can change.
Keeping Your Catch
Support gently with wet hands; silver whiting are delicate — release undersize fish quickly.
If keeping, dispatch and bleed promptly before icing.
Ice slurry promptly; small whiting flesh stays sweet when chilled quickly.
Cleaning & Filleting
Scale and gut soon after capture; whiting scale easily under running water.
Small fillets — run the knife behind the head and along the backbone; with practice, they fillet out cleanly.
Skin crisps up well when pan-fried or crumbed.
Very few pin bones; remove any you feel with pliers before cooking.
Cooking
Sweet, delicate white flesh — dust in seasoned flour and pan-fry in butter, or crumb and deep-fry. Small whiting are excellent eating.
Where to Catch Them in SA
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