- Sillaginodes punctata
Overview[]
King George Whiting (or KGs) are the largest and most sought after of the several whiting species found in Australia, reaching 72cm in length and over 2kg in weight. They range from Southern Western Australia all the way around the bottom half of the country up to Southern Queensland, but are most densely concentrated in the southern states. KGs inhabit a range of depths and terrain, but are most commonly tagetted in shallow areas of sand and weed. Forage feeders with small mouths, KGs are invariably caught on the bottom.
A King George Whiting caught in Port Philip Bay, Victoria, on a soft plastic.
http://www.akff.net/forum/hosted_images/tingclose_678.jpg
Tackle[]
Light tackle (3-4kg) and small hooks are necessary to accomodate the whiting's small mouth - #4-6 long shanked hooks are most often used. Sinker weight should be determined by tidal flow and depth, but baits must be on the bottom.
Techniques[]
A prized catch, KGs are a great fish to target from fishing kayaks, due to their love of shallow water, and wariness of loud noises (anchor chains, boat motors etc). However, they are also amongst the hardest of all fish to hook - a light 'tap tap' is often all that is felt, giving the angler a moments notice to set the hook, or wind in and rebait. Best baits are pippies, nippers, marine worms, mussels and squid are popular baits, but whiting will also take pilchard pieces. KGs can also be caught on soft plastics which imitate their natural foods like worms and nippers.