Garfish
Jetty / ShoreGarfish — southern garfish in WA — are slender, surface-feeding fish that school in estuaries and sheltered bays around Perth and along the lower west coast. Caught on a simple float rig with tiny hooks and bread, they're a relaxing light-tackle target, excellent pan-fried, and prized live bait for tailor and bigger predators.
Overview
Garfish are one of Perth's most elegant and enjoyable light-tackle targets. These slender, surface-feeding fish school in estuaries and sheltered bays from October through April, and catching them on float rigs with tiny hooks is a relaxing, rewarding style of fishing. They're also excellent eating and make outstanding live bait for tailor and other predators.
How to Catch
Bread dough, maggots, small pieces of prawn, dough mixed with pilchard oil
N/A — bait-only species. Target exclusively with small natural baits on float rigs.
Float rig with a tiny hook (size 10–12) set 30–60cm below a small bobby cork. Use the lightest line possible (2–4lb) and no sinker — the bait should drift naturally just below the surface.
Berley with bread to draw the school to the surface, then cast a float rig with bread dough or maggot into the berley trail. Garfish feed at or just below the surface, so set the float shallow. Watch for the float to dip and gently lift into the fish — no aggressive strike needed. Keep the berley going and you can catch them all day.
Best from October through April in the warmer months. Calm mornings and afternoons are ideal — wind makes float-fishing difficult. Rising tide in sheltered bays and estuaries concentrates the schools.
Up to 500g, commonly 100–200g
Year-round
Yes — garfish are one of Perth's best small eating fish: delicate, sweet white flesh, easy-to-remove scales and a bone structure that makes them simple to eat. Pan-fry them whole or butterfly and crumb them. They cook in a minute or two a side, so don't overdo it.
Bag limit: 30. No minimum size. Always check current DPIRD rules — regulations may change.
Perth Tips
Mangles Bay, Safety Bay, and the Swan River near Dalkeith are reliable garfish spots. Use a fine-mesh berley bag filled with bread to create a steady trail. Garfish also make exceptional live bait for tailor — hook through the back on a single hook and cast into the wash at dusk.