Garfish
Jetty / ShoreSlender surface-feeding fish found in estuaries and sheltered bays. Excellent live bait for bigger species, and good eating pan-fried. Target with tiny hooks, light line, and bread or maggots.
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.
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
Excellent eating pan-fried whole or butterflied. Delicate, sweet flesh. Scales come off easily and the bone structure makes them simple to eat. One of Perth's best eating fish for its size.
Bag limit: 30. No minimum size. Always check current DPIRD rules — regulations may change.
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.