WA Dhufish
Reef / OffshoreDhufish — WA dhufish, or dhuie — are Western Australia's premier table fish, endemic to WA and found nowhere else on earth. Mostly a boat-caught reef species over 20–40m of hard bottom from Kalbarri to Augusta, with the odd land-based fish from deep rock walls and jetties. Slow-growing and heavily regulated, so every legal dhufish is a genuine trophy.
Overview
WA dhufish is Western Australia's iconic table fish — endemic to WA and found nowhere else in the world. While primarily a boat-caught reef species, land-based catches do occur from deep-water structure. Dhufish are slow-growing and heavily regulated, making every legal fish a genuine trophy.
How to Catch
Whole squid, whole pilchards, octopus, mulie
Large soft plastics (7" Gulp Jerk Shad, Z-Man 7" StreakZ) on a 1.5–3oz jig head, plus slow-pitch and knife jigs (Ocean's Legacy Hybrid 150–250g, Williamson Benthos 200g) worked just off the reef in 20–40m. Match jig weight to depth and current so you stay near the bottom where dhufish hold.
Heavy paternoster rig with two 6/0–8/0 hooks and a bomb sinker to hold bottom in current. Use 40–60lb leader. The rig needs to be robust — dhufish head straight for the reef when hooked.
Mainly a boat-fishing species. From land, target deep-water structure such as the end of long jetties or deep rock walls. Lower whole squid or pilchard baits to the bottom near reef structure and wait. Dhufish feed close to the reef, so accuracy in placement is important. When hooked, apply heavy pressure immediately to prevent them from reaching the reef.
Bite throughout the day but dawn and dusk are most productive. Tide changes near deep reef structure are key. Active year-round, with some anglers reporting better catches in the cooler months.
Up to 25kg, commonly 3–8kg
Year-round
Yes — and most West Aussies will tell you it's the best fish in the country. Firm, white, sweet flesh that holds together beautifully whether you pan-fry, grill, bake in foil or eat it as sashimi. Thick fillets off a bigger fish are worth the effort and the tight bag limit. Bleed and ice on the spot to keep that flesh prime.
Minimum size: none — WA dhufish currently has no minimum legal size. Individual bag limit: 2 in the West Coast bioregion (1 in the Abrolhos and other bioregions), taken within the West Coast demersal mixed bag of 2. West Coast boat-based demersal fishing is closed until spring 2027, so only land-based demersal fishing (bag of 2) is legal there now. Always check current DPIRD rules — regulations may change.
Perth Tips
Land-based dhufish are rare in Perth — most are caught from boats over reef in 20–40m of water. If you're land-based, focus on the deepest structure you can access. Consider a charter trip to experience dhufish fishing properly.