Whiting Flies

[jack.w]

Hi all,

I was wondering if anyone knows if whiting can be caught on fly.

If so, what outfit and fly is suitable.

Thanks,

Jack.w

[markgw]

Gday Jack,

Whiting are great fun on fly, especially when they're fired up!

Most of my whiting-on-fly success has been on light-coloured Crazy Charlies, clear/white UV baitfish immitations and small surf poppers.

(red nail polish on the eye beads of the crazy charlie also helps IMO)

I use my cheap trout rod, 8ft, 5wt with WF5F line on a 5/6 reel. sinking or floating tippet shouldn't be an issue if you're targeting them in < 4ft (majority of my catches in this depth range).

Correct me if i'm wrong but aren't whiting also referred to as the poor man's bonefish?

Tight loops !!

MW

[jack.w]

Thanks, Mark

I have had a look at those flies and I am wanting

to buy some soon. You could be right with what you have said

about the whiting. Where I go on the Hawkesbury, there are 35cm+

in knee deep water. When i try for them I will post up the results.

Thanks

[Guest blackbream]

Whiting are a great fish to target using light fly gear. Crazy Charlies are a good fly, as well as trying small popper style flies. I have found whiting to be a very challenging fish and have not been able to crack their code with any consistency. I have fished both the South and Central coast for them and they are both frustrating and satisfying when you do hook up. I have watched them chase my fly nipping at the tail playfully, and it seems only when there is competition about that one will inevitably take the fly. I forgot to mention that rods in the #4-#6 weight range are more than suitable for these fish. A #6weight will handle the windy conditions much better than a #4 . I generally use a #5 weight though, when targeting whiting specifically and use a floating line. I have caught them as a by catch using my #6 weight on an intermediate when chasing Flathead on fly.

Generally, short sharp strips are the best option.

Edited December 24, 2012 by blackbream