Best Months
Mar – Jun
Best Time
Early morning and late afternoon are peak bite times
Tide
Incoming tide concentrates dhufish on the upcurrent side of reef structure
Top Locations
12 regions
How to Catch WA Dhufish
Incoming tide concentrates dhufish on the upcurrent side of reef structure. They actively feed during tidal movement rather than slack water.
Early morning and late afternoon are peak bite times. Dhufish feed throughout the day but show strongest activity in lower-light periods.
Calm seas allow access to the offshore reefs where dhufish live. Winter swells (May–Sep) limit boat access — plan trips around weather windows.
Limestone reefs at 30–80m with strong current flow. Dhufish hold close to the reef structure and ambush baitfish. Canyon edges and reef drop-offs are premium.
Bottom bait fishing with whole squid, pilchard, or octopus is most reliable. Slow-pitch jigs in 100–200g work well. Drop the jig to the bottom and work it up 10–15m.
WA's dhufish are a prized endemic species with strict bag limits (2 per person per day). Catch-and-release larger fish to protect the breeding stock. They're delicate out of the water.
Best Regions by Month
Seasonal ratings across all Australian regions. Click a region to see the full calendar.
Presenting bait (pilchards, squid, cut fish) on the bottom over reef structure.
Working metal jigs up and down in the water column over reefs or structure.
Methodical jigging technique using specially designed slow-pitch jigs over reef structure.