Best Rigs for Tasmanian King George Whiting

Fishing King George Whiting Tasmania – Reedy’s Rigs in Bridport

Fishing King George Whiting Tasmania is now one of the most exciting and rewarding styles of fishing available for Aussie anglers. Over the past 15 years, King George Whiting populations have exploded across the north of Tasmania. Estuaries and inshore waters that were once patchy now hold consistent schools of quality whiting. And not just numbers — we’re talking true stonkers. Fish over 50cm are common, and 60cm monsters are a genuine reality for switched-on fishos.

I moved from the Tamar River to Bridport about five years ago. For years I’d chased snapper here and there, but the move gave me a chance to focus on the inshore species right out my front door — sea trout, bream, and of course, King George Whiting. After a few chats with local divers and some sounder time, I found myself hooked on chasing big ‘ting’ in Tasmania.

Why Fish for King George Whiting in Tasmania?

If you’re into light tackle fishing, great eating fish, and reliable action — this is it. Whiting here grow big, feed aggressively, and can be caught in shallow water all day long. Tasmania’s clean water, low fishing pressure, and abundance of healthy weed beds have turned it into one of Australia’s best KGW fisheries.

Fishing King George Whiting Tasmania is something every angler should experience. I’ve had sessions in 1–2m of water where I caught five fish all over 52cm. It’s not a fluke — it happens more than you think when you get your tides, location, and rig right.

Tips for Fishing King George Whiting Tasmania Successfully

1. Move Around Until You Find Them

Whiting feed on the move. If you don’t get bites in 20–30 minutes, shift. Don’t waste time. Try sand holes near weed, broken bottom, or estuary drains.

2. Don’t Use Burley

This surprises a lot of people, but I don’t burley for King George Whiting. The scent from your bait is enough. Burley tends to bring in pest species like leatherjackets and rays that kill your chances.

3. Use Big Baits for Big KGW

Once whiting reach 50cm+, they’ll take bigger baits easily. Squid strips, pilchard chunks, or fillet baits all work great. Don’t be shy about using a decent-size offering.

4. Fish in Shallow Water

One of the best things about fishing King George Whiting Tasmania is that you don’t need deep water. I catch most of mine in 1–3 metres. Especially on high tide or early morning, shallow spots fire.

5. Quiet Boat, Light Gear

I use a 7-foot light rod, 2000 reel, and 4kg mono. Anchor quietly — or better, drift or use an electric spot-lock motor. Big KGW will vanish if you clank an anchor chain.

Why I Use Reedy’s Rigs Tinganoster Rigs for Tasmania Whiting

The Reedy’s Rigs Tinganoster is built for this exact style of fishing. It’s a two-dropper whiting rig that holds your bait at the perfect height off the bottom. I’ve tested plenty of rigs, but this is the one I trust for big KGW. It comes pre-tied, ready to go, and is super effective straight from the pack.

Wide Gap Hook: My go-to for bigger fish and strip baits.
Mutu Circle Hook: Excellent for smaller baits and finesse bites.
Long Shank Hook: Great when using fine squid strips or prawns.

Let the fish hook itself. I use snapper rack holders and leave the rod until it fully loads. That’s when you lift — not before. These rigs work best when you don’t overthink it.

One of My Best Whiting Sessions

In 2019, I took a break from the reds and hit a patch near Bridport with fresh squid. First cast — bang! 55cm. Second rod — 54cm. Then a 57cm stonker. I bagged out with five whiting all over 52cm in under 90 minutes. All on the wide gap Tinganoster. Unreal.

Filming with Hook, Line & Sinker in Tasmania

In 2020, the boys from Hook, Line & Sinker asked me to help film an episode on KGW in northeast Tasmania. Pressure was on — but the fish delivered. We caught multiple whiting over 50cm, with a 57cm fish landed early. All caught using Reedy’s Rigs on camera. Perfect presentation. Perfect result.

Extra Tips for King George Whiting Success

Use fresh bait – Calamari is best, but green prawns and yabbies work too.
Record your sessions – Note tides, spots, bait, and time. Patterns will show up quickly.
Fish the same tide stage – KGW often move through at the same time each day.

Helpful Resources

Conclusion – Fishing King George Whiting Tasmania is World Class

If you haven’t tried fishing King George Whiting Tasmania yet, it’s time. Shallow water, big fish, simple gear — it doesn’t get better. Use Reedy’s Rigs, follow the tips above, and you’ll be into the fish in no time.

By Damon Sherriff

Reedy's Rigs