Ugly Stik
2.13m
7–21 g · 6–15 lb
Lithognathus lithognathus
White steenbras
A powerful, long-lived fish of the surf zone that feeds on prawns and worms from the sand.
Stylised illustration, not to scale.
Baits
- Sand prawn
- Mud prawn
- Bloodworm
- Red bait
- Habitat
- Gullies and the surf zone on sandy beaches, and estuary mouths.
- Season
- Seasonal runs along parts of the coast. Local knowledge matters here.
- Best times
- Dawn and dusk, around the tides.
- Tackle
- A 12 ft surf rod with a reel and 15 to 20 lb mono.
- Hook
- 2/0 to 4/0 baitholder or octopus hook.
Tips
Use fresh live prawn when you can.
Strikes are often light: watch the rod tip closely.
Handle with care and release carefully.
Rules
White steenbras numbers have come under heavy pressure. Check the current recreational rules and consider releasing larger fish.
This site is not an official source. Check the current rules with the Department of Forestry, Fisheries and the Environment.
Recommendations are pending review by a local angler.
Rigs
Rigs that suit white steenbras
Gear
Gear for white steenbras
Shimano
3.05m
20–60 g · 8–17 lb
Okuma
3.96m
100–200 g · 15–30 lb
Penn
3.66m
80–150 g · 12–25 lb