These shallow systems at Sandy and Aligator Creek are ideally suited to small boats that have the ability to creep quietly through shallow water.

It regularly provides good catches of whiting and flathead that enjoy the labyrinth of sandbars and gutters that carve through the area at low tide. It can be a little daunting at first when the tide starts to run and there becomes more sand than water but this also becomes an optimum time to fish.

Moving around and trying different techniques
throughout the tides can culminate in some good catches.

If there is less water for the fish to hide then one assumption would be a greater population of fish in any remaining water! Look for deeper pockets of water on sharp bends if you intend sitting out the low tide. Any small drains or run off on the last of the run out are ideal flathead haunts. The water doesn’t have to be deep and flathead can be very difficult to spot from the boat. Soft plastics cast into these areas provide instant excitement.

Keep a good supply of bait on hand and as the incoming tide starts to run don’t be afraid to cast into some fast moving water. Your bait will probably swing around but once it settles it will be in the best position for species such as whiting. They will use strong currents to aid their scrounging journey upstream and likewise will congregate where the flow is minimal. If you have the ability to identify these slower moving pockets of water (back eddies) then you’re half way there.

Keep the fish in the area by throwing out a bit of burley but use something that won’t float away with the tide. Those crab shells from your last crabbing trip make excellent burley for whiting. The crushed shell parts are heavy and stay in the area that you throw them. Whiting are not difficult to catch but getting good catches of them consistently can almost be considered an art.

TIP > Whiting not only make a great feed if you get enough of them but are also excellent bait for larger predators. Check legal size limits before setting one out live. Even medium sized flathead will target whiting and they are considered number one bait for estuary cod.

Get There > Head south along the Bruce Highway and turn left at Dunrock.

The Gear
Type of Fishing > Lures and Livebait.
Bait Types > Mullet, Prawn, Yabbies and Herring.
Peak Periods > Early morning, Late Afternoon.
Best Tides > Half to Full tide. Avoid low tide until familiar with sandbars.
Tackle > Baitcasters with 4- 6 kilo line or threadlines with 2- 4 kilo.