Occur from Lizard Island in Queensland to Narooma in southern New South Wales (Ref. 6335, 7300). Also Ref. 11230, 116003.

Stock structure: This species is geographically sympatric for a very small part of its range with the western trumpeter whiting Sillago burrus (Ref. 6205).

Commercial fishery: Whiting have been the basis of an established inshore fishery along the eastern seaboard since early last century. In 1947, three-quarters of the Queensland catch of whiting came from Maryborough, Gympie and Wynnum (Brisbane) co-operatives (Ref. 1254). Moreton Bay and Tin Can Bay are now the major finfish areas in Queensland and an estimated 240 t each year was taken in southern Queensland in 1977 and 1978 (Ref. 27635). The whiting fishery is also important in New South Wales.

Large numbers of trumpeter whiting are caught by haul seine in shallow water and by demersal otter trawl in slightly deeper water (Ref. 6335). Trumpeter whiting are also caught with hook and line. They are the only commercial fish species taken regularly in large numbers by trawlers in Moreton Bay (Ref. 27645), and the Queensland fishery for them is restricted to this area. Trumpeter whiting is regarded as a useful bycatch of prawn trawlers, especially when prawn catches are low over winter.

Whiting are marketed locally as chilled or fresh whole fish or fillets. All whiting species command high prices on local markets and sand, golden-lined and trumpeter whiting are often boxed together. Large quantities of trumpeter whiting are marketed during winter (hence, 'winter whiting').

Recreational fishery: Whiting are caught by rod-and-line and handlines from shore and boat, using live baits of worms, soldier crabs and yabbies, or squid bait (only for trumpeter whiting) (Ref. 27636, 27622). They are popular angling species for their fighting ability and table value.

Sand, trumpeter and golden-lined whiting are some of the most popular recreational angling species in southern Queensland (Ref. 27635), especially around Bribie Island and Moreton Island. Large catches are made on banks close to breaking surf and on spring high tides.

In New South Wales, whiting do not constitute a large proportion of anglers' catches despite their relative abundance in estuaries. Larger catches are generally made during the warmer summer months, and over sandbars at the entrance to estuaries. Trumpeter whiting are popular with anglers fishing in muddy bays.

Also Ref. 9819, 9987.