Flathead

Flathead are one of Australia’s most popular and accessible sport fish, known for their ambush-hunting style, hard hits, and delicious eating quality. Found in estuaries, rivers, coastal flats, and sandy drop-offs, these bottom-dwelling predators provide exciting fishing opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. Their aggressive nature and willingness to take a variety of lures and baits make them a prime target for both land-based and boat fishers.

Species & Appearance

There are several species of flathead found in Australian waters, with the most commonly targeted being:

• Dusky Flathead (Platycephalus fuscus): The largest and most sought-after species, found in estuaries and rivers along the east coast.
• Bartail Flathead (Platycephalus indicus): Recognizable by their barred tail markings, they inhabit sandy coastal waters and estuaries.
• Tiger Flathead (Neoplatycephalus richardsoni): Found in deeper offshore waters and known for their distinctive tiger-like markings.

Flathead have elongated, flattened bodies with large mouths and eyes positioned on top of their heads, ideal for ambushing prey from the seabed. Their mottled brown, sandy, or greenish coloration provides excellent camouflage. While most commonly caught flathead range from 35 to 60 cm (14 to 24 inches), larger specimens, often called "crocodiles," can grow beyond 1 meter (39 inches) and weigh over 5 kg (11 lbs).

Habitat & Behavior

Flathead are highly adaptive and can be found in a variety of environments, including tidal estuaries, sandflats, river mouths, and nearshore reefs. They prefer shallow, sandy or muddy bottoms, where they lie in wait, partially buried, ready to ambush passing baitfish and crustaceans.

They are most active during tidal changes, particularly on a rising tide when they move into the shallows to hunt. Flathead are opportunistic predators, feeding on small fish, prawns, squid, and crabs.

Best Fishing Techniques

Flathead are aggressive feeders and can be caught using a variety of techniques:

• Lure Fishing:

  • Soft Plastics: One of the most effective methods, using paddle tails, jerk shads, or curly tails in natural colors like white, pink, and chartreuse. Slow, hopping retrieves along the bottom work best.
  • Hard-bodied Lures: Shallow-diving crankbaits, suspending minnows, and small vibes can be deadly, especially around drop-offs.
  • Surface Lures: In shallow flats, flathead will sometimes strike surface poppers and stickbaits, especially in warmer months.

• Bait Fishing:

  • Live baits such as poddy mullet, prawns, and whiting are highly effective.
  • Dead baits like pilchards, squid strips, and whitebait also work well when fished near the bottom.
  • A simple running sinker rig with a light leader is ideal for targeting flathead in estuaries.

Prime Locations & Seasons

Flathead can be found throughout coastal Australia, with hotspots including:

• New South Wales: Hawkesbury River, Lake Macquarie, and St Georges Basin.
• Queensland: Gold Coast Broadwater, Moreton Bay, and Fraser Island.
• Victoria: Gippsland Lakes and Port Phillip Bay.
• South Australia & Western Australia: Coastal estuaries and sandflats near river mouths.

Flathead can be caught year-round, but their peak season is during the warmer months (spring and summer) when they move into shallow waters to feed and spawn.

Why Fish for Flathead?

Flathead are the perfect target for anglers due to their aggressive strikes, hard runs, and accessibility from shore or boat. They are a great fish for beginners and experienced anglers alike, as they respond well to a variety of fishing techniques. Additionally, their mild, firm white flesh makes them one of Australia’s favorite eating fish, perfect for filleting and cooking fresh. Whether chasing them on lures in the shallows or drifting baits in an estuary, targeting flathead provides an enjoyable and rewarding fishing experience.