
Want To Learn How To Catch Flathead?
The humble Dusky Flathead, one of Australia's iconic saltwater fish species. Found commonly throughout the east coast of Aus they are a fun species to target with their eagerness to eat anything that fits in their mouth whether that's a lure or bait. This makes Flathead a great fish to target for people of all ages and skill levels. *All gear mentioned and methods will apply to all Flathead Species.
Different Ways Of Capturing Flathead
LURES - PLASTICS, HARDBODIES & VIBES/BLADES
Lure fishing for Flathead has become one of the most popular methods, as fishing technology has improved over the years so have the lures which has opened a variety of new ways of catching Flathead.
Bouncing Soft-Plastics off the bottom allows us to search a variety of depths which make them a versatile and great first choice of from a lure!
Diving Hard Bodies/Jerkbaits are going to be great for areas like the Sand Flats as they only dive to a specific depth. Just slow roll them or give the lure a jerking action mixed in with a slow roll and pauses.
Vibes/Blades produce a vibrating movement when worked making it highly effective and is typically used like a Soft-Plastic, generally bouncing off the bottom with a long lift of the rod letting the vibe flutter back down.
Top water lures have also become popular in recent times, although not the most effective, it certainly is exciting seeing a big Flathead take a surface lure!
SWIMBAITS & GLIDEBAITS
Swimbaiting & Glidebaiting on the Sand Flats for trophy Dino Flathead has become more popularised in recent times with many anglers taking their chances casting lures as big as 300mm in size weighing 250g or heavier! Heard the saying "Big Lure equals Big Fish". There is some truth to this saying as you will usually filter out the smaller sub 50cm fish but it's not always the case though as even smaller Flathead will still have a crack of a lure the same size as them. Just shows how voracious these predatory fish are!
BAITS LIVE & DEAD
Bringing it back to basics! The humble Pilchard on a 2-3 gang of hooks - One of the best dead baits you could use for Flathead but there are plenty of other rigs & baits like Prawns, Beach Worms, White Bait, Mullet, Herring, Squid and even cuts of Raw Chicken just to name a few. Even though Flathead are ambush predators they won't pass the opportunity to feast on well presented dead bait lying on the bottom or retrieved slowly.
If you can, LIVE BAITING is by far the best method as movement from the live bait will garner the attention of any hungry Flathead present in the area. If you ask any old school angler they'll tell you the best live baits you can get your hands on will be Poddy Mullet, Tailor, Herring and Whiting rigged with a single hook just under the dorsal fin not too deep or it will hit the spine and render your Live Bait into a Dead Bait. Also don't be afraid of leaving the Live Bait out there for over 15 mins as Flathead do move around to better feeding grounds and for tidal movements.
*There is no one hook for bait fishing that can do it all - adjust your hook size and shape according to the bait you are using.
TROLLING ON A BOAT OR KAYAK
Trolling on the sand flats or bays is a super effective method of covering a wide area of potential Flathead ground! We recommend you start at a slow speed of 1-3 knots (almost idle speed) searching through these grounds with Diving Hardbodies. It is best to check how deep your lures dive to so you have the correct lure for the job but you want the lures to be as close to the bottom as you can. A hot tip is when you are trolling and the depth changes you can let more line out so the lure dives deeper and vice versa!
When And Where Should I Be Fishing?
The beauty of targeting Flathead is that they live all up and down the East Coast of Aus from QLD, NSW and down to Victoria living camouflaged at the bottom of estuarine areas, coastal bays, sand flats and up to the tidal limits. So whether you fish land-based or on a boat, they're accessible to all ages and skill levels. Typically a run out tide is best as a lot of bait species push up onto the flats on a run in search of new feeding grounds and shelter, however when the tide runs out that water channels out into small gutters funnelling bait straight to the Flathead. Remember, No Run = No Fun. Although you can target Flathead all seasons, Spring, Summer and Autumn are the best seasons to fish for Flathead. There are also the smaller Bluespotted Flathead which range from the Mid-North Coast of NSW, WA and South Aus which is most abundant in Victoria and Tasmania.

Flathead Grounds
Gutters, drop offs, and weedy broken up areas are great places to target Flathead. Here's an example of an area where Flathead typically hold highlighted in red.
Spin & Baitcaster Rods
A 2-4kg to 3-6kg rod weight rating between 6'6" to 7'8" (198.12 cm - 234cm) is a great starting point if you're looking to get into fishing for Flathead. This weight class will allow you to throw a wide variety of smaller lures like Soft Plastics (2" to 5" in), Hardbodies, Blades/Vibes and be great for dead bait fishing. If you are using live baits like whiting or mullet a 4-7kg rod is recommended. If you are wanting to throw bigger lures like Swimbaits, Glide Baits, Hardbodies and XL Plastics (7 inches plus), a Spin or Baitcaster rod rated 4-7kg to 15-24kg is recommended to be able to cast such lures. Always check the Lure Weight rating for the lures you will use to avoid breaking your rods - no one likes have a their rods broken especially when they are brand new...


Daiwa 23 TD Black Rod
$199.00 AUD


Millerods Production Rod
$345.00 AUD


Shimano 20 Zodias Rod
$263.00 AUD

Samaki Zing Gen 4 Rod
$139.95 AUD


Penn Mercenary Rod
$199.99 AUD

Daiwa 23 Tatula Rod
$269.00 AUD


Atomic Arrowz Flathead Spin Rod
$199.00 AUD


Abu Garcia Veritas 5 Rod
$99.99 AUD


Shimano 22 Expride Spinning Rod
$335.20 AUD

Daiwa 24 Aird X Light Tackle Rod
$109.99 AUD


Shimano 24 TCurve Rod
$399.00 AUD

Samaki Zing Xtreme V3 Rod
$249.95 AUD


Daiwa 23 TD Hyper Rod
$159.99 AUD

Daiwa 23 Infeet Z Spin Rod
$379.00 AUD


Shimano 21 Raider Rod
$39.99 AUD


Atomic Arrowz Estuary Rod
$143.65 AUD


Shimano 24 Poison Adrena Rod
$579.00 AUD


Daiwa 23 TD Commander Rod
$549.00 AUD


Shimano 23 Revolution Rod
$169.00 AUD


Samaki C-12 V3 Rod
$399.00 AUD


Shimano Izalus Spin Rod
$99.99 AUD
Spin & Baitcaster Reels
A 2-4kg to 3-6kg rod weight rating between 6'6" to 7'8" (198.12 cm - 234cm) is a great starting point if you're looking to get into fishing for Flathead. This weight class will allow you to throw a wide variety of smaller lures like Soft Plastics (2" to 5" in), Hardbodies, Blades/Vibes and be great for dead bait fishing. If you are using live baits like whiting or mullet a 4-7kg rod is recommended. If you are wanting to throw bigger lures like Swimbaits, Glide Baits, Hardbodies and XL Plastics (7 inches plus), a Spin or Baitcaster rod rated 4-7kg to 15-24kg is recommended to be able to cast such lures. Always check the Lure Weight rating for the lures you will use to avoid breaking your rods - no one likes to have their rods broken especially when they are brand new…


Shimano Nasci FC Spin Reel
$148.00 AUD

Daiwa 24 TD Black MQ Spin Reel
$299.00 AUD


Abu Garcia Revo Beast Low Profile Baitcast Reel
$339.00 AUD


Penn Battle IV Spin Reel
$209.99 AUD


Shimano 23 Curado M Baitcast Reel
$287.00 AUD

Daiwa 21 Saltist MQ Spin Reel
$319.00 AUD


Shimano SLX DC Baitcast Reel
$271.20 AUD


Daiwa Tatula 300 Baitcaster Reel
$369.00 AUD


Shimano 24 Vanford FA Spinning Reel
$399.00 AUD


Daiwa 20 Tatulion HD Baitcast Reel
$469.00 AUD

Shimano Curado DC Baitcast Reel
$396.00 AUD

Daiwa 23 Airity Spin Reel
$799.00 AUD


Shimano 23 Sedona FJ Spin Reel
$119.00 AUD


Shimano Nexave FI Spin Reel
$79.99 AUD


Daiwa 20 BG MQ Spin Reel
$249.00 AUD

Abu Garcia Revo5 Premier LP Baitcast Reel
$479.00 AUD

Daiwa 23 Aird LT Spin Reel
$99.00 AUD


Shimano Tranx A Baitcast Reel
$284.00 AUD


Daiwa 24 Certate LT Spin Reel
$659.00 AUD


Abu Garcia Revo5 Baitcast Reel
$189.00 AUD

Daiwa Tatula HD LTD Baitcast Reel
$319.00 AUD


Penn Spinfisher VII Spin Reel
$249.99 AUD


Shimano 22 Miravel Spinning Reel
$183.20 AUD

Daiwa 23 Exceler LT Spinning Reel
$139.00 AUD

Daiwa 20 Lexa WN Baitcaster Reel
$319.00 AUD
Which Line To Use?
Since the improvement of braided lines, it has quickly become the more popular choice when lure fishing. Braided lines also cast further and are often 1/4 the diameter of mono and fluorocarbon line meaning you can fish with smaller reels. Braid also has almost zero stretch which allows more sensitivity to the angler whereas traditional mono and fluorocarbon lines have stretch so you lose sensitivity. The only drawback of braid is that you'll need a mono or fluoro leader on the front to fish baits or lures as braid is susceptible breaking as it has low abrasion resistance. However this doesn't render mono a fluoro useless as there are plenty of people who run mono and fluoro as their main lines. *More braided line options available in-stores available to be spooled with our line spooling machines.

Tasline Elite Braid
$59.95 AUD

Sufix Super 21 Monofilament Line
$14.95 AUD

Shimano Kairiki PE8+ Braid
$44.99 AUD

Daiwa Saltiga Durasensor x8 Braid Chartreuse Fishing Line
$59.99 AUD

Schneider Klear Line Mono
$14.95 AUD


Nomad Ammonite Multicolour Jigging Braid 300yd
$79.95 AUD


Daiwa J Braid Expedition x8 - 300m
$79.99 AUD

Schneider Crystal Clear 100% Fluorocarbon Leader
$32.99 AUD


Power Pro Original Braid
$29.95 AUD

Daiwa J-Thread Finesse Fluorocarbon FC Line
$24.99 AUD

Sunline Super FC Sniper
$24.95 AUD


Shimano Ocea 8 Premium PE Braid
$111.95 AUD

Daiwa J-Braid x4 Yellow Line
$19.99 AUD

Berkley Vanish Fluorocarbon 250YD Clear
$18.95 AUD

Saltiga 12 EX SI3+ -Multi Braid
$139.99 AUD

YGK X-Braid Upgrade X8
$59.95 AUD

Sufix Advance Hyper Copolymer Monofilament Fishing Line 300m
$23.95 AUD


Penn Slammer Braid PEx8 Multicolour
$79.95 AUD


Daiwa J Braid Expedition x8 - 150m
$49.99 AUD


Tortue (Ragot) Super Control IGFA Monofilament Line
$21.95 AUD

Daiwa J Thread Nylon Mono Fishing Line
$18.99 AUD


Platypus Pulse Premium Monofilament 300m
$19.95 AUD
Leader
Leader choice is also important when targeting Flathead as they have a row of sharp teeth that they can rub through light leader with their head shakes during a fight. A Fluorocarbon leader between 10 - 15lb for light tackle will be perfect and a 20 - 60lb leader is recommended for heavier lures. A hot tip if you're fishing light leader and don't know where the fish is hooked is to keep the rod tip down close to the water. This will help keep the leader further away from front set of chompers to increase your chance of landing the fish!

Daiwa J Thread Fluoro Leader
$22.95 AUD


Shimano Ocea F Series Premium Fluorocarbon Leader
$18.99 AUD

Sunline V Hard Plasma Rise Fluorocarbon Line
$34.95 AUD

YGK X-Braid FC Absorber Slim & Strong
$49.95 AUD

Daiwa J-Thread FC X-Link Fluorocarbon Leader
$24.99 AUD


Sunline FC Rock Fluorocarbon
$22.95 AUD

Sunline FC System Shockleader Fluorocarbon
$33.95 AUD

Lures We Recommend
Leader choice is also important when targeting Flathead as they have a row of sharp teeth that they can rub through light leader with their head shakes during a fight. A Fluorocarbon leader between 10 - 15lb for light tackle will be perfect and a 20 - 60lb leader is recommended for heavier lures. A hot tip if you're fishing light leader and don't know where the fish is hooked is to keep the rod tip down close to the water. This will help keep the leader further away from the front set of chompers to increase your chance of landing the fish!

Fishing Station Flathead $99 Pro Pack
$99.00 AUD


Nomad Squidtrex Soft Vibe Lure
$17.21 AUD


Daiwa Double Clutch IZM 115SP Lure
$25.45 AUD


Z-Man DieZel MinnowZ
$10.95 AUD


MMD Whiting Glide Bait Lure 180
$49.95 AUD


MMD Hardy Head Heavy Lure
$13.95 AUD


Samaki Redic Jerkbait MF Lure
$17.95 AUD


Berkley Pro-Tech Bender Lure
$17.80 AUD


Daiwa Bait Junkie Grub
$11.99 AUD


Evergreen Stream Demon 170J Jointed Swimbait
$42.95 AUD


Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnow Deep Diver Floating Hard Body Lure
$23.95 AUD


Samaki Redic Jerkbait SF
$21.50 AUD


TT Quake Soft Vibe Lure
$17.95 AUD


Nomad Madscad Auto Tune Slow Sink 90
$19.99 AUD


Daiwa Double Clutch IZM 95SP-G Lure
$21.90 AUD


TT Switchprawn+ Blade Lure
$15.99 AUD

Bomber Long 15A Triple Threat 3 Pack
$39.95 AUD


Classic Barra Hard Body Lure
$14.50 AUD


Z-Man MinnowZ
$9.95 AUD


Atomic Hardz Slim Twitcher Deep
$21.95 AUD


Bassday Sugapen Floating
$26.95 AUD


Daiwa 20 Infeet Slippery Dog TG Tune Lure
$22.99 AUD


TT Switchblade+ Blade Lure
$11.00 AUD


Leavey Lures Bent Freakn Minnow Lure
$29.95 AUD


Rapala Crush City The Imposter Soft Plastic Lure
$11.95 AUD


Daiwa Bait Junkie Gar Soft Plastic Lure
$11.99 AUD


Irukandji Megaprawn Soft Plastic Lure
$17.50 AUD


Nomad Vertrex Max Vibe
$15.00 AUD


OSP Bent Minnow Lure
$33.95 AUD


Yo-Zuri 3DB Pencil Floating Stickbait
$23.95 AUD


MMD Splash Prawn Lure
$21.95 AUD


Berkley Powerbait Nessie
$13.99 AUD


Irukandji Sicario Soft Plastic Lure
$13.95 AUD


Molix Glide Bait Swimbait Lure
$44.95 AUD


Yo-Zuri 3D Inshore Fingerling Suspending Hardbody Lure
$24.95 AUD


Z-Man HerculeZ Pre-Rigged Soft Plastic Swimbait
$11.95 AUD


Daiwa Bait Junkie Minnow
$11.99 AUD


Squidgies Fish
$6.95 AUD


Squidgies Slickrig
$8.95 AUD


Z-Man GrubZ
$9.95 AUD


Rapala Crush City Heavy Hitter Soft Plastic
$11.95 AUD


Malosi Minion Floating Minnow Hardbody Lure
$24.99 AUD


Gan Craft Jointed Claw Salt Custom Glide Bait Lure
$79.95 AUD


Rapala Crush City The Suspect Soft Plastic
$11.95 AUD


Samaki Live Shrimp
$15.95 AUD


Berkley Powerbait Honeyball Lure
$15.99 AUD


Samaki Vibelicious Fork 85mm 14g Soft Vibe Lure
$20.95 AUD


Daiwa Bait Junkie Prawn
$11.99 AUD


Yo-Zuri 3DR-X Suspending Shad
$22.99 AUD
Flathead Combos
If you're stuck on choosing an outfit, fear not as our expert have specially selected out combos which we have been used extensively by the team.
Important Additional Equipment
Here are some essential Fishing Equipment to have on your Boat and Tackle bag!

TT HeadlockZ HD Jighead
$9.95 AUD


TT Sling Bag
$47.95 AUD

Fish Monkey Free Style Fishing Glove
$69.99 AUD

Samaki Neon Fish Grip
$18.95 AUD


Aftco Release Gloves
$74.99 AUD


Black Magic Landing Net Retractable Handle
$84.95 AUD

TT ChinlockZ Jighead
$10.95 AUD

Berkley Essentials Big Fish Lip Grip
$39.99 AUD

Gamakatsu Worm EWG Hooks
$5.95 AUD


TT Deluxe Z-Man Bait Binder Bag
$19.95 AUD


Shimano 23 Tackle Backpack With Tackle Box
$159.00 AUD


Berkley Nitro Estuary Pro Jighead
$10.99 AUD

Penn Saltwater Lip Grips
$59.99 AUD

Daiwa Bait Junkie Heavy Wire Jighead 2X
$10.99 AUD


TT Headlockz HD Flathead Value Pack Jigheads
$33.95 AUD

Berkley Retractable Snapper Net
$109.99 AUD


Daiwa Measure Mat
$24.95 AUD


Berkley Nitro Saltwater Pro Inshore Jigheads
$11.99 AUD


Shimano Brag Mat
$34.95 AUD


Daiwa Offshore Glove
$38.99 AUD

Berkley Kayak Catch and Release Net
$54.99 AUD


Daiwa Tackle Backpack
$149.95 AUD

TT ChinlockZ Finesse Jighead
$10.95 AUD


Black Magic Short Handle Net with Belt/Bungee Clip
$49.95 AUD
TIPS/HELPFUL INFO
To have a successful session you need to have a game plan. So the next time you are heading out check what the tides are doing. Is the tide incoming or outgoing? What grounds am I going to go to fish first and how will I approach? Are all my leaders, knots fresh and are my hooks sharp? Is there any bait in the area? These are all good elements to consider for your next trip out to greatly improve your success!
