The Ultimate Guide to Flathead Fishing in Australia
Flathead are one of Australia’s most popular sportfish, known for their ambush-style hunting and aggressive strikes. Found in estuaries, sand flats, and coastal waters, they are a prime target for both beginners and experienced anglers. Their willingness to hit a variety of lures and baits makes them an exciting species to chase year-round.
In this guide, we’ll explore the best baits and lures for flathead, the most effective fishing techniques, and the ideal gear to maximize your success.
Where to Find Flathead in Australia
Flathead thrive in shallow, sandy environments where they bury themselves in the seabed, waiting to ambush passing prey. Some of the best locations to target them include estuaries, river mouths, and tidal sandbanks.
Top Flathead Fishing Spots by Region
New South Wales
•Hawkesbury River – A hotspot for dusky flathead, particularly around weed beds and drop-offs.
•Botany Bay – Consistently produces good numbers of flathead, especially on soft plastics.
Victoria
•Port Phillip Bay – Shallow flats and channels provide excellent conditions for targeting large flathead.
•Gippsland Lakes – A well-known system where flathead feed aggressively in warmer months.
Queensland
•Gold Coast Broadwater – Offers great fishing from the shore and boats, with flathead commonly found along the sandbanks.
•Moreton Bay – Shallow estuarine waters make this an ideal flathead fishing location.
South Australia
•Coorong National Park – Known for its large populations of flathead, particularly near tidal channels.
The best times to fish for flathead are during the warmer months, when they become more active and move into shallow waters to feed. Morning and late afternoon tend to be the most productive periods.
Best Lures for Flathead Fishing
Flathead are highly opportunistic predators that respond well to a variety of lures. The key is to use lures that mimic their natural prey, such as small fish and prawns.
Soft Plastics
Soft plastics are among the most effective lures for flathead, providing lifelike movement and versatility.
•Z-Man 3” MinnowZ – Great for imitating baitfish and works well with a slow hop-and-pause retrieve.
•Berkley PowerBait Grubs – The curly tail creates a natural swimming action that attracts aggressive strikes.
•Gulp! Jerk Shad 4” – A proven flathead lure that can be worked with both fast and slow retrieves.
Recommended Rod: Favorite X1 7’2” – Perfect for working soft plastics with a sensitive tip and strong backbone.
Hard Body Lures
Flathead will readily hit diving hard-body lures, especially those that run close to the bottom.
•Rapala X-Rap 10 – A shallow-diving minnow-style lure with an enticing wobble.
•Daiwa Double Clutch 75 – A suspending lure that works well when twitched around sandbanks.
Recommended Rod: Favorite Skyline 7’0” – Ideal for twitching hard-body lures with precision.
Vibes and Blades
These lures are particularly useful when flathead are sitting deep and require a more aggressive presentation.
•Ecogear ZX40 – A must-have in any flathead angler’s tackle box, especially in deeper water.
•Samaki Vibelicious 70mm – Provides a strong vibration that attracts flathead from a distance.
Recommended Rod: Favorite Blue Bird 7’3” – Designed for sensitivity when working vibes and blades.
Best Baits for Flathead
For those who prefer bait fishing, fresh and natural baits can be just as effective as lures. Live baits work exceptionally well, but frozen or fresh-cut baits can also yield great results.
Top Baits for Flathead Fishing
•Live Prawns – A natural food source that flathead can’t resist.
•Pilchards – Either whole or cut into chunks, pilchards work well when drifted along sandy bottoms.
•Mullet Fillets – Flathead love the scent of fresh mullet, making this a great option for bait fishing.
A simple running sinker rig with a fluorocarbon leader is often the best setup for bait fishing, allowing the bait to move naturally in the current.
Essential Gear for Flathead Fishing
Having the right equipment can make all the difference in landing more flathead.
•Rod: A 7’0”–7’6” medium-light spinning rod is ideal for both lure and bait fishing.
•Reel: 2500-3000 size spinning reel with a smooth drag system.
•Line: 6-10 lb braided line for maximum sensitivity and casting distance.
•Leader: 10-15 lb fluorocarbon leader to prevent break-offs from the flathead’s abrasive teeth.
Pro Tip: When retrieving lures, always maintain contact with the bottom, as flathead prefer ambushing prey from below.
Flathead Fishing Regulations in Australia
Fishing regulations vary by state, so it’s important to check local laws before heading out.
•New South Wales: Minimum size 36 cm, bag limit 10 per person.
•Victoria: Minimum size 27 cm, bag limit 5 per person.
•Queensland: Minimum size 40 cm, bag limit 5 per person.
•South Australia: Minimum size 30 cm, bag limit 10 per person.
For up-to-date regulations, visit: Australian Fisheries Management.
Conclusion
Flathead fishing in Australia is both exciting and accessible, offering a great challenge for anglers of all skill levels. Whether you prefer using soft plastics, hard-body lures, or natural bait, the right techniques and equipment will significantly increase your chances of success.
Upgrade your flathead fishing setup with Favorite rods for better performance and control.