Flathead fishing is a staple in Australian angling, thanks to its accessibility and the abundance of flathead in estuaries, rivers, and coastal areas. These bottom-dwelling predators are known for their stealth and powerful strikes. To help you get the most out of your flathead fishing trips, we’ve compiled the top 5 techniques, along with gear recommendations that’ll give you the edge.
1. Drifting with Soft Plastics
One of the most effective ways to catch flathead is by drifting with soft plastics. These versatile lures mimic baitfish or prawns, making them irresistible to flathead.
•Best Soft Plastics: Paddle tails and curly tails in natural colors like white, brown, or green.
•Technique: Cast upstream and let the soft plastic drift naturally with the current. Use gentle twitches to create lifelike movement.
•Recommended Rod: Favorite X1 7’2” – Perfect for accurate casts and detecting subtle bites.
2. Jigging with Metal Lures
For deeper waters, jigging with metal lures can be highly effective. This technique is especially useful near drop-offs and sandy flats.
•Best Lures: 10-20g metal jigs in silver or gold finishes.
•Technique: Drop the lure to the bottom and use short, sharp lifts to imitate a fleeing baitfish.
•Recommended Rod: Favorite Skyline 6’8” – Excellent for jigging due to its responsive tip.
3. Casting with Hardbody Lures
Hardbody lures are great for covering large areas and targeting active flathead. They’re particularly effective in shallow estuaries.
•Best Hardbodies: Shallow-diving crankbaits and suspending minnows.
•Technique: Cast near structure or drop-offs and retrieve slowly with occasional pauses to mimic an injured fish.
•Recommended Rod: Favorite U1 7’0” – A versatile choice for hardbody lure fishing.
4. Fishing with Live Bait
Live bait is a classic technique for flathead, especially if you’re fishing from a stationary position.
•Best Live Bait: Mullet, prawns, or pilchards.
•Technique: Use a light running sinker rig and cast near drop-offs or sandbanks. Allow the bait to sit naturally on the bottom.
•Pro Tip: Keep your live bait lively to attract more strikes.
5. Trolling for Flathead
Trolling is an excellent method for locating flathead over a wide area. It’s particularly effective in shallow waters with sandy or muddy bottoms.
•Best Lures for Trolling: Shallow-diving crankbaits and soft plastics rigged on jig heads.
•Technique: Troll at a slow speed (1-2 knots) and keep your lure just off the bottom.
•Recommended Rod: Favorite X1 7’2” – Ideal for trolling due to its strength and flexibility.
Bonus Tips for Flathead Fishing
•Check the Tides: Flathead are more active during rising or falling tides.
•Target Drop-Offs: Look for areas where shallow sandbanks meet deeper water.
•Use Fluorocarbon Leaders: Flathead have sharp teeth, so a strong leader is essential.
Conclusion
Flathead fishing in Australia offers endless excitement and opportunities for anglers of all skill levels. By mastering these techniques and equipping yourself with the right gear from Favorite24, you’ll increase your chances of landing the perfect catch.
Ready to take your flathead fishing to the next level? Explore our range of rods and gear, and let us know your favorite flathead fishing tip in the comments!
Let me know if you’d like to adjust anything or add more details to the article! 😊