Flathead Fishing Tactics by Ted Gray

Flathead Fishing Tactics Estuary Waters

Presented in conjunction with – Ted Gray

Flathead fishing is a great way for new fisho’s to learn and grow into the sport of fishing.

Given the quantity and availability of the humble Flathead, Flathead fishing not only builds confidence but they also

Flathead are notable for their unusual body shape, upon which their hunting strategy is based. Flathead are dorsally compressed, meaning their body is wide but flattened and very low in height. Both eyes are on the top of the flattened head, giving excellent binocular vision to attack overhead prey.

Flathead use this body structure to hide in sand (their body colour changes to match their background). Normally with only their eyes visible, and explode upwards and outwards to engulf small fish and prawns as they drift over.

Flathead have two short spikes on either side of their heads that contain venom. The venom, while not fatal, can cause pain and infection.

They live in sand, mud, gravel and sea grass and can inhabit estuary waters up to the tidal limit. When Flathead fishing try to inspect the area you will be fishing at low tide. Flathead leave a distinct “Lay” and finding these areas shows the best evidence of Flathead activity.

Everyone has their own technique for catching the prized Flathead, I have found by using fresh bait like Pilly’s, Prawns, Whitebait and Mullet Fillet.

When to go Flathead Fishing (Land & Boat):

The best time to get yourself a nice Flathead is during the day, two – three days  lead up to the full moon and the following two- three days after.

The preferred tide time would be high tide 7-9Am and fish the run out from the top of the tide down. The fish will be most active two hours after the top of the tide. 

During the high tide the Flathead will be up on the bank catching a few warm rays and having a feed.

As the tide drops the Flathead will return to the channels & gutters and lay in ambush for the bait-fish which will be coming into the same channels and gutters.

What Bait & Tackle you need:

Preferred bait is the tail half of a Pilly on two 3/0 or 4/0 hooks ganged. Team this with 4-8lb braid or 12-15lb mono with a 16lb fluorocarbon leader. If using Whitebait I prefer 3 x No1 Mustads ganged with a “00” ball sinker running on to the hooks. When casting to the bank area I use a No. 2 Ball Sinker but this may change according to the run of the tide. When floating the baits from upstream, I use just enough weight to keep it moving along the bottom. Generally a No.0 or No. 1 ball but again this can change with the run of the tide that you are facing at the time.

The length of leader should be around 60cm, ensure this is a quality line and leader as you do not want to see your trophy fish disappear before it gets to the net!

Hardware – Bait:

Flathead fishing can be done on either, spin, Alvey or even the humble hand-line. I personally use an Alvey 650C5 which allows me to feel what the Flathead is doing as I wind in very slowly. I team this up with a 9’ medium rod generally 4-6Kg as I need the strike ability to ensure good setting of the hooks.

The key period to hunt the Flathead is primarily during Winter however they are a species which can be caught all year round.

How:

My preferred method is to anchor up in the middle of the channel and cast back towards the bank. When the tide is moving off the banks you then cast up stream, let the bait drift back down using the run of the tide.

As the Flathead strikes, don’t be too quick just lift the rod until you feel the weight of the Flathead and then strike. However, not too severe as you may pull the bait from the mouth of the fish. When the Flathead take the bait you may just only feel bit of a “Pick” and at this stage they may just be holding the bait in their mouth. At this stage, you just wind in gently to entice the Flathead to take the bait.

Once you have hooked the Flathead ensure that you do not lift its head from the water. Lifting it may allow it shake its head violently and you have a greater chance of being bitten off. Remember when you are winding in the Flathead that they can turn in a blink of an eye so check your drag setting prior and have it backed off slightly.

Above all else remember “Patience is the Key”

Plastics & Hardbodies:

Great numbers of good size Flathead have been caught using an array of soft plastics. Some of the most common have been:

Z Man in 2.5 Grubz – Pumpkin Seed, Amber, Motor Oil, Bloodworm and Electric Pink. In the 4” Curl Tails – Motor Oil, Pink Glow, New Penny

To see more in the range go to – https://www.tackletactics.com.au/products/zman-streakz-curly-tailz-4?_fid=6f7422a6b&_pos=6&_ss=c

Squidgy – 120mm Wriggler in both Bloodworm, Estuary Prawn and Whitebait bring the Flathead to the table!

To see more of the Squidgie range follow this link – https://fish.shimano.com/en-AU/product/lures/softplastics/p-squidgies-wriggler.html

Flathead will take almost any Plastic readily, the ones mention here are my go to ones.

Zerek Prawns are one of the best weapons in our range. They are lethal on most species, most of all Flathead.

 Hardware – Plastics:

I use mainly the TT Headlock jig heads in either 1/8oz, 1/6oz or 1/4oz with a 2/0, 3/0 or 4/0 hook (Depending on the size of your plastic. If you are unsure how to rig your plastic, ask for a demo at Tackle Land and we will happily run you through it.

When using plastics I chose a graphite rod between 6’ – 7’6” in either a 1-3kg or 2-4kg. I have enjoyed using both the Lox and the Raider II with great success.

As far as my reels go a couple of my go to guys are the Daiwa Aird 2000, Shimano Sienna 1000 or 2500. I have them spooled with 4 – 10lb React or J-Braid.

Walking the river banks or the flats at low tide and simply flicking the plastics around the waters edge. I try to find drop off points and snags as I have found, they actually produce large Flathead.

This is an activity that whole family can enjoy and it even creates a little competition amongst the kids (Even the older ones too!) It is a cost effective activity without the need of throwing away money in unused bait.

Plastics & Hard Bodies cont.

The good thing with Flathead is that they will eat almost anything in the range of hard body lures. A couple of favourites that never really let you down are:

Daiwa Double Clutch

This are made and are forever being tested for action and colour ranges are always being reviewed and up dated. A lot of species can be caught on these, they are a cracker of a lure.

Atomics

Chasing Bream on light gear I have lost a few Deep Divers, Shad 50 in Matte Ayu to the old lizard! So be aware of the occasional “Ambush” as it could cost you a lure!

Barambah Prawn

When I first saw it I thought it was just another plastic. I soon found that it was a cracker, it has a Stinger for those short bites! This lures has been a game changer when chasing Flathead. This lure makes it to the “Go to Guy” list when chasing Flathead and particularly when things are quiet.

To see the range – https://barambahlures.com/products/stinger-shrimp-90f

Tango Shad

The humble Tango Shad in 50mm is so overlooked! This lure has produced some incredible Flathead both in the creeks and on the flats. If you are chasing a lure that just works, grab one of these.

To see more in the range go to – https://www.wilsonfishing.com/Products/Lures/Zerek-Innovation-Lures/Tango-Shad-50

Additional Equipment:

With most fishing you only need the basics to make your day out a bit easier. These are just a suggestion:

–          Good pliers to remove hooks or trebles (Also good to keep fingers away from teeth and spikes)

–          A landing net suitable for the fish your targeting (Treble friendly if lure fishing)

–          A bait knife (Can be used as a Filleting knife if adequate)

–          A good filleting knife to get the most out of your catch (Not recommended as a bait knife!)

–          A decent pair of Braid Scissors (DON’T use teeth!!)

–          A good esky with ice to ensure your catch is kept in the best possible condition.

–          An up to date “Size & Bag Limit” guide from Queensland Fisheries https://www.qld.gov.au/recreation/activities/boating-fishing/rec-fishing/app/use

–          Sun block, broad brim hat, sunnies and long sleeve shirt and sturdy footwear.

Born at Cribb Island and has been fishing 55years in the local waterways Ted enjoys his Flathead, Bream and Whiting fishing. Ted knows the spots, the baits and the times. I thank Ted for sharing his time and knowledge to help us land that prize winner we are all chasing.