Flathead

Flathead are a very popular targeted species they are caught in estuaries, bays and on ocean beaches all around Australia. All larger fish are female and are generally released after being caught.

World Record holder Willem Powerfish with a nice Flathead

Selecting the right bait –

They will take a variety of different baits the most popular being White Pilchards, Blue Pilchards, Prawns, Mullet, Blue Bait, Anchovies and Worms.

Selecting the right rig –

Try using a running sinker rig (pictured above) with either a ganged hook or a long shank depending on the bait you’re using.

This Flathead went just over 75cm on the Tweed Bait Brag Mat click here to purchase

Selecting the right spot –

Target Shallow waters, sandy drop-offs and beach gutters. They are ambush predators and often a slow drift of White Pilchards, Blue Pilchards or Anchovies over a drop-off will be irresistible to a waiting Flathead. You can also try casting prawns or worms and slowly retrieving them in shallow waters and along drop-offs. Try Blue Pilchards and worms in beach gutters for best results.

Ben caught this Flathead using Tweed Bait Prawns

Eating –

Whitish flesh, firm with variable eating quality.

Try this delicious recipe from Women’s Weekly Food

Parmesan and herb-crusted flathead