How to catch flathead on lures

Flathead are a popular and accessible target for anglers across large parts of Australia. In NSW, the dusky flathead is the most popular flathead species targeted with lures. Dusky flathead can be found in estuaries, rivers, and coastal areas. 

WHERE AND WHEN

Flathead can be voracious feeders, often willing to bite both hardbody and soft plastic lures. Generally, lures kept close to the sandy or muddy bottoms produce the best results. Flathead camouflage well in these environments and use their low profile to ambush unsuspecting prey. Warmer water can bring flathead into shallow estuary areas, while in winter, they can be found in the deeper sections of rivers and tributaries. Sandy or silty flats with yabby holes and patches of weed provide ideal locations to find them. On Castaway Estuary Fishing Charters, we catch great numbers of flathead year round by targeting them with different lures and techniques. Wherever your fishing for flathead, a strategic casting pattern should be used to cover ground without spooking fish.

LURES AND TECHNIQUES

Catching flathead on lures can be pretty straightforward. Small-to-medium (70-100mm) sized hardbody lures are best slow-rolled along the bottom, with added pauses and twitches to attract attention and elicit bites. Small soft plastic lures (50-100mm) that imitate baitfish, prawns and crustaceans work well with a 'hop-and-pause' technique – where the lure is hopped along the bottom. Quite often, using the correct jig head weight is key, as it keeps the lure in contact with the bottom, while maintaining a natural swimming action.

FLATHEAD FISHING TACKLE

Fishing tackle for flathead doesn’t need to be overly expensive. A 2500-size spinning reel with a 7' 2-4kg graphite spinning rod is adequate for most flathead lure fishing. Thin 6-10lb braid tied to about two metres of 10-15lb fluorocarbon leader is generally all you need to catch flathead on lures. Big soft plastics, swimbaits, glidebaits and even big surface lures can also work well using a specialised approach for really big dusky flathead, you can read more about that HERE.

When handling flathead, minimising contact and limiting time out of the water helps avoid injuring fish – especially important for catch and release fishing. Using a net to land the fish and removing hooks with long-nosed pliers further reduces handling stress and increases survival chances upon release. Responsible handling methods ensure that flathead populations can continue thriving in Australia’s waterways.

That said, flathead are valued not only for sport but also for their culinary quality. Flathead are relatively easy to fillet and have a high meat yield, making them ideal for those who are looking for a fresh seafood meal. In NSW, only dusky flathead between 36cm (minimum size) and 70cm (maximum size) can be kept, with a daily bag limit of 5 per person.

If you'd like to learn more about catching flathead on lures, get in touch with us today!