Tackle Tactics » Tips-Techniques » Saltwater-Estuary » 10 Tips for Spinning Flathead

10 Tips for Spinning Flathead

By Daniel Hutchinson

Dusky Flathead are an iconic Australian fish… possibly the most iconic. They spread across most of Australia's saltwater lakes and estuaries, from beaches to brackish rivers. I cut my teeth as a youngster catching many a flathead on Australia's biggest saltwater lake, Lake Macquarie on the NSW mid-north coast. There, bait fishing on heavy gear as a kid, I caught lots of flathead. I also remember rowing my dad’s tinny as a 10-year-old and catching some huge duskies, trolling the famous old Mister Twister behind the boat. Over the last 20 - 30 years targeting these brilliant fish has been revolutionized with both technology and angler attitudes. Here’s my top 10 tips for flathead spinning with lures.

Depth

Don't ever think it’s too deep and definitely don't ever think it’s too shallow for a flathead. There is often the attitude 'ah it’s too shallow, there will be no fish there'. As I’m writing this in summer, I'm loving fishing the flats and beaches, spinning in some really shallow water. Drifting over the sandflats in my boat, I’ve had most luck in a metre or less of water. I love this form of fishing as you see some amazing fish and sea life as you are drifting over the clear water. This opens up opportunities for sight casting at fish once seen. I have spotted some huge duskies on almost every trip, just lying on the sand in only a foot of water. An amazing sight, even if you don't hook them.

The Drift

A few simple rules. Do not drive over areas that you intend to fish. Try to line up a drift of undisturbed water. Driving over fishing grounds ‘spooks’ the fish and they will Harold Holt (bolt). The shallower the water the more impact this has. You need to think like a hunter creeping up on a deer in the quiet forest. Even whilst drifting over shallow water you will notice flathead dart away when the boat nears. You don’t need to be a genius to work out what happens when a big 2-stroke or jet ski burns over that area.

Electric motors are really valuable, however if you don’t have one all is not lost. Use the wind or current to your advantage and line up different drifts across undisturbed water. Use lines on your GPS to map out different areas and drift over different lines. Most boats also have an amazing piece of technology, a paddle! If there is minimal wind or current, moving your boat twenty metres, every so often, will mean that you are fishing different ground, without having to kick the motor over and skittle the fish into the depths.

Time of Day

You can catch flathead on lures at any time of the day and in some situations and places, even night. The most productive time that I have had, especially on the shallow water flats, is early morning. Generally, when corresponding with a high tide. Flatties will get right up on the flats and if you can be amongst the first there, you will have best chance. Once the sun gets higher, boats start to buzz and people start to swim, etc., they will disperse into deeper areas. Warmer months are generally better in the shallow areas, with the fish being more active. Whilst in winter the flathead generally lay in the deeper areas of the lake and estuaries.

Leader and Line

Light, light, light. Using really light gear for targeting flathead is most sporting and most fun. Generally, I will use 4-6lb Platypus braid with an 8lb Platypus Stealth FC Fluorocarbon Leader. Lighter, quality braid will also mean a longer and more accurate cast. If you are a skilled angler, then there is no need to use heavier gear. Often when taking somebody out, who is newish to fishing, I will often rig them up with at least 12lb or 15lb Platypus leader. Dusky flathead are prone to some viscous headshakes, particularly toward the end of the fight. If unaware, this can cause the lighter leader to pop.

Location

All areas of rivers, lakes and estuaries can hold dusky flathead. During summer and the warmer months, when the water is warm, I love fishing the shallow clear flats or right up on the banks close to shore. When the water is warmer, flatties will get right up in the shallows. Often you can see some huge brutes whilst swimming, going for a paddleboard and other aquatic recreational activities.

During the winter months the flathead are less active, tend to hold more in the deeper sections of the estuary system, where they will lay and conserve energy.

Soft Plastics

The good thing about flathead fishing with lures is that they are not a very fussy fish and will tend to take a variety of different lures, if they are presented well and jigged across their nose. A predatory fish, which will lay camouflaged on the bottom and wait for a small fish, crustacean, or a soft plastic to swim above it, before going bang! As quick as a flash. Some of my go-to flathead plastics are the ZMan 2.5” or 3.5” GrubZ, 4” StreakZ Curly TailZ, 5” Scented Jerk ShadZ and 4” DieZel MinnowZ.

Jigheads

The new, natural-coloured range of TT Lures DemonZ jigheads are fantastic for flathead fishing. They offer bright or dull colours, to match your plastic, as well as a super-sharp, thin hooks to maximise hookups. Another natural, painted jighead option is the TT Lures Big EyeZ range, which has you covered for heavier weights and larger hook sizes. Flathead tend to be nowhere near as fussy as bream or snapper, so thinking too much about your plastic and jighead is not as necessary.

I tend to use a 1/6oz to 3/4oz size jighead, depending on depth, wind, current and other variables. As flathead lay on the bottom, you need to ensure that your plastic is being worked and skipped slightly above the bottom, whilst looking as natural as possible.

Rod & Reel

I love my Okuma Helios SX 2-4kg combo. It is a perfect combo for the estuary and spinning for flathead. It casts like an absolute wand, and I’ve been meaning to get myself a 1-3kg combo as well.

Scent

Scent up! Pro-Cure Mullet Super Gel would have to be my fave!

Fighting Fish

The fighting style of duskies is quite unique. They can sometimes replicate a dead weight, then dart off very quickly, with some very fast, short runs and aggressive headshakes. Having very soft hands and keeping your rod up will ensure that, if the fish headshakes, then your rod will do the work and cushion the surges and shakes. Another advantage of a light rod. Having the drag set correctly and anticipating a run, will ensure that the leader won’t pop.

Another tip is to never lift the fish out of the water using the leader. Try to keep the fish submerged, with its head in the water and use a landing net. As soon as flattie gets to the surface it will often headshake violently and this is when many fish are lost. Remember the flathead can also cause an injury with their nasty spikes, located on each side and on top of the head.

There’s a quick look at what works for me when targeting flathead, a species that I have enjoyed targeting throughout my fishing journey. I hope there’s something in there that helps you get hooked up or just inspires you to get out and target a few flatties.

Cheers, Dan

Gearing Up:

Okuma Helios SX Spin Rods – HSX-S-702ML 7’ 2-4kg
Okuma Helios SX Spin Reels – HSX-30
Platypus Braid – 4lb-6lb
Platypus Stealth FC Fluorocarbon Leader – 8lb (12-15lb for beginners)
ZMan 2.5” GrubZ
ZMan 3.5” GrubZ
ZMan 4” StreakZ Curly TailZ
ZMan 4” DieZel MinnowZ
ZMan 5” Scented Jerk ShadZ
TT Lures DemonZ Jigheads
TT Lures Big EyeZ Jigheads
Pro-Cure Mullet Super Gel Scent