Lets go fishing card - Flathead
The card is also available for downloading: Lets go fishing card - Flathead (PDF - 1.5 MB)
Top tips
Flathead are more active during the warmer months when they move into shallow waters.
Sandy areas with weed beds are good places to try. They feed by ambush, so slowly moving the bait along the bottom will often tempt them to bite. Doing the same with a soft plastic is also very effective.
Handle them carefully to avoid getting pricked from spikes just behind their head.
Fish by the rules
It's important to know the rules that apply to fishing. These include bag limits and minimum size limits for different types of fish. A bag limit is how many fish you are allowed to keep in one day. A minimum size limit is how big a fish needs to be in order for you to keep it. There are also closed seasons for some types of fish.
What are they?
Flathead are found in the ocean as well as in bays and estuaries. They are easily recognised by their large flattened head and long tapering body. There are several different species that can be caught in Victorian waters.
Different size and bag limits apply to dusky flathead compared to other flathead species so learn to tell them apart (refer to the Victorian Recreational Fishing Guide).
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| medium spinning rod | 5kg line |
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| sinkers | hooks |
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| soft plastics | swivels |
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| landing net | |
Great baits
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| prawns | pilchards |
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| whitebait | pipis |
Select a spot
Flathead are a very common throughout Victoria and you will have a good chance of catching one from most piers and jetties. They can be found in both shallow and deep water.
Hot spots
Port Phillip Bay
Western Port
Port Albert
Gippsland Lakes
Mallacoota