Catching flathead fish can be a lot of fun, and there are several ways to do it. One way is to use lures, soft plastics, or bait. These are all good options for catching flathead, and they can be very effective. In this article, we will give you some tips on how to catch flathead with lures, soft plastics, and bait. We will tell you what kind of equipment you need and how to use it. We will also give you some ideas on what kind of lures and bait to use and where to find flathead. If you follow these tips, you will have a better chance of catching flathead the next time you go fishing.
Flathead Facts & Catch Limits
- Flathead are found in both Port Phillip Bay and Western Port, which are both located in Victoria, Australia.
- Flathead are predatory fish that are known for their powerful jaws and voracious appetite.
- Flathead are most active at night and are typically found near structures such as log jams, rock piles, and sunken trees.
- Flathead can grow to be quite large, with some individuals reaching up to 50 pounds or more.
- In Victoria, the minimum size limit for flathead is 30 cm. This means that you cannot keep a flathead that is smaller than 30 cm in length.
- In Victoria, there is a daily catch limit of 20 flathead per person. This means that you can only keep 20 flathead per day, regardless of size.
Also Read: How to catch snapper, Snapper Fishing Tips
Best time to catch Flathead ( Seasons )
In Victoria, Australia, the best time to catch flathead varies depending on the season. Flathead are most active at night and are typically found near structures such as log jams, rock piles, and sunken trees.
During the summer months, flathead can be found in deeper water and are often caught using lures or baits such as worms and minnows. In the winter, flathead tend to move into shallower water and can be caught using a variety of techniques, including bait fishing, lure casting, and jigging.
Overall, the best time to catch flathead in Victoria will depend on the specific location and the conditions of the water. Paying attention to the weather, water temperature, and tides can all help improve your chances of success. It is also a good idea to consult with local fishing experts or check online fishing reports to get a sense of the current conditions and the best tactics to use.
How to catch Flathead
Thinking of those characteristics a few things come to mind, firstly keep your lures and baits close to the bottom, and secondly stay active if you’re on a boat and kayak then its best to not anchor up but instead drift around and for land-base anglers its best to walk around and cover as much distance as you can. Both those points will greatly improve your catch rate.
Best Soft Plastics and lures to Catch Flathead
There are many different soft plastics and lures that can be effective for catching flathead. Some good options include:
Jigs: Jigs are a type of lure that can be fished vertically or cast and retrieved. They can be very effective for catching flathead, especially when paired with a soft plastic trailer.
Crankbaits: Crankbaits are a type of lure that are designed to imitate the movement of small fish. They can be effective for catching flathead when fished near the bottom or around structures.
Soft plastics: Soft plastics, such as worms, grubs, and crawfish imitators, can be very effective for catching flathead. These lures can be fished on a jighead or rigged on a hook and presented to the fish in a variety of ways.
Spinnerbaits: Spinnerbaits are a type of lure that consists of a metal blade that spins as the lure is retrieved. They can be effective for catching flathead when fished near the bottom or around structures.
By experimenting with different soft plastics and lures, you can find out what works best in your local waters and increase your chances of catching flathead.
The best lures to catch flathead
Here is a list of 16 lures that can be particularly effective for catching flathead:
- Jigging spoons
- Jerkbaits
- Topwater lures
- Swimbaits
- Swimbait jigs
- Bladebaits
- Dropshots
- Flutter spoons
- Fly jigs
- Hair jigs
- Inline spinners
- Rattletraps
- Soft jerkbaits
- Spinnerjigs
- Spoon jigs
- Tube jigs
Techniques with lures and soft plastics
Here are two simple techniques you can use with lures and soft plastics to catch flathead:
Jigging: Jigging involves using a jig lure to fish vertically in the water column. The lure is typically paired with a soft plastic trailer and is bounced up and down in the water to mimic the movement of a baitfish. To jig for flathead, find an area with good structure, such as a sunken tree or a rock pile, and drop your jig down to the bottom. Slowly bounce it up and down, pausing occasionally to let it sit on the bottom. This technique can be effective for catching flathead when they are holding tight to structure.
Soft plastic fishing: To fish with soft plastics, choose a rig that allows you to present the bait slowly and naturally. Find an area with good structure and slowly drag your bait along the bottom, pausing occasionally to let it sit on the bottom. This technique can be effective for attracting flathead that are lying in wait to ambush their prey.
By using these techniques and adjusting your approach based on the conditions and the behavior of the flathead, you can increase your chances of success.
Best Baits to Catch Flathead
Live worms: Live worms are a classic bait that can be effective for catching flathead. They can be fished on a hook or jighead and presented to the fish in a variety of ways.
Live minnows: Live minnows, such as shad, shiners, or chub, can be very effective for catching flathead. They can be fished on a hook or jighead and presented to the fish in a variety of ways.
Live crayfish: Live crayfish can be an excellent bait for catching flathead, especially in areas where crayfish are a common food source for the fish. They can be fished on a hook or jighead and presented to the fish in a variety of ways.
Cut bait: Cut bait, such as cut pieces of fish or squid, can be effective for catching flathead. They can be fished on a hook or jighead and presented to the fish in a variety of ways.
Live shrimp: Live shrimp can be a great bait for catching flathead, especially in areas where shrimp are a common food source for the fish. They can be fished on a hook or jighead and presented to the fish in a variety of ways.
Live crabs: Live crabs can be an excellent bait for catching flathead, especially in areas where crabs are a common food source for the fish. They can be fished on a hook or jighead and presented to the fish in a variety of ways.
Live leeches: Live leeches can be a good bait for catching flathead, especially in areas where leeches are a common food source for the fish. They can be fished on a hook or jighead and presented to the fish in a variety of ways.
Live nightcrawlers: Live nightcrawlers, also known as earthworms, can be an effective bait for catching flathead. They can be fished on a hook or jighead and presented to the fish in a variety of ways.
Rod and rig setup to catch flathead
Choose the right rod: Flathead are powerful fish, so it’s important to use a rod that has the strength and sensitivity to handle them. A medium to medium-heavy action rod with fast to extra-fast taper will give you the power and sensitivity you need to feel the bite and set the hook.
Select the right reel: A baitcasting or spinning reel with a good drag system will give you the control you need to fight and land flathead. Make sure the reel is matched to the rod, and that it has a good line capacity for the type of fishing you’ll be doing.
Choose the right line: Flathead can be caught on a variety of line types, including monofilament, fluorocarbon, and braided lines. A line with a breaking strength of 10-20 pound test is a good all-around choice for most flathead fishing situations.
Use a leader if needed: Depending on the type of bait or lure you’re using, you may want to use a leader to help protect your line and present your bait more naturally. A fluorocarbon leader in the 8-12 pound test range is a good all-around choice.
Select the right hooks: Flathead can be caught on a variety of hook sizes and styles, depending on the size of the bait or lure you’re using. A hook with a wide gap and a sharp point will give you a good combination of strength and penetration.
Attach your bait or lure: Once you have your rod, reel, line, and hooks set up, you can attach your bait or lure. Make sure it’s securely fastened to your rig and that it’s presented in a natural and realistic manner.
Top Flathead Fishing Spots in Melbourne and Victoria
- Altona Pier
- Cunningham Pier
- Frankston Pier
- Gippsland Lakes
- Lake Tyers
- Lake Tyres
- Lagoon Grammar
- Lagoon Pier
- Mallacoota
- Mornington Pier
- Mount Martha rocks
- Port Phillip Bay
- Portsea Pier
- Rosebud pier
- Seaford Pier
- St Kilda Pier
- St Leonards
- The Warmies
- Western Port
- Werribee
- Williamstown
To conclude, catching flathead with lures, soft plastics, and bait requires a combination of the right gear, techniques, and knowledge of the fish’s behavior and preferences. By choosing the right lures and soft plastics, and by using live bait when appropriate, you can increase your chances of success. Remember to stay active when fishing for flathead, and to pay attention to the conditions and the behavior of the fish in the area you’re fishing. With a little practice and persistence, you’ll be on your way to landing these powerful and tasty fish. Good luck and happy fishing!