FLATHEAD, DUSKY

All flathead are opportunistic feeders and typically lie in wait on drop offs where small bait fish and other crustaceans wash over with the tide. Flathead camouflage themselves on the bottom (as you can tell from their shape) and bury themselves in the sand or mud waiting to ambush their prey. Flathead in the most part were targeted with live bait and this is one of the most productive ways to target flathead. Live small fish such as poddy mullet are excellent, however they will take most baits and always a welcome catch for the angler fishing for whiting or bream. However they also readily take lures and are probably one of the first fish caught on a lure by many young anglers. They are a sucker for a well presented soft plastic, and great fun on light tackle. I have also caught many on hard bodied deep divers. When fishing lures (although they will rise to the surface to chase a lure) the best way is to ensure your lures is working along the bottom of the sand or mud. The Dusky flathead is definitely targeted more than any other sort of flathead, and the largest of the flatheads. When fishing for flathead and the potential for large fish exists you need to ensure your leaders is upgraded to say about 8 kgs and your main line about 5 kgs. There is really no need to use a wire trace as was done often in the past, if played properly you will not loose many fish for not having a wire trace but without you will certainly attract more bites.