F, Y - December 16, 2020

FLATHEAD, YANK

Scientific Name:

Platycephalus speculator

Fish Group:

Flathead

Salt/Fresh:

Salt

Also Known As:

Yank Flathead; Southern Dusky Flathead; Southern Blue Spotted Flathead; FLATHEAD, YANK

Rating:

Countries:

Australia

Description:

Blue Spotted (Southern) or Yank flathead is a eastern Australian flathead found mostly offshore

How To Identify:

The Yank Flathead is very similar to the Eastern Blue-Spotted Flathead and is the largest of the Southern (Cooler Water) flathead. It is a sandy to darkish brown with white or blue spots on its back. It grows to around 8 kgs and about 90cm.

How To Catch:

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.

Where Found:

Found in the Southern half of Victoria, Tasmania, South Australia, and Southern Western Australia. The yank flathead prefers shallow sand flats and weed beds.

FLATHEAD, YANK

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