Omar Khalid
Flathead fishing is a popular pastime along the east coast of Australia, where flathead are in abundance all year round. Using soft plastics to catch flathead is a simple and effective method, with many anglers swearing by it. The soft plastic lures are designed to imitate the flathead's prey, and their versatility means they can be used in various waterways and at different depths. To increase your chances of success, it's important to consider the size, colour, and profile of the lure, as well as the weight and hook size of your jig head. With the right gear and a bit of knowledge about flathead behaviour, you'll be well on your way to consistently landing these hungry fish.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Along the east coast of Australia, from Cairns to the Gippsland region |
| Time of year | Spring, when the water temperature first begins to rise |
| Lure type | Soft plastics |
| Lure size | 70-110mm, 4 inches minimum, 4-6 inches for jigging in deep water |
| Lure shape | Paddle tails, curly tails, grubs, jerk shads, prawn imitations |
| Lure colour | Dark or bright colours in dirty water, natural colours in clean water |
| Jighead weight | 1/4, 3/8, 1/2, 1/8, 1/6, 1/0 to 3/0 ounce weights |
| Hook size | 3/0 to 5/0 |
| Fishing rod | Entry-level Raider 6'10 Flathead spin rod or high-end JDM Zodias 7'0 spin rod |
| Fishing line | 6-12lb Kairiki 8+ braided line |
| Leader | 8-15lb Ocea Fluorocarbon |
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What You'll Learn
- Lure colour: bright and dark colours work in dirty water, natural colours in clean water
- Lure type: curly tails, jerkshads, paddle tails, prawn imitations, and slapstix styles
- Lure size: a minimum of 4 inches is recommended, though 2.5-inch lures can catch gigantic flathead
- Lure weight: use heavier lures in deeper water and stronger currents
- Lure presentation: make it look as natural as possible, especially with larger flathead
Lure colour: bright and dark colours work in dirty water, natural colours in clean water
Lure colour is an important factor when fishing for flathead with soft plastics. The general rule of thumb is to use bright or dark colours in dirty water and natural colours in clean water. This is because, in dirty water, the flathead are more likely to spot your lure if it is a bright colour; whereas, in clean water, a natural-coloured lure will blend in better with the surroundings and increase your chances of catching a flathead.
It's worth noting that water clarity can change with depth and the tide, so it's a good idea to experiment with different colours until you find what works best for you. For example, on clear water sunny days, natural and dark colours can work well as they create a profile and contrast that lizards will easily spot. However, in dirty water, bright colours are generally more effective.
The colour of your lure can make a significant difference in your fishing success, and it's a factor that you can easily adjust to improve your results. Some popular colour options for flathead lures include UV Croc Bait, Motor Oil, Pumpkin Seed, Red Pepper, Camo, Aged Copper, and Hyper Bubble Gum.
Additionally, the size and style of the soft plastics you use can also impact your catch rate. While smaller sizes can be effective, opting for a minimum of 4 inches can increase your chances of catching larger flathead. Paddle tails are a popular style, but other styles such as jerkshads, curly tails, large slapstix, and prawn imitations have also proven successful.
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Lure type: curly tails, jerkshads, paddle tails, prawn imitations, and slapstix styles
Curly tails, jerkshads, paddle tails, prawn imitations, and slapstix styles are all effective lures for catching flathead. Flathead are not fussy and will bite at almost any style or colour of soft plastic lure. However, anglers have reported success by using dark or bright colours in dirty water and natural colours in clean water.
Curly tails are a type of soft plastic lure that is characterised by a cylindrical body and a flat-sided or ribbon-like tail that curls when stationary. When moved through the water, the tail comes alive, giving the lure a subtle yet enticing swimming action. Curly tails work well with the slow roll technique, where the lure is cast and allowed to sink to the bottom before being slowly reeled in.
Jerkshads, such as the Bait Junkie Jerkshad, feature a segmented body design and supple plastic construction that creates an "S" wave swimming action when wound quickly. This unique action adds a level of versatility to the lure, making it a favourite among larger, hungrier flathead. Jerkshads can be rigged weedless on EWG-style hooks and work best with 1/4-5/8oz jig heads.
Paddle tails are another effective lure type for catching flathead. These lures feature a fish-shaped body and a boot-like tail that kicks from side to side when moved through the water. Well-designed paddle tail plastics also exhibit a rolling action through the body, making them highly versatile. They can be worked at various speeds and depths and rigged in multiple ways, including standard, weedless, and weightless setups.
Prawn imitations and slapstix styles are also mentioned as successful lures for catching flathead, although less information is available on specific techniques for these lures.
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Lure size: a minimum of 4 inches is recommended, though 2.5-inch lures can catch gigantic flathead
Lure size is an important factor when fishing for flathead. While flathead can be caught all year round, the beginning of spring is a great time to cast your lure in the water. The size of the lure you use will depend on the size of the flathead you are targeting. A minimum lure size of 4 inches is recommended, with some anglers opting for larger 5-6 inch lures when jigging in deep water. Larger lures can be paired with bulkier jig heads. However, it is worth noting that some anglers have reported catching gigantic flathead with lures as small as 2.5 inches.
When selecting a lure size, it is important to consider the behaviour and habitat of flathead. Flathead are known for their large mouths, so a wide range of hook sizes can be effective. However, it is crucial to use a robust hook that can penetrate the jaw and withstand the force of the fish's violent head shakes and jaw flexes. Flathead can be found in both shallow and deep water, so jig head weight should be adjusted accordingly. Lures with good hook exposure are recommended, especially when using larger plastics.
The shape and colour of the lure are also important considerations. Lures with tapered bodies and double-forked or curly tails can imitate the movement of wounded baitfish, attracting the attention of flathead. The colour of the lure should be selected based on water conditions; bright or dark colours are recommended for dirty water, while natural colours are more effective in clean, clear water.
It is worth noting that soft plastics have a higher bycatch rate than other lure types, so even if flathead are not biting, you may still attract other species. Additionally, soft plastics are a versatile and effective option for targeting flathead, and their simplicity makes them accessible to anglers of all skill levels.
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Lure weight: use heavier lures in deeper water and stronger currents
Flathead fishing is a popular sport along the east coast of Australia, where flathead are found in abundance. While soft plastics are a go-to lure for anglers, there are some tips and tricks to increase your chances of success.
Lure weight is an important consideration when fishing for flathead in deeper water or stronger currents. The weight of the jighead or lure head is crucial to ensuring your lure sinks to the desired depth and remains there, without being swept away by the current. Heavier lures are required in deeper water and stronger currents to keep your bait in the strike zone for longer. Flathead have large mouths, so a heavier lure will still be effective, but it is important to use the lightest weight possible to achieve natural presentation.
When fishing in deeper water, a bulkier jig head can be used, and a larger soft plastic lure, up to 5 or 6 inches, is recommended. The jig head weights should be increased to between 1/2 and 1 ounce, depending on the current. A heavier gauge hook is also recommended to avoid being bent open by larger fish.
For deeper water and higher current flow, a hook size of 1/0 to 3/0 is suitable. The hook exposure is important, so consider increasing the hook size to ensure it finds the jaw easily. A simple double flick of the lure, followed by a pause to let it sink, is an effective technique to entice a bite.
The weight of the lure head is an important consideration when fishing in deeper water or stronger currents, and it is crucial to use a heavy enough weight to keep your lure in the strike zone, without sacrificing natural presentation.
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Lure presentation: make it look as natural as possible, especially with larger flathead
When fishing for larger flathead, it's important to make your lure presentation as natural as possible. This means selecting the right colours, sizes, and shapes to mimic the prey of flathead and using techniques that make your lure appear alive and struggling.
Firstly, consider the colours of your lures. In clear water, opt for natural and dark colours, as these will be more visible to flathead. Bright colours, on the other hand, are ideal for dirty water as they help your lure stand out. Lures with colours like UV Croc Bait, Motor Oil, Pumpkin Seed, Red Pepper, Camo, Aged Copper, and Hyper Bubble Gum have proven effective for flathead fishing.
The size and shape of your lures are also important factors. Flathead have large mouths, so choose lures that are at least 4 inches in length to better attract their attention. Grubs, with their cylindrical bodies and flat or ribbon-like tails, are a popular choice as they mimic a wide variety of prey and their tails create an irresistible swimming action when moved through the water. Another option is the "fluke" style lure, which has a long, tapered body and a double-forked tail. These lures are designed to be jerked and flicked with the rod tip, imitating the erratic movement of wounded baitfish.
When presenting your lures, use techniques that make them appear alive. A simple double flick of the lure, followed by a pause to let it sink, can be very effective. Flathead are known to lay in shallow waters, so keep your jighead weights down and use slower sink rates to maximise your time in the strike zone. Additionally, use the lightest weight possible when fishing for larger flathead, as this will make your presentation appear more natural while still allowing you to reach the bottom.
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Frequently asked questions
Squidgies Prawn Paddle, Wriggler, Fish, and Bait Junkie are all proven flathead catchers.
Look for drop-offs, rocky bottoms mixed with sand or fallen timber, and plenty of bait holding in the area. Use heavier jig heads in deeper water and keep your plastic vertical to your rod tip. A simple raise or double flick will get their interest, then drop your lure back down to the bottom.
Dark or bright colours work well in dirty water, while natural colours are better for clean water. Gold Coast Flathead Classic winner Megan Savas recommends the colour Pumpkin Seed.
