Flathead Fishing in Melbourne & Victoria: Where to Catch, Tackle & Tips

Introduction

Flathead belong to the family Platycephalidae and are characterized by their flattened head and body, which allows them to camouflage effectively on the sea floor. They have large mouths with sharp teeth, and their eyes are positioned on top of their head, giving them excellent vision for ambushing prey. Flathead can vary in color, often matching the substrate they inhabit, ranging from sandy browns to greenish hues with mottled patterns.

These fish are typically found in coastal waters, estuaries, and bays throughout Victoria. They prefer sandy or muddy bottoms where they can partially bury themselves, lying in wait for passing prey. Flathead are opportunistic feeders, preying on smaller fish, crustaceans, and squid.

Flathead are known for their aggressive feeding behavior, making them popular targets for recreational anglers. They can be caught year-round, but fishing is often most productive during the warmer months when they are more active. Flathead respond well to both bait and lure fishing techniques, making them accessible to anglers of all skill levels.

When fishing for flathead, it’s important to focus on areas with a sandy or muddy bottom, such as channels, drop-offs, and areas around structure like weed beds or rocky outcrops. These fish are often found in relatively shallow water, making them accessible to both boat and shore-based anglers.

What restrictions are in place for Flathead fishing in Melbourne?

When fishing for flathead in Victoria, anglers must adhere to the following rules: The minimum legal size for flathead is 27cm, measured from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail. There is a combined bag limit of 20 flathead per person per day, which includes one or more species of flathead, excluding dusky flathead. Always check for updates to regulations and any local restrictions that may apply to specific water bodies or regions.

How to catch Flathead

To catch flathead in Victoria, try fishing in areas with sandy or muddy bottoms, such as estuaries, bays, and coastal waters. Use light to medium tackle with 4-6kg line. When bait fishing, use a running sinker rig with a small sinker and present the bait on or near the bottom. For lure fishing, soft plastics, small hard-bodied lures, and metal blades work well. Retrieve lures slowly along the bottom, mimicking the movement of small fish or prawns. Fish during incoming tides or around dawn and dusk for best results.

What should you fish with for Flathead?

When it comes to fishing for Flathead, your choice of bait or lure can greatly impact your success. Based on the preferred fishing methods for this species, you can find success with nearly anything when fishing for Flathead, as both baits and lures are equally effective.

For the best chances of success, try using Pilchards as bait or fishing with a Soft Plastics. Remember to always check local regulations and adjust your fishing strategy based on the specific conditions and seasons in your fishing area.

The Top 6 Baits to Use for Flathead

For those who prefer bait fishing, here are the top 6 options that have consistently produced results for Flathead:

• Pilchards
• Squid
• Whitebait
• Prawns
• Minnows
• Small Fish

The Top 6 Lures to Use for Flathead

For artificial lure enthusiasts, here are the 6 most effective options that have been proven to work wonders for Flathead:

• Soft Plastics
• Hard Bodied Lures
• Blades
• Vibes
• Minnow Lures
• Metal Blades

Where to catch Flathead in Melbourne

Anglers in Melbourne and Victoria have numerous opportunities to catch Flathead. We've identified a select few locations that have proven to be especially productive for catching Flathead. These spots are known for their consistent yields and favorable conditions.

Below, we've highlighted some of the best places to cast your line for Flathead. Each location offers its own unique features and challenges, so be sure to research the specific conditions and best practices for each spot before your visit.

Other places to catch Flathead

While Flathead are not the main target at these locations, they can still be caught here. If you're looking for more of a challenge or want to try your luck in different settings, these spots might be worth exploring. Keep in mind that fishing for Flathead in these areas may require different techniques or patience, as they're not as abundant as in the primary locations. However, this can add an exciting element of surprise to your fishing experience.

Additional Secondary Locations

For the sake of brevity, we can't provide detailed descriptions for every location where Flathead might be found. However, to give you a comprehensive overview, here's a list of additional spots where anglers have reported catching Flathead, even though they may not be the primary target species in these areas:

• Mordialloc Pier
• Powlett River
• Queenscliff Pier
• Tarwin River estuary
• Yambuk Lake

FAQs about Flathead fishing in Melbourne