Dusky flathead are highly sought-after fish in Australia, particularly their larger specimens found in coastal waterways, estuaries, and even offshore. These impressive creatures, often referred to as "crocs" due to their prehistoric appearance, have become a symbol of fishing prowess. While smaller flathead are reliable and delicious, it is the captures, stories, and photos of monster-sized flathead that are truly revered.
In recent years, my passion for chasing flathead has been reignited. I became intrigued by the "big bait" craze and decided to try my luck with larger lures. To my delight, I discovered that big glidebaits, swimbaits, XL soft plastic paddle tails, and surface lures are all effective at enticing crocs to strike in the shallows.
Traditionally, spring and summer have been considered the best seasons for targeting flathead in shallow water. These months coincide with increased water temperature and the heightened activity of prawn, whiting, and garfish—flattie favorites. However, I have come to realize that big flathead can be found in shallow water throughout the year. In fact, April and May are prime months for targeting crocs in the lower estuary, as they gather around spawning sea mullet schools. These giants, nudging a meter in length, are clearly after a substantial meal. Warmer, windless days are preferable during the winter months.
Knowing the flats where big flathead tend to lie is essential for success. In my local area on the Mid North Coast of NSW, I concentrated my efforts on familiar flats that were known for hosting big crocs. Gradually, I expanded my search to new areas. If you're unsure where to start, a decent low tide provides an opportunity to survey exposed sand and mud flats. Look for the telltale flathead "lie"—a spearhead-shaped depression left by a recently resting flathead. These fish often return to the same spot, tide after tide, day after day. Presenting a big lure to them completes the puzzle.
If you're having trouble locating consistent clusters of big flathead lies, explore the edges of sand flats where they meet mangrove edges, weed beds, isolated mud patches, or, my personal favourite, oyster piles. Oyster piles can form naturally or grow on old oyster racks and other structures on tidal flats. During high tide, these areas teem with mullet, bream, luderick, and whiting, and the crocs lie nearby, patiently waiting for an easy meal. In my local waterway, the largest crocs have all come from flats with oyster piles or old oyster-encrusted structures.
When fishing these spots, aim to target them during the last of the incoming tide, the slack, and the first hour or so of the outgoing tide. This provides a few hours to thoroughly cover water that is about two feet deep, which is optimal. In narrower river systems, the fishing "window" may be shorter.
Stealth is crucial when approaching flathead in shallow water or on flats, regardless of whether you're in a boat, kayak, or wading. Minimize noise and rely as little as possible on electric motors for boat movement. Plan your drift to maximize coverage of the flat while ensuring your lure reaches the area before you or the boat approach. Long, carefully considered casts are necessary, but keep in mind that thorough coverage takes time. Work your way upstream with the incoming tide, maximizing your fishing time.
Choosing the right lures and presentation techniques is key when targeting crocs. Flathead respond to a wide variety of lures, but big lures are particularly effective for trophy-size specimens. These fish are built to devour larger prey. Based on personal experience, my top four lure types for targeting big flathead in the shallows are unweighted soft plastics, jerkbaits, glidebaits, and topwater lures.
If you're having trouble locating consistent clusters of big flathead lies, explore the edges of sand flats where they meet mangrove edges, weed beds, isolated mud patches, or, my personal favourite, oyster piles. Oyster piles can form naturally or grow on old oyster racks and other structures on tidal flats. During high tide, these areas teem with mullet, bream, luderick, and whiting, and the crocs lie nearby, patiently waiting for an easy meal. In my local waterway, the largest crocs have all come from flats with oyster piles or old oyster-encrusted structures.
When fishing these spots, aim to target them during the last of the incoming tide, the slack, and the first hour or so of the outgoing tide. This provides a few hours to thoroughly cover water that is about two feet deep, which is optimal. In narrower river systems, the fishing "window" may be shorter.
Stealth is crucial when approaching flathead in shallow water or on flats, regardless of whether you're in a boat, kayak, or wading. Minimize noise and rely as little as possible on electric motors for boat movement. Plan your drift to maximize coverage of the flat while ensuring your lure reaches the area before you or the boat approach. Long, carefully considered casts are necessary, but keep in mind that thorough coverage takes time. Work your way upstream with the incoming tide, maximizing your fishing time.
Choosing the right lures and presentation techniques is key when targeting crocs. Flathead respond to a wide variety of lures, but big lures are particularly effective for trophy-size specimens. These fish are built to devour larger prey. Based on personal experience, my top four lure types for targeting big flathead in the shallows are unweighted soft plastics, jerkbaits, glidebaits, and topwater lures
Unweighted soft plastics, such as the Squidgies Fish 150, rigged with a custom-made single-strand wire harness and equipped with two free-hanging trebles, are highly successful. A slow, steady retrieve or occasional twitch can entice a big flathead to strike. Jerkbaits, especially ultra-realistic suspending hard body lures, are also effective. Employ a series of twitches with extended pauses during the retrieve. Glidebaits, with their subtle side-to-side "S" action, require little rod work and are best retrieved with a slow wind. Their realistic appearance and action trigger bites when crocs are less active. Topwater lures, ranging from 80-150mm, can be effective in shallow water, mimicking a struggling baitfish or prawn with a slow, twitching retrieve.
If you suspect you've spooked flathead or your lure has passed over them without success, try switching to a different lure or vary the retrieve to entice a bite.
When it comes to tackle, an 80cm+ croc's bite in shallow water is aggressive and swift. Reacting quickly with a firm initial strike is crucial to ensure a hookup. During the fight, a relatively light drag setting is recommended. I prefer using a fast-action rod, at least 2m in length, capable of casting weighty lures. The 2020 Zodias 175HA paired with a Chronarch G 150 baitcaster and the Dialuna 706M matched with a Sustain FJ 3000HG are my preferred combos. I opt for 15lb PowerPro braid and 20lb Ocea fluorocarbon leader, occasionally stepping up to 30lb Ocea fluoro when fishing around oyster piles. In certain situations, buoyant 20lb Tiagra nylon monofilament leader can be useful for slowing the sink rate of lures or fishing topwater.
Contrary to some beliefs, big flathead put up a decent fight in the shallows. These fish often thrash on the surface and occasionally leap out of the water upon hookup. Some of the larger specimens can take off across the flats, showcasing their power and agility.
Targeting big flathead in the shallows with larger lures may not be groundbreaking, but it offers an unexpectedly thrilling experience for those who haven't tried it. This horizontal, visually engaging technique provides a unique perspective on the power and aggression of trophy-size flathead, offering a stark contrast to traditional vertical fishing methods.