Flathead
Estuary / RiverAmbush predators that lie on sandy and muddy bottoms in estuaries and near-shore waters. Target with soft plastics or bait bounced along the bottom. Found in the Swan River and sheltered bays.
Flathead are one of Perth's most accessible estuary species — found on sandy and muddy bottoms throughout the Swan River and sheltered bays. They're ambush predators that lie half-buried in the substrate waiting to pounce on passing prey. Soft plastic fishing for flathead is one of the most effective and enjoyable ways to fish Perth's estuaries.
Whitebait, prawns, small mullet, squid strips
Soft plastics (paddle-tail 3–4 inch, Gulp shrimp), metal blades, vibes
For bait, a running sinker rig with a size 2/0 hook and enough weight to hold bottom. For lures, a 1/4–3/8oz jig head matched to a 3–4 inch paddle-tail soft plastic. Use 6–10lb fluorocarbon leader.
Cast soft plastics or bait across sandy flats and work them slowly along the bottom with a hop-and-drop retrieve. The key is keeping contact with the bottom — flathead won't chase far from their ambush position. Cover plenty of ground, fan-casting to locate fish. The hit is usually a sharp thump followed by a head-shake.
Active throughout the day, with a slight edge at dawn and dusk. Tide changes that flush baitfish across the flats are ideal. Work the edges of channels and drop-offs where flathead sit waiting for food to wash past.
Up to 5kg, commonly 500g–1.5kg
Year-round
Excellent eating when fresh — firm, white, boneless flesh. One of the best fish for fish and chips. Pan-fry, crumb, or batter.
Bag limit: 8. Minimum size: 30cm. Always check current DPIRD rules — regulations may change.
The Swan River from Fremantle to the Narrows, Mangles Bay, and the Peel-Harvey are top flathead spots. Watch for sharp gill spines when handling — use a lip grip. Flathead often lie on the edges of sand and weed, so work your lure along these transitions.