A Practical Guide to Lures That Tempt Flathead
Flathead are ambush predators that lay on the bottom, waiting for a meal to swim past. Your lure selection and technique must be focused on presenting an easy target in their direct line of sight. While there are many species of flathead around Australia, this guide focuses on the most commonly targeted on lures: the mighty Dusky Flathead.
A Note From Our Local Experts
"There's nothing better than the solid 'thump' of a big flathead inhaling a lure. We've spent our lives chasing them in local systems from Lake Illawarra to the Shoalhaven River, and the tactics haven't changed much since the days Starlo and Bushy filmed their first Squidgy Secrets series in Mallacoota. It's all about getting the lure to the bottom and working it effectively. We build our range for sale around the lure profiles and brands that we know consistently produce results, based on our own on-water testing and what we see working for top anglers across social media."
- The Team at Fishing Tackle Shop (Ocean Storm)
The Most Effective Flathead Lure Types
- Soft Plastics: This is the undisputed champion for flathead fishing. Paddle-tail plastics in the 3-5 inch range create a vibration and a realistic swimming motion that is highly effective. Curl-tail grubs and prawn imitations are also excellent choices for a more subtle presentation.
- Vibes & Blades: For fishing deeper water (5m+) or areas with high current, the strong vibration and fast sink rate of a vibe or blade is unmatched. They allow you to cover ground quickly and get a reaction bite from fish holding deep.
- Diving Hardbodies: An excellent choice for both casting and trolling. When casting, smaller shallow-diving models are perfect for working over weed beds and sand flats. To cover large areas, trolling deep-diving hardbody lures along the edges of channels and drop-offs is a highly effective way to locate big, resident flathead.
Shop by Lure Type
Find exactly what you need by browsing our main Flathead lure categories:
Top Flathead Lure Brands We Stock
We stock a diverse range of lures from some of the most reputable and effective brands for targeting Australian Flathead, including Berkley, Daiwa, Nomad Design, Halco, Rapala, and Squidgies.
Pro-Tips: Getting the Most From Your Flathead Lures
- Jighead Weight is Everything: The single most critical factor for success with soft plastics is choosing the right jighead weight. You must use a weight heavy enough to ensure your lure "puffs" the sand on the bottom with each hop. If you aren't feeling the bottom, you aren't in the strike zone.
- The "Hop and Drop" Retrieve: This is the classic, most effective retrieve. Cast out, let your lure sink to the bottom, then give it two sharp hops with the rod tip before letting it sink back down on a semi-slack line. Most strikes will come as the lure is falling.
- Fish the Run-Out Tide: Flathead position themselves facing into the current, waiting for bait to be washed off shallow banks. Focus your efforts on the edges of drains, channels, and drop-offs during a run-out tide for the most productive fishing.
Why Buy from Fishing Tackle Shop (Ocean Storm)?
With a business history dating back to 2001 and our online store operating since 2005, our expertise is built on a deep passion for Australian sportfishing. We meticulously select our range of Flathead lures based on what we know works. We focus on lures with proven fish-catching actions, durable hardware, and the right profiles to trigger an aggressive strike from these iconic ambush predators.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best all-round lure for flathead?
A 3 to 4-inch paddle-tail or fork tail soft plastic in a natural baitfish or motor oil colour is the most effective and versatile flathead lure in Australia. Paired with a 1/4oz jighead, it can be used effectively in the vast majority of estuary and inshore situations to consistently catch flathead.
What size lure should I use for metre-plus "croc" flathead?
To specifically target trophy-sized flathead over 80cm, use larger lures. Soft plastics in the 6 to 8-inch range or large glidebaits are proven big-fish specialists. A bigger profile presents a more substantial meal that entices the largest, most cautious flathead to strike.
What colour soft plastic is best for flathead?
While many colours work, a reliable starting point is a natural, baitfish pattern for clear water and a brighter colour like pink or chartreuse for dirty water. Don't overlook solid black or motor oil, as their strong silhouette can be highly effective in all water conditions.
How heavy should my jighead be for flathead?
Your jighead must be heavy enough to keep your lure on the bottom. For most estuary depths of 2-5 metres, a 1/4oz or 3/8oz jighead is ideal. In deeper water or faster currents, you may need to increase the weight to 1/2oz or even 3/4oz to stay in the strike zone.
Do I need to use a wire trace for flathead?
No, a wire trace is not necessary and will reduce the number of bites you get. A heavy monofilament or fluorocarbon leader of 12-20lb is sufficient. While their teeth are sharp, a bite-off is rare if you check your leader for scuffs after each fish.
