Overview
Tiger flathead live on the open sand and gravel bottom well offshore, unlike the estuary-dwelling dusky.
They are the classic 'something for the table' fish along the NSW and Victorian coasts, caught by drifting bait across open ground.
They school loosely, so once you find a productive drift line it pays to repeat it.
Where to find them
- ▸Open sand and gravel bottom in 30–80 m.
- ▸Edges where sand meets low reef.
- ▸Drop-offs and gentle contour changes offshore.
- ▸Deeper water off Bermagui, Eden and Lakes Entrance.
Tackle
- ▸Rod: 6 kg boat rod with a sensitive tip.
- ▸Reel: 4000 spin or small overhead.
- ▸Line: 20 lb braid.
- ▸Terminal: paternoster with two 4/0 hooks and enough lead to hold bottom.
Tips from the water
- ▸Squid strips and pilchard fillet are the standard baits.
- ▸Repeat a drift that produces rather than searching randomly.
- ▸Handle carefully — the head spines are venomous.
Regulations
Size and bag limits apply in NSW, VIC and TAS.