Bar-tailed flathead
Platycephalus endrachtensis
Overview
Platycephalus endrachtensis, or the bar-tailed flathead, bar-tail flathead, flag-tail flathead, northern sand flathead, northern-flag tailed flathead, sand flathead, western estuary flathead, is a predatory fish in the family Platycephalidae. It is found from the eastern Indian Ocean to the western Pacific, including in Australian and Indonesian waters up to 60 m (200 ft) deep over sand, at temperatures between 17 and 18 °C. The maximum length of the species is 62 cm (24 in), and its weight up to 5 kg (11 lb). A popular angling species, the specific epithet endrachtensis refers to Eendrachtsland, an early Dutch name for Australia, with the suffix -ensis, meaning "place". Venomous spines are hazardous for safe handling.
Best Baits & Lures
Live Baits
- Prawns
Excellent all-round bait, use fresh or live.
- Whitebait
Effective when flathead are actively feeding.
- Pilchards
Good for scent, use whole or cut into chunks.
- Squid
Tough and stays on the hook well.
- Bloodworms
Highly attractive to flathead
Artificial Lures
- Squidgy Fish Wriggler 100mmSoft PlasticBuy
Work slowly along the bottom.
- Halco Twisty 40gSpoonBuy
Retrieve quickly or jig vertically.
- Daiwa Silver Wolf Chiinu 7gJigBuy
Hop slowly along the bottom near structure.
- ZMan Slim SwimZ 4 inchSoft PlasticBuy
Effective on a jig head.
- Rapala X-Rap 10MinnowBuy
Erratic retrieve works well.
Techniques
Target sandy or muddy bottoms near channels and drop-offs, and use a slow, deliberate retrieve to entice strikes.
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Where to Find Bar-tailed flathead
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best bait for Bar-tailed flathead?+
Popular baits for Bar-tailed flathead include Prawns, Whitebait, Pilchards, Squid, Bloodworms. Tip: Target sandy or muddy bottoms near channels and drop-offs, and use a slow, deliberate retrieve to entice strikes.
Where can I catch Bar-tailed flathead?+
Bar-tailed flathead can be found in many locations worldwide. Top regions include Tasmania, Australia. WikiCatch lists 2 fishing spots where this species is found.
How big do Bar-tailed flathead get?+
Bar-tailed flathead (Platycephalus endrachtensis) can reach up to 44.9999988 cm in length and 5 kg in weight. Their IUCN conservation status is NE.
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