WikiCatch

Bar-tailed flathead

Platycephalus endrachtensis

Family
Platycephalidae
Max Length
45 cm
Max Weight
5 kg
IUCN Status
NE
Water Type
saltwater
Fishing Spots
2

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 Plastic

    Work slowly along the bottom.

    Buy
  • Halco Twisty 40gSpoon

    Retrieve quickly or jig vertically.

    Buy
  • Daiwa Silver Wolf Chiinu 7gJig

    Hop slowly along the bottom near structure.

    Buy
  • ZMan Slim SwimZ 4 inchSoft Plastic

    Effective on a jig head.

    Buy
  • Rapala X-Rap 10Minnow

    Erratic retrieve works well.

    Buy

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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