THE dusky flathead has always been a popular species in Australia. Flatties are very accessible, tasty and are considered an “everybody” fish, which is perhaps why captures, stories and photos of monster-size fish are so revered.
At full maturity, flatties are impressive creatures. Featuring a prehistoric looking head, big jaws, tough, leathery skin and impressive markings; it is not surprising big flatties were coined “crocs”. Studying how big flathead sunbake, ambush and attack their prey adds further merit to the all-encompassing moniker, “croc”.
Like many anglers, I cut my teeth with lures while chasing flatties as a kid. Early on, I concentrated my effort fishing the plentiful channels and holes of the Hastings River. I caught stacks of flatties on DOAs, Mister Twisters and Mann’s Stretch divers. While I caught…
