Species
Dusky Flathead
Platycephalus fuscus
Also known as black flathead · estuary flathead · lizard
Tier 1Eating9/10light tackleNSWVICQLD
0 waypoints~40–70 cm typical
Sign in
Community
Recently caught
Be the first.
No dusky flathead catches logged yet — log one and you'll be recognised here.
Where to catch
Range & spots
No mapped spots for this species yet.
This species is in the catalog but not yet linked to any mapped waypoint.
Overview: about dusky flathead
Iconic east-coast estuary ambush predator from southern QLD to eastern VIC and the biggest of the flatheads — fish over a metre are realistic targets. Soft plastics and shallow hardbodies worked over weed edges, drop-offs and sand flats produce best. Slot limits apply in NSW and QLD to protect big breeders.
Biology: Dusky Flathead size, diet & habitat
- Habitat
- Estuary, Flats, Inshore
- Typical size
- 40–70 cm (max 130 cm)
- Weight
- 0.6–4 kg
- Depth range
- 0–25 m
- Diet
- small fish, prawns, squid
- Most active
- diurnal
- Global range
- Western Pacific (eastern Australia)
How to target: Dusky Flathead angling strategies
Generally fished with light tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.
- soft plastics on 1/4-3/8 oz jigheads worked along drop-offs
- shallow diving hardbodies trolled over flats
- live mullet or poddy mullet under floats
Best season: when to catch dusky flathead in Australia
- NSW
- Oct-Apr
- QLD
- Sep-May
Seasons shift with water temperature and local conditions, so check recent reports before a trip.
Where to catch: dusky flathead fishing spots in Australia
No mapped spots or marks for dusky flathead yet. As waypoints are added that list this species, they'll appear here.