Species
Sand Flathead
Platycephalus bassensis
Also known as southern sand flathead · bay flathead · common flathead
Tier 1Eating9/10light tackleNSWVICSATAS
1 waypoint25–40 cm (max 50 cm) typicalLast catch 2 mo ago
Regulations
VIC27 cm min · bag 5TAS32 cm min · bag 20
| State | Size | Bag |
|---|---|---|
| VIC | 27 cm min | 5 |
in Port Phillip Bay and Western Port | ||
| TAS | 32 cm min | 20 |
Regulations change. Always verify with the relevant state fisheries authority before fishing.
Overview: about sand flathead
Bread-and-butter southern flathead of VIC, TAS and SA bays — the cornerstone of Port Phillip Bay rec catches. Drifted with paternoster rigs and pilchard or squid strip over sand bottoms in 5-30 m. Smaller than dusky but abundant; tight bag and slot rules apply in some states.
Biology: Sand Flathead size, diet & habitat
- Habitat
- Bay, Inshore
- Typical size
- 25–40 cm (max 50 cm)
- Weight
- 0.3–1.2 kg
- Depth range
- 2–60 m
- Diet
- small fish, crustaceans, squid
- Most active
- diurnal
- Global range
- Southern Australia
How to target: Sand Flathead angling strategies
Generally fished with light tackle — match gear to the conditions and the size of fish you expect.
- paternoster rigs with pilchard or squid drifted over sand
- soft plastics on 1/4 oz jigheads
- berley trail on the drift
Best season: when to catch sand flathead in Australia
- VIC
- Oct-May
- TAS
- Dec-Apr
Seasons shift with water temperature and local conditions, so check recent reports before a trip.
Safety & handling
In the same waters
- venomous spines
Recent community catches: anglers who caught sand flathead
Where to catch: sand flathead fishing spots in Australia
Queensland1
More information: sand flathead references & sources
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