It’s always been a goal of mine to catch a proper big Flathead. One the size that you see in the magazines – a true crocodile of the estuary. It’s taken me the best part of 20 years fishing, but finally I achieved that goal. Here’s how.
Location
I arrived at the Northern Rivers region of NSW as part of a road trip where I headed south with my new blue Isuzu D-MAX.
Experience
My friend Patrick Linehan runs Castaway Estuary Fishing Charters, based near Port Macquarie and it’s fair to say he has fishing for giant Flathead wired.
Technique
This time we were trying a relatively new method: casting massive lures in super shallow water. The big Flathead lay up in the shallow sandflats during the day and will happily eat a big lure. We were casting from Patrick’s well-set-up sportfishing boat, a Bar Crusher 535XS.
Patrick caught the first big one. And what a fish – 97.5cm. The thing was a true giant, and we were so happy to have filmed it for an episode of the show. I’d be doubtful there’s ever been a bigger Flathead broadcast on Aussie TV.
Luck & Perseverance
The next day I really wanted a fish, and was determined to make it happen. After more than 500 casts, finally got my chance on a brand new Zerek Affinity 160 lure. The fish hit hard and gave a good fight, but it wasn’t until we saw it that I knew I had my flattie of a lifetime - a huge 98cm! I’m happy to never catch another Flathead again – because I doubt I’ll ever top that.
See the highlights of Hook, Line and Sinker's latest season below, which can be streamed or watched on 7mate and 7plus.
