In the warmer months November – March they found a near the mouths of estuaries and along gutters of adjacent beaches. During the cooler months they can be found further up the estuary on shallow sandbanks (sunbaking) or near weed beds and channels and where bait fish congregate.

Dusky flathead are ambush feeders and an efficient burrower, lying beneath sand and silt with only the upper part of the flattened head, eyes, and mouth visible. From this position they await the approach of smaller prey-fish.

Colours vary from sandy with brown spots and blotches to dark brown/black with white spots. They have a distinctive black spot on their tail or caudal fins. The preopercular spines near the gills each side of the head are very sharp and should be avoided when handling the fish as they can inflict very nasty and painful wounds.

They readily take soft plastics by hopping the jigs across the bottom, lures and a variety of baits. Excellent escape artists, they have a knack of thrashing their heads and either sawing through nylon line or spitting the hooks.

Care should be taken in handling large fish especially if the intention is to release the fish back into the water. Using a wet towel, gently handle the fish, always supporting the weight of a large flathead. The fish should never be ‘hung’ by the mouth for photos as the fish normally sits flat, the weight of the stomach dropping can injure the fish.

Growing up to 1.5m in length and an incredible 15kgs in weight they are commonly caught over 80cm in length in the area.

Heavy fishing pressure and more effective techniques, suggests a catch and release approach from anglers is essential to conserve dusky flathead stocks.

The legal lengh for Dusky Flathead in NSW is 36cm and only 1 over 70cm, most fishermen generally release dusky flathead over 60cm as they are important large breeding females.

Large Duskies look great in photo's and even better swimming away, don't forget your camera!