Flathead help

[tugger]

What size leader do punters normally use to target flathead these days as i dont normally target these fish and want to be ready for the flathead social, do you use flurocarbon leader breaking strain etc

[PlasticFantastic]

12Lb leader is normally enough, doesn't really matter if it fluro or not as the Flatchaps aren't overly fussy.

Cheers

Mark

[crazywalrus]

I use both Fluro and Mono Mark - 10lb will be heavy enough. Would not go to much lighter unless you are willing to play them for a while.

[ellicat]

40lb steel trace (coated). Never fail.

[Greenmachine]

+1 with Ted

[livaio]

i usually go 16lbs but i reckon 10-12 is good unless u get something real big.

[marty]

Early in the season (like now) or if the bite is slow I will use an 8lb leader (prefer coated fluorocarbon but that is personal choice). When the season proper kicks off and/or I am chasing bigger fish, I will go to 14lb leader.

If you are worried about bite-offs with the 8lb, you can run a short length (50mm) of 14lb at the jig/lure to avoid the leader wearing as much. Considered the best of both worlds, but you have to know you can tie good knots!

Marty

[neal82]

usually braid and plastics Mark, can't go wrong!

[Surfingant]

4lb flouro is the go can't guarantee you'll land too many over 60 though

8-12lb flouro is more than enough for those a little less adventurous

[Milan]

Will you be hitting them with plastics ? :dry: :woohoo:

[Often Debaited]

2 to 4lb main line (braid) and a 6lb leader (flouro) always makes for a lot of fun but if you want to play serious then i would go 15 - 20lb leader ... but thats just me.

[Bri The Pom]

I think that in six months we will look back to this post and say this it where it started. Im sure many people have had a double look at the flattie post by Tugger and can't believe it.

Don't tell him too much, because he will take it all in and clean the floor with us.

Mark my words, you have been warned he is now using flathead as live bait. :evil:

[Often Debaited]

hehehehe i doubt he would catch much with a flathead....and if he is pullin the piss..... yeah well!

[tugger]

Thanks fellas i forgot to mention i'll be drifting with baits

[Gad]

Thanks fellas i forgot to mention i'll be drifting with baits

way to go tugger, and you don`t need to go out and buy any silly string either :cheer:

[tugger]

Yes mono and bait the best combination you can get and i'm yet to be proven wrong

[max pwr]

hehehehe i doubt he would catch much with a flathead....and if he is pullin the piss..... yeah well!

I've used flathead both live and filleted for sharks in the Coomera and they love them!Many times I've had mullet and flattie baits out side by side and the flathead last usually less than a half hour and a mullet can swim around untouched all day.

[tugger]

Found some 15 pound fluro in my mess i call a garage so that'll do me thanks for all the help

[kreel]

Will you be hitting them with plastics ? :dry: :woohoo:

Wash your mouth out!

[ironmike]

fluro, from 10lb upto 20lb when chasing the bigger models....ill use heavier fluro for when fishing baits in a stronger current as i think it presents the bait better - im assuming you dont like plastics from your posts tugger

[OneLastCast]

Howdy,

I use 4lb braid mainline with 6lb flurocarbon and have caught many upto 65cm without a bust off yet (touch wood)

Not sure if i would like to tackle anything too much bigger on that gear but time may tell

[bootyinblue]

For the flathead social, because of where its held and as they are such finnicky eaters I suggest no more than a 2lb mono leader. It's just there for a bit of wear resistance really.

Nah I normally use 8 to 12lb flourocarbon leader, pretty much whatever spool I grab first.

[Hein]

I chase flatties regularly and have had plenty of success catching them from 40cm models to 85cm using 4 pound braid (which usually has a breaking strain of 20pound) and 10 flourocarbon leader .

I've personally had PLENTY of success. The lighter you go in your leader, the more fish you're gonna catch!!!

[Bri The Pom]

One of the biggest problems with big flatties is setting the hook and having a suitable rod to do that.They spit the hook so easy.

I like to drift and fish/jig vertically but,which when the current is moving that means using jig heads of 1 1/2 oz plus a couple of small sinkers.So this weight bouncing over gravel and rocks means a leader up to 30lb. A jig head that size also gives you a larger guage hook.

My line is always vertical and i adjust the weight to suit this.

The abrasion against the mouth/teeth is'nt a problem with 20lb plus leader.

My 2 cents worth, good luck Tugger,Im sure you won't need it.

[DaBawss]

Sits back and takes notes cheers everyone

[Runty66]

2lb is plenty for thoses big girls

[Baptism]

2lb main, 4lb leader haha.

although flatties arent too picky its more fun on a light line

[Stevodevo]

Use 6kg mono and you'll be fine + leaders up to 14lbs and gang hook pilly's,with what ever sinker works with that depth that always works for me with bait and drifting

[DeckHead]

Who needs plastics? Ive never been able to catch flatty on them. All i use is an alvey with 9kg line same for leader and prawns or yabs. Always works for me Caught a 62cm Dusky today with a large prawn.

[Fearlessboagan]

4lb flouro is the go can't guarantee you'll land too many over 60 though

8-12lb flouro is more than enough for those a little less adventurous

Flatties are boring as hell unless using 2lb main with a 4lb flouro leader