queensland Flathead striking lures

[samsteele115]

I spotted many good flathead lies on the shallow sand flats on the pine today and even saw a small flathead waiting in ambush, so naturally I hopped my soft plastic past him to see what the strike would look like.

Interestingly (but not surprising i guess) he hit the lure head on when I retrieved the lure from directly in front of it and obviously it missed the hook.

It actually didnt move and buried itself again in the same spot, so I tried to catch him again but from a different angle.

I hopped the plastic past his face side on and the stupid thing had another crack at it, but this time sneaking up behind the plastic and smashing the whole lure, finding the hook.

So this has got me thinking... I have previously cast my lures out the back of the boat and let the tide help hop my plastic along the bottom (with a few flicks and hops done by me of course as well as a very slow wind) because this is what many YouTube videos and experts suggest is the best way to drift for flathead. Most flathead sit facing the current waiting for bait fish as most of us know so I guess it makes sense to bring the lure right in front of them.

But maybe I will increase my hookup rate if I cast out to the side a bit instead of straight up-current so I bring the lure across their faces. This should increase the hookup rate if what I saw today was anything to go by. Maybe I've lost lots of fish just because they have hit the lure front on and not found the hook or bitten me off on the exposed leader.

I also wonder what it would be like if you cast down current and wind the lure up behind them. I doubt they won't see it as well as bringing it across them, but you never know. It will definitely increase hookup rate when they do see it because they will strike from behind.

The things you learn fishing. Just thought I would share, but I know I'm definitely over thinking it!

Wish I got a video of it, it was extremely cool to watch.

Any thoughts and different techniques that you use when drifting for flathead?

Silly fish

[Kiwi_pete]

If they dont see the lure they should still feel the vibration/disturbance the lure or soft placcy creates as you work it along and still be able to have a go by that

[Gloomy Samurai]

Hi Sam

By no means an expert but this is what I have read and it sort of makes sense.

Fish invariably strike head on because it is easier to swallow the fish. Think about that, the dorsal fins fold back from the front. Now, I am not sure if that applies only to bigger pelagic fish, or is a general rule.

Second, watch your line for a tic or movement and strike on that. Otherwise, if you are waiting for the fish to hook itself (like bait) you will not get those fish that pick the lure up and spit it out again. Maybe that is the advantage of scents, it might make them hold on to it for a bit longer.

Hope that make sense.

Andrew

[samsteele115]

Hi Sam

By no means an expert but this is what I have read and it sort of makes sense.

Fish invariably strike head on because it is easier to swallow the fish. Think about that, the dorsal fins fold back from the front. Now, I am not sure if that applies only to bigger pelagic fish, or is a general rule.

Second, watch your line for a tic or movement and strike on that. Otherwise, if you are waiting for the fish to hook itself (like bait) you will not get those fish that pick the lure up and spit it out again. Maybe that is the advantage of scents, it might make them hold on to it for a bit longer.

Hope that make sense.

Andrew

Yeah makes sense. I knew they would have to swallow the fish either front on or behind but makes sense that they go head on. Very cool.

Yep I definitely do strike when I feel the bump but sometimes lose the fish after a few seconds due to the hooks not setting I'm guessing. That's fishing and I never stop learning which keeps me going back for more!