Chasing flathead is a ripper way to spend a day on the water, and I’ll admit, I’m pretty hooked on it myself. Whether you’re a beginner or have been slinging lures for years, picking the right lure can make all the difference. Forget the fancy gear for a sec; sometimes it’s the simple, proven options that really get the job done. We’ve put together a list of some of the best hard body lures for flathead that have consistently put fish in the boat for plenty of anglers. If you’re looking to catch more flathead, these are definitely worth a look.
Key Takeaways
The Jackson Artist FR70 is a standout lure for flathead, especially in IKA and WDS colours.
Soft plastics like ZMan MinnowZ and Bone Baits are effective for their versatility and ability to attract other species.
Vibrating blades like the TT Lures Switchblade are great for finding flathead, particularly in dirty water.
Prawn-profiled soft baits such as Gulp! Shrimp and Zerek Live Shrimp are excellent for mimicking natural prey
.Using scent on your lures can significantly improve your catch rate by masking unnatural smells and attracting fish.
1. ZMan 3″ MinnowZ
Right then, let’s talk about the ZMan 3″ MinnowZ. This little ripper is a bit of a legend in the soft plastics game, especially when it comes to chasing flathead. It’s not just for flathead though; bream, grunter, trevally, even mangrove jack and barra will have a crack at these. What makes them so good? Well, it’s that super-soft, flexible ElaZtech material ZMan uses. It means the tail has heaps of action, even when you’re just slowly rolling it along the bottom or giving it a little hop.
I reckon the real magic happens when you’re fishing the flats, especially those sandy patches mixed in with a bit of weed. A slow roll just above the bottom, or a classic double hop and pause retrieve, seems to do the trick most of the time. You can really feel what the lure is doing, which is half the battle, isn’t it?
When it comes to rigging these bad boys, I usually go for a TT Lures HeadlockZ jighead. A 3/0 size is generally my go-to. If I’m fishing in clearer, open water, I might use a Finesse version, but if I need a bit more stopping power, especially around structure, the HD version is the way to go. Painted jigheads can be a lifesaver when the fishing gets tough, giving the lure a bit more flash and realism.
As for colours, it really depends on the conditions, but I’ve got a few favourites. For lighter, natural conditions, I lean towards Opening Night, Green Lantern, or Pinfish. When it’s darker or I want a silhouette, Gold Rush, Motor Oil, or Midnight Oil are solid choices. And if you want to add a bit of fluoro punch, Electric Chicken or Sexy Mullet can work wonders.
The beauty of the MinnowZ is its versatility. You can rig it weedless if you’re fishing through heavier structure, or on a standard jighead for open water. Just remember to keep it moving, even if it’s just a slow twitch, to get that tail working.
2. TT Lures Switchblade
The TT Lures Switchblade is a metal vibration blade lure that’s a ripper for flathead. When you’re retrieving it, this thing vibrates like crazy, making it super easy for the fish to find, especially if the water’s a bit murky. On a high tide, you can just roll it over the tops of weed beds or across sand where the flathead are hunting. When the tide’s lower, you can work it along the edges or hop it down drop-offs, much like you would a soft plastic, or even jig it vertically around any structure you find.
Rigging and Weights
1/4oz: Good for rolling in the shallows and fishing the edges.
3/8oz: Ideal for fishing channel edges and drop-offs.
1/2oz: Best for targeting deeper structure in rivers and estuaries.
There’s a pretty decent range of colours available, so you should be able to find a Switchblade colour that matches up with your favourite soft plastic colours. It’s a lure that really gets noticed by the fish.
This vibrating metal lure, measuring 56mm and featuring a black/treuse color, is designed to effectively imitate baitfish, prawns, or mussels. It is highly effective for catching estuary and inshore species and comes rigged with sharp Owner hooks.
It’s a solid choice when you want something a bit different from your usual plastics, and it can really turn a slow day around. Give the TT Lures Switchblade a burl, you might be surprised how well it works.
3. Jackson Artist FR70
The Jackson Artist FR70 is a cracking little lure for flathead, especially if you’re fishing in estuaries or shallower coastal waters. It’s a sinking minnow, which means it gets down to where the flathead are holding pretty quickly. The action on this lure is subtle but effective, and it doesn’t require a heap of rod work to get it swimming. I’ve found the IKA and WDS colours to be particularly good for attracting bites.
When you’re rigging these up, you want to make sure you’re using a decent quality leader. Something around 15-20lb fluorocarbon should do the trick. You can cast these out and do a bit of a slow roll, or try a few short, sharp twitches. It really depends on what the fish are feeling like on the day.
Here’s a quick rundown of how I like to fish them:
Retrieve: Start with a slow, steady wind. If that’s not working, try adding a couple of short twitches with the rod tip.
Depth: These are great for working the shallows and mid-depths. If you need to get deeper, you might need to add a little bit of weight or use a slightly heavier jighead if you’re not using it as a straight retrieve lure.
Structure: Focus on areas with structure like oyster racks, weed beds, or drop-offs. Flathead love to ambush prey from these spots.
It’s a lure that’s pretty forgiving, so even if you’re not a lure-fishing pro, you should be able to get a good action out of it. Give it a go, you might be surprised at how many flathead it pulls in. It’s definitely a lure worth having in your tackle box if you’re chasing these popular fish. You can find more info on different lure types on Australian fishing sites.
4. Gulp! Shrimp
The Gulp! Shrimp is another ripper soft plastic that flathead just can’t seem to resist. These little fellas are designed to look and smell like real shrimp, which is pretty much a flathead’s favourite snack. They’re particularly good when you’re fishing over sand and weed flats, where prawns like to hang out. You can rig them weedless, which is a lifesaver when you’re trying to pull them through patches of weed without getting snagged up all the time. This means you can really work those likely flathead holding spots without losing your lure.
When you’re working these plastics, try to keep your retrieve a bit slower than you might normally. Flathead aren’t the quickest hunters, and they’ll often have a few goes at a lure before they commit. If you get a tentative bite and miss the hook-up, don’t just reel in straight away. Give the lure a little twitch or a pause; often, the flathead will come back for another go. It’s all about patience and letting the lure do the work.
Rigging and Retrieve
Jig Head Choice: For most shallow water situations, a light jig head, around 1/8 to 1/4 oz, is ideal. This lets the lure bounce naturally along the bottom.
Weedless Rigging: To avoid snags in weed beds, rig them weedless on a worm hook or a specialised weedless jig head. This lets you pull the lure right through the structure where flathead love to hide.
Action: Try a slow roll with occasional pauses, or a ‘hop and drop’ retrieve. Mimicking a prawn flicking out of the sand can be deadly.
The scent impregnation in Gulp! products is a real game-changer. It gives those hesitant fish that extra bit of confidence to really chomp down.
These are a proven performer, and you can find them at most good tackle stores. They’re a great option for anyone looking to add another effective lure to their flathead arsenal, especially if you’re targeting bream as well, as the Berkley Gulp 2-inch Shrimp is a favourite for them too.
5. Zerek Live Shrimp
The Zerek Live Shrimp is another ripper soft plastic that flathead absolutely love. It’s designed to look and act just like a real shrimp, which is a major food source for these fish. The tail action is pretty subtle but really effective, especially when you’re working it slowly over the bottom or through structure.
When you’re fishing these, think about how a real shrimp would move. They don’t dart around wildly; they tend to scuttle and pause. So, a good retrieve is often a series of short hops or drags along the bottom, with a pause in between. This pause is often when you’ll get your bite, as the lure sits there looking vulnerable.
Here are a few things to keep in mind when rigging and fishing the Zerek Live Shrimp:
Jighead Choice: You want a jighead that keeps the shrimp pointing slightly upwards or neutrally buoyant. This mimics a natural feeding posture. A TT Lures HeadlockZ Finesse jighead is a good shout for this.
Colours: Like most soft plastics, colour choice can depend on the water clarity. In clear water, natural shrimp colours like translucent or light brown work well. In dirtier water, brighter colours or those with a bit of UV flash can be better.
Retrieve: Don’t be afraid to experiment. A slow, steady hop and pause is a great starting point, but sometimes a bit of a faster twitch can trigger a reaction bite.
This lure is particularly good when the flathead are being a bit fussy. It’s got that realistic profile that can make all the difference when other lures aren’t getting a look in. It’s a solid option for anyone looking to add a bit more realism to their soft plastic arsenal, especially for targeting flathead in estuaries and shallow bays. You can find a good range of soft plastics for Australian river fishing here.
6. Jelly Prawns
Jelly Prawns
When you’re chasing flathead, especially in those weedy or sandy areas, a prawn profile lure is often a winner. The Jelly Prawns are a ripper for this exact reason. You can rig them weedless, which is a massive help when you’re trying to drag them through patches of weed without them snagging up. This means you can keep your lure moving naturally, just like a real prawn would, without all the frustration of constant snags.
These little fellas are great for a slow, deliberate retrieve. Flathead aren’t always the most aggressive feeders, so a bit of patience goes a long way. If you get a tentative tap and miss the hook-up, don’t just yank it in. Try stopping the retrieve for a second and giving the lure a little twitch. Often, that pause is all it takes for them to come back and have another go. It’s all about giving them a chance to really commit to the bite.
Colour Choice: While natural colours can work, don’t be afraid to experiment with brighter options like chartreuse or white, especially in murkier water. Sometimes a bit of flash is what gets their attention.
Rigging: Use a weedless hook to get through the structure. A 2/0 or 3/0 hook size is usually spot on, especially if you’re likely to snag a bream as a by-catch.
Retrieve: Think slow and steady. A gentle hop and pause, or even just a slow roll with the occasional shake of the rod tip, can imitate a prawn’s natural movement really well.
Remember, prawns often kick a few times and then pause, or move slowly, rather than moving at great speed through the water. Mimicking this natural behaviour is key to fooling those wary flathead.
These lures are a solid option for anyone looking to improve their flathead game, particularly in the shallows. They’re easy to use and, most importantly, they catch fish. You can find a good range of fishing gear, including soft plastics like these, at various tackle shops or online, making it easy to stock up before your next trip. For more on different fish species and how to catch them, check out some of the great resources available on Australian fish species.
7. Gulp! 4in Nemesis
The Gulp! 4in Nemesis is another ripper soft plastic that’s been putting plenty of flathead in the boat for me. It’s a bit of a classic, really, and for good reason. It’s got a really natural profile that flathead just can’t resist, and the Gulp! scent really seems to make a difference, especially when the fish are a bit shut down.
Rigging and Presentation
I’ve found that rigging the Nemesis on a TT Lures HeadlockZ jighead works a treat. The size of the jighead really depends on where you’re fishing. For shallow flats, I’ll go with something lighter, like a 1/8oz or 1/6oz. If I’m fishing deeper water or around structure, I’ll step it up to a 1/4oz, 3/8oz, or even a 1/2oz to make sure I’m getting down to where the flatties are holding. You can also rig these weedless on a TT Lures ChinlockZ or SnakelockZ jighead, which is brilliant for fishing through broken weed beds without getting snagged.
Colour Choices
When it comes to colours, I tend to stick with a few reliable options. For lighter, natural conditions, I like Shiner, Bad Shad, and Pearl. If it’s a bit darker or I’m fishing in silhouette, colours like The Deal, New Penny, and Redbone (especially the glow versions) are fantastic. And for those times when you need a bit of extra flash, Atomic Sunrise, Nuked Chicken Glow, and Sexy Penny are my go-to fluoro options.
This lure’s design means it sinks pretty quickly, which is a real advantage when you need to get down to the bottom fast, especially in current. It helps you stay in contact with the bottom where flathead like to sit and ambush their prey.
Retrieve Style
My usual approach with the Nemesis is a pretty standard two-hop-and-pause retrieve. Just lift the rod tip, let it sink back down, and pause. You can also mix it up and try a more erratic retrieve if the fish seem a bit hesitant. It’s also a great plastic for vertical jigging, just make sure you’re keeping direct contact with the lure as you work it.
8. Bone Baits 3.5″
Bone Baits 3.5″ are another solid choice for flathead anglers. These lures are designed to mimic small baitfish, which is a staple in the diet of many predatory fish, including flathead. Their realistic profile and subtle action can be just the ticket when the fish are being a bit fussy.
I’ve found that certain colours really shine depending on the conditions. For clearer water or when the sun is bright, natural baitfish patterns like silver, pearl, or a light shad work well. If the water is a bit murky or it’s overcast, darker colours or those with a bit of UV flash, like chartreuse or a dark grey, tend to get more attention.
When rigging these, I usually go for a standard jighead setup. The size of the jighead will depend on the depth and current, but generally, a 1/4oz to 3/8oz jighead with a 3/0 or 4/0 hook is a good starting point. You want the lure to sit naturally on the bottom, so don’t go too heavy.
Here’s a quick rundown of how I like to work them:
Slow Roll: Just a steady, slow retrieve just above the bottom. This mimics a wounded baitfish.
Hop and Pause: Give the lure a couple of gentle hops off the bottom, followed by a short pause. This can trigger a reaction bite.
Drag and Shake: For a more subtle approach, drag the lure slowly along the bottom and give the rod tip a little shake to impart some vibration. This can imitate a struggling prawn or crab.
These lures are particularly effective when you’re working sandy patches or areas with a bit of structure, like weed beds or oyster leases. The key is to keep them close to the bottom where flathead are likely to be lurking.
Remember, flathead are opportunistic feeders, and understanding their preferred prey, like crustaceans and small fish, can really help you choose the right lure and retrieve. Bone Baits 3.5″ definitely tick a lot of those boxes, making them a reliable option in the tackle box for chasing these popular fish. You can find a good range of options for chasing snapper too.
9. Jackson Bottom Magic Saltwater
When you need to get down and dirty, the Jackson Bottom Magic Saltwater is a ripper choice for flathead. This lure is designed to get right into the strike zone, especially when you’re fishing deeper holes or areas with a bit of current. It’s got a realistic profile that flathead find hard to resist, mimicking baitfish they often target.
Rigging and Presentation
Rigging this lure is pretty straightforward. Most anglers find success using a sturdy jighead, typically in the 1/4oz to 1/2oz range, depending on the depth and current. A good quality hook is important, as flathead can be strong fighters. The retrieve is usually a simple hop and pause, letting the lure bounce along the bottom. You want to keep it in contact with the seabed as much as possible, as that’s where the flathead will be lurking. Experiment with different retrieve speeds; sometimes a slow, steady wind works, while other times a more aggressive hop can trigger a bite.
Colour Choices
While colour can depend on water clarity and light conditions, some reliable options for the Bottom Magic Saltwater include natural baitfish patterns like silver or pearl for clear water, and darker colours such as black or dark green for murky conditions. Bright, fluoro colours can also work wonders on overcast days or in deeper water where visibility is reduced. Don’t be afraid to try a few different colours to see what the local flathead are responding to on the day. Finding the right colour can make all the difference, and you can check out some great flathead dinner ideas if you’re looking for inspiration.
When to Use It
This lure really shines when you’re targeting flathead in areas where they like to sit and ambush prey. Think submerged structure, drop-offs, or even just the edges of sand flats where the current might be pushing baitfish. It’s also a solid option when you need to get your lure down quickly and keep it there. If you’re finding that lighter lures are getting swept away too easily, the Bottom Magic Saltwater will give you the weight and stability you need.
10. Daiwa Double Clutch
The Daiwa Double Clutch is a bit of a classic, isn’t it? It’s a hard body lure that’s been around for a while, and for good reason. It’s designed to imitate a baitfish, and it does a pretty good job of it. Flathead seem to really go for these, especially when you’re fishing around structure or in slightly deeper water where they might be holding.
It’s got a really good action straight out of the packet. You can just cast it out and retrieve it steadily, and it’ll wobble and shimmy along like a wounded baitfish. That sort of action is a real flathead magnet. Sometimes, though, you might want to give it a bit of a twitch or a pause to make it look even more like an easy meal. That can really switch on a bite when the fish are a bit shy.
When you’re picking one, you’ll find they come in a few different sizes and colours. For flathead, I tend to lean towards the smaller to medium sizes, maybe around the 70mm to 90mm mark. The colours that mimic local baitfish, like silver, white, or even a bit of pink or fluoro, usually work well. It’s always worth having a few different colours in your tackle box, just in case the fish are being fussy.
One thing to keep in mind is that these are hard bodies, so they can get a bit banged up if you’re chucking them into rocks or oysters. But that’s just part of fishing, right? They’re built pretty tough, so they should handle a fair bit of punishment. If you’re looking for a reliable hard body lure that flathead love, the Daiwa Double Clutch is definitely worth a look. You can find them at most good tackle shops, and they’re a solid addition to any flathead angler’s arsenal. They’re a good option when you want to cover a bit more water than you might with a soft plastic, and they can be really effective when you’re targeting fish holding near structure. If you’re keen to learn more about rigging and techniques, the Tackle Tactics website has some great info on how to get the most out of your lures, including how to properly attach them to your line for the best action. rigging guides
Wrapping It Up
So there you have it, a few solid options for hard body lures that should see you getting more bites from flathead. Remember to mix up your retrieves, try different colours, and don’t be afraid to add a bit of scent – it really can make a difference. Flathead are a ripper fish to chase, and with these lures in your tackle box, you’ll be well on your way to landing more of them. Give ‘em a crack and let us know how you go!
Frequently Asked Questions
What sort of lures do flathead really go for?
You bet! Flathead are real fans of lures, especially when they’re wiggling and jiggling. Soft plastics that look like prawns or baitfish are top picks. Hard-bodied lures that dive and wobble can also get their attention. Don’t forget to add a bit of scent – it’s like giving them a free meal invitation!
When’s the best time of day to catch flathead?
The best time to chase flathead is usually when the tide is going out, especially the last couple of hours. They hang around drop-offs and drains, waiting for little fish and prawns to get washed their way. The first hour of the incoming tide can also be pretty good.
Can I catch flathead from the land?
You can catch flathead from the shore in lots of rivers and estuaries. Look for spots with drop-offs, drains, weed beds with sandy patches, or even old logs. You don’t need super deep water; the structure near the bank is often where they hang out.
What if the flathead aren’t biting?
Yep, covering a lot of ground is key because flathead often hang out in schools. If you’re not getting bites, move along and try a different spot. Also, try changing how you reel in your lure – sometimes a slow wind works, other times a bit of a twitch or a faster rip gets them interested.
Do the colours of lures matter much for flathead?
It’s a good idea to have a few colours. A natural or light colour is great for clear water or sunny days. For murky water or when it’s dim, a darker colour or something bright like chartreuse or pink can work wonders. It’s all about trying different things until you find what they like on the day.
Why would I use a weedless lure setup?
Definitely! Using weedless rigs means you can cast right into those weedy or snaggy spots where other lures would get stuck. This lets you fish areas that others might miss, and that’s often where the flathead are hiding out.
