Searching for southern bluespot flathead By Jarvis Wall
A trophy sized Tasmanian bluespot.
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n recent years blue spot flathead are becoming a regular catch for anglers in the know. While some Tasmanian’s often don’t realise that they even exist, the Southern bluespot Flathead is a species that needs recognition by all as they’re an excellent sport fishing prospect and can grow to very large sizes.
The Species Southern bluespot Flathead is the second largest species in the flathead clan, growing to lengths of up to one metre and well over six kilograms. They’re unique as the spots on their topside often have a blue hue to them which sets them apart easily from your more traditional sand flathead which is a much more common capture by Tasmanian recreational fishers. The blue spot flathead also has an enormous girth which gives them large amounts of power to exert through their big fan-like tail. Although having the potential to grow to enormous sizes they’re much more common at a size of 40-60cm with 70cm fish showing up on the regular occasion.
Locations to Start the Search Inshore : Knowing where to look for blue spot inshore can change your sessions from average to epic in a short matter of time as they are usually confined to specific habitats where they’re found in good numbers. On the Northern coastline from Woolnorth to Petal Point, I have found that any depths from one and a half to six metres to be productive. The best locations have thick eelgrass with big or small sand holes in the grass beds, these often hold good populations of the blue spot. Rocky areas aren’t to be turned away from either as the edges of rock bars and reefs can also hold some of the biggest blue spot flatheads.
Rivers and Bays : This is where you can mix up your techniques as the flathead move around quite a lot with the tides. All along the North coast right round to Georges Bay on the East Coast, there are very productive estuarine
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Fishing News - Page 35
