How to Catch Flathead on Lures

Are you looking to catch more flathead on lures?

Flathead is one of the most popular freshwater fish to target, and catching them with lures can be a highly rewarding experience.

In this blog post we’ll show you some of the best ways to go about catching them and where it’s best to target these slithery predators.

You don’t need to be an expert angler to catch flathead on lures. With our helpful tips, you can start landing these fish like a pro. So what are you waiting for? Read on and start planning your next fishing adventure!

Introduction to flathead fishing and its popularity

Flathead fishing, or chasing flathead, is one of the most popular methods of fishing. From amateurs to professionals, anglers flock to the water in hopes of catching this highly sought-after species. Not only are they a prized catch because of their size, but they can also be incredibly delicious when cooked up right.

Flathead have a unique shape, which makes them easy to differentiate from other fish. They have flattened heads and wide mouths, making them good at navigating through shallow waters. This allows flathead to hunt in areas that are often sheltered from the wind or heavy current.

Understanding the Feeding Behavior of Flathead Fish

Targeting Flathead with lures is both challenging and rewarding. You first need to understand their feeding habits. Flathead are predators and feed on crustaceans, insects and small fish. To locate their prey, they will be searching for signs of movement in the water such as waves or ripples caused by baitfish. It is important to note that flathead can become inactive in cold water and so it is important to know the temperature of the water before you start fishing.

Flathead feed on a variety of small, swimming prey, depending on their size. Younger Flathead will typically feed on shrimp and smaller baitfish, while larger Flathead prefer larger fish. To catch one of these elusive creatures, it’s important to understand their preferred habitats and food sources.

Flathead can be found in various types of water. While they prefer shallow, sheltered waters, they can also be found in deeper areas. They have a wide natural range and will move to find suitable prey. Flathead are most active at night or during low light conditions, which is when anglers should target them with lures and bait.

Understanding the flathead’s habitat and behavior

Flatheads are ambush predators, meaning they will lie in wait for their prey to pass by. This is why it’s important to understand the type of habitat they prefer when targeting them. They tend to hide in areas with plenty of cover, such as weed beds, rocks and fallen logs.

To be successful at catching flathead on lures, it is important to understand the behavior of the fish. Flatheads will often lie in wait for hours before striking their prey. The best way to trigger a strike is to use a lure that mimics their prey or create some sort of vibration that attracts their attention. It’s also important to be patient when fishing for Flathead, as they can be difficult to catch.

Best Feeding Places for Flathead

Flathead can be found in both deep and shallow waters, depending on the time of year and water temperature. Flathead will generally be found in shallower water during warmer months when there is plenty of prey around. During cooler months they may move to deeper waters where the temperature is more constant.

Flathead tend to feed mostly in areas with a lot of vegetation or structure like rocks and logs, as this provides them with ample cover and plenty of hiding spots. When targeting Flathead on lures, it is important to focus your efforts on areas where they are likely to feed. As the tide recedes, look for drop-offs or areas where the water is shallower, as this will provide Flathead with an ideal spot to ambush their prey. Weed beds can also be a great place for Flathead to feed, as they provide plenty of hiding spots and attract small baitfish. Search for the openings of drains, streams and rivers as these can be great spots to target Flathead.

The importance of selecting the right type of lure and the right color and size of lure

The lure you choose to use when targeting Flathead will largely depend on the type of prey they are feeding on. For example, if they are feeding on shrimp or small baitfish, a soft plastic lure mimicking these creatures is ideal. If the Flathead are feeding on larger fish, then a jig head with a large profile is more suitable.

The color of the lure is also important, as you want to make sure it stands out in the water and attracts the fish’s attention. Brightly-colored lures are generally more effective, but darker colors can work as well depending on the lighting conditions. When choosing a size for your lure, pick one that is slightly larger than the prey the Flathead are feeding on. Remember, you want your lure to stand out in the water and trigger a strike.

Once you have chosen the right type of lure and color, it is important to use a slow and steady retrieve when fishing for Flathead. A slow and steady retrieve will help you to keep the lure in the strike zone for longer periods of time, increasing your chances of triggering a strike.

What is the best time to catch Flathead?

The best time to target Flathead is during a falling tide, as this will bring them closer to shore and make them easier to catch. During a falling tide, the Flathead will also be more active and aggressive when it comes to feeding. They will lie in wait on the sea floor as the tide recedes and ambush their prey as it passes by. During an incoming tide, however, they may be more spread out in deeper waters and may be less likely to feed.

Techniques for fishing with lures, including trolling and casting

When fishing with lures for Flathead, there are two main techniques that you can use – trolling and casting. Trolling is a technique where you drag the lure behind your boat slowly as it moves through the water. This allows the lure to remain in the strike zone for longer periods of time, increasing your chances of triggering a bite from a Flathead.

Casting is the more traditional way of fishing with lures, and involves anglers casting their lure out into the water and then retrieving it slowly while they wait for a strike. Casting allows you to cover large areas quickly and target specific spots, such as weed beds or drop-offs. It can also work well in areas where the water is deeper, as you can cast your lure further out.

What’s the best way to use lures when fishing?

When fishing with lures, it is important to use the right action. The action you choose will largely depend on the type of prey that the Flathead are feeding on and the conditions of the water. Generally speaking, a slow, subtle retrieve is most effective when targeting Flathead as this mimics their natural prey’s swimming motion.

A jigging action can also be effective, as it will attract the attention of nearby Flathead and trigger a strike. To use this technique, hold your rod tip up high and then jerk or “pop” your line back and forth in short bursts. This causes the lure to move erratically through the water, mimicking the movements of a wounded baitfish and triggering an instinctive strike from Flathead. The action you usually start with every time you target Flathead works as follows:

• Start with a slow and steady retrieve.
• If the Flathead aren’t responding, try changing up your technique by adding some jerks or pops to the retrieve.
• If that doesn’t work, try switching up your lure and color to see if that triggers a reaction.
• If all else fails, try changing your location and depth until you find a spot where the Flathead are actively feeding.

So after each series of hops you do with the lure with the same retrieve, try to change things up so the Flathead have something new and exciting to focus on.

Tips for handling and releasing flatheads properly to ensure their survival

It is important to practice catch and release when fishing for Flathead, as this helps ensure their survival. When handling a Flathead, it is essential to use wet hands or gloves to reduce the chance of the fish being injured or traumatised by human contact. It is also important to remove the hook carefully and support the fish in the water until it is ready to be released. If the fish has swallowed the hook, cut the line as close to the hook as possible and release the fish. This prevents further injury or damage and allows the Flathead to make a full recovery.

The difference between fishing for flathead in the summer and the winter

The best time of year to target Flathead varies from region to region, but generally speaking they can be found during the warmer summer months. During this period, they will move into the shallower inshore waters in search of prey and are more easily accessible to anglers. During winter, however, Flathead tend to retreat back to the deeper offshore waters, making them harder to find.

In addition to seasonal patterns, Flathead also have a diurnal cycle that affects their behavior. During the day they are more active and will feed in shallow waters, while at night they tend to move into deeper waters and become more inactive. This means that during summer you may have better luck targeting Flathead during the day, while in winter they might be more active at night.

Conclusion

Fishing for Flathead on lures can be a rewarding experience. Although it requires patience and practice to perfect the techniques, once you get the hang of it you will soon start catching more Flathead. Remember to use the right action when retrieving your lure, handle and release all fish responsibly, and adjust your technique according to the season and time of day for the best results.

FAQs

1. What is a flathead and where can I find them?

A flathead is a type of catfish that is commonly found in rivers, creeks, and estuaries.

2. Why is fishing with lures the best option for catching flatheads?

Fishing with lures is effective for catching flatheads because it allows you to mimic the natural movements of their prey, making them more likely to bite.

Additionally, lures require fewer baits and are less likely to damage the environment.

3. What is the best time of year to target flathead?

The best time of year to target Flathead varies from region to region, but generally speaking they can be found during the warmer summer months. During winter, however, Flathead tend to retreat back to the deeper offshore waters, making them harder to find. In addition to seasonal patterns, Flathead also have a diurnal cycle that affects their behavior. During the day they are more active and will feed in shallow waters, while at night they tend to move into deeper waters and become more inactive.

4. What is the best way to handle and release flatheads?

When handling a Flathead, it is essential to use wet hands or gloves to reduce the chance of the fish being injured or traumatised by human contact. It is also important to remove the hook carefully and support the fish in the water until it is ready to be released. If the fish has swallowed the hook, cut the line as close to the hook as possible and release the fish. This prevents further injury or damage and allows the Flathead to make a full recovery.

5. What techniques should I use when fishing with lures for flatheads?

When fishing with lures for flatheads, you can use techniques such as trolling and casting. It’s also important to retrieve the lure in a way that mimics the natural movements of prey. Additionally, you should use lures that mimic the size and colour of their prey.

6. What type of equipment do I need for flathead fishing with lures?

When fishing for flatheads with lures, you’ll need a fishing rod, reel, line, and appropriate lures. It’s also a good idea to use a fishing kayak or boat to access the best fishing spots.

7. What are the best spots for catching flatheads with lures?

The best spots for catching flatheads with lures include rivers, creeks, and estuaries. Look for areas with plenty of cover, such as logs, rocks, and weeds, where flatheads may be hiding.