It started off a little slow and windy, but now, the sun is out and the river looks great.

I do think a lot of people will be getting out for a fish over the holidays.

One of the most common targets to chase after we emerge from the big freeze is flathead.

I get a lot of questions about where the best spots to chase flathead are. 

Well, after many years of deliberation and examination I have come to the conclusion that flathead are where you find them.

It might sound simple, and a little dismissive, but it really is true!

I have caught them in every estuary habitat we have in this area from 12m deep holes while throwing big vibration lures for jewfish, to mere centimetres of water on surface lures.

So when someone asks me where the best spot is, I must get this blank look on my face for a second as the countless scenarios flash through my memory banks trying to figure out how to digest the question.

Is it that they want the biggest flathead? Or do they want the most flathead? Do they want to wade the sand flats or fish from a boat?

It really all depends on what you want from the experience.

Well here goes – I will try to answer the impossible.

Most people I talk to who are chasing flathead just want to catch one. 

My suggestion in this situation is to find a shallow sand flat with weed beds and a deeper channel nearby.

On the top of the tide the fish will be spread out all over the flat with a few hanging around the weed beds.

As the tide turns they will station themselves on the drop off, waiting there to intercept an easy meal leaving the flat. 

Most fish will be in the smaller 35-45cm range with some decent fish possibly hiding out among the smaller fish.

Next week I will elaborate on how to find bigger flathead and also some new information on flathead breeding.

This will surely turn your flathead habits upside down!