Sandflat Fishing
Amidst the tranquil and pristine sandflats lies a paradise for recreational anglers, abundant with a myriad of marine life. Here, larger predatory fish roam freely, creating the perfect environment for an unforgettable fishing experience.
The sandflats are a haven for fishermen during the warmer months, teeming with sought-after fish species like whiting, flathead, bream, dart, tailor, and flounder. It's the perfect spot for weekend warriors and holiday anglers looking for an exciting and rewarding catch. Fishing during low tide is highly advantageous as it confines the fish to a smaller area, making it easier to catch them. Observing the sandflats at low tide can reveal crucial information for a perceptive angler. Indentations or depressions left in the sand at this time can unveil popular fish hangouts at high tide. With repeated observation, fishermen can learn to recognise these marks. Flathead fish leave a coffin-shaped indentation, while flounder leave a distinct oval-shaped mark. A slender depression can indicate a prime spot for catching whiting. When the tide comes in, it's essential for the sandflat angler to return to these marked locations to catch the right species.
When fishing in a river mouth, look for the first backwater inside the river, especially during high tide. Moving water on the sandflats and channels with turbulent water fighting against the tidal flow are hot spots for fishing. Consider the specific behavior of fish at that time of day and tide. For example, during the ebb tide, smaller fish like bream, whiting, and mullet will be forced into gutters and channels leading to deeper waters. Flathead usually stay beneath the outer edge of a channel, waiting for prey to be forced out of their territory by the outgoing tide.
As you wade across the sand flats, move gently to avoid startling the fish. When casting, stand back and take time to spot fish movement behind the lure as you retrieve it.
For flathead and tailor, a 1.8 to 2.2 meters spinning rod paired with a spinning or baitcaster reel is recommended. Popular lures include soft plastics and vibes. When it comes to bait fishing, the humble paternoster rig is a game-changer. Its versatility in catching a wide variety of fish is unparalleled. At Hook in Mouth Tackle, we've developed a paternoster rig that gives you the freedom to choose the hook size you prefer with our interchangeable loop system. This allows you to adapt quickly to changing conditions. Our rigs are conveniently stored on a spool, offering protection from the elements and eliminating tangles often associated with traditional packaging. With just one knot, you'll be ready to hit the water in no time.
The sandbanks in the surf are a rich food source for fish. Fish easily find these areas where sand is stirred up. However, they only live where the water remains clean, and avoid areas with stirred up sand that make the waves dirty.
Tailor and Salmon
Surf anglers, get set to reel in tailor throughout the day in deep surf gutters or near rocky headlands where baitfish gather. Look for diving birds as a sign of tailor. With the same tackle, you can also try spin fishing for salmon in sandflats. They prefer calm gutters for an exciting angling adventure!
Flathead and Dart in the surf
In surf fishing, gutters are good for catching flathead using lures, flasher rigs, and baits. Drop-offs next to sandflats and estuary-surf junctions are also prime flathead hot spots. Dart are attracted to shallow sandflat surf water and are most active during daylight hours, making them a great catch weighing over 1kg.
Bream and Whiting
Bream are often found over shallow sandflats and can be caught by casting into deeper water and working the bait back towards the sandflat.
Whiting prefer shallow gutters, holes, and nearby sandflats. They bite best on the rising tide. Great spots to cast into include the area behind breakers on shallow sandbanks, or in a shallow gutter.
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