Anglers gear up for flattie fest as breeding cycle gets off to early start

THE dusky flathead’s breeding cycle has started early this year in Gold Coast waters with anglers already predicting a bumper season.

Fishing enthusiasts are reporting catches of females in excess of 90cm and plenty of their smaller male suitors in abundance.

This will be music to the ears of those planning to enter the 23rd Gold Coast Flathead Classic, which runs from September 28 to October 1.

The classic, one of the city’s largest angling competitions, attracts fishermen from around the nation.

Gold Coast Fishing Tackle owner Kevin Ballantine (pictured) is making the most of the abundance of flatties because for the first time in many years, he won’t be on the Coast for the classic.

Instead, he will be at the 50th Anniversary Black Marlin Tournament in Cairns. But Mr Ballantine, who has been fishing for 50 years, said he leisurely hooked a dozen “flatties” with his buddies at Jacobs Well on a recent weekend. “They are pretty easy to catch as they are creatures of habit and they tend to frequent the same places. “But it pays to keep moving until you find them,” Mr Ballantine said.

Even if you don’t catch any flathead you can still catch other fish such as jewfish, whiting, snapper, trevally and tarpon.

And for those wanting a handy tip on how to hook a big one ... Mr Ballantine said it was worth the trip to Jumpinpin Bar or spending time dropping a line in the Seaway.

But remember – fishermen who manage to land a dusky flathead over 75cm or under 40cm will have to release them after they take a quick selfie.

“There is usually one big girl with half a dozen guys around her,” Mr Ballantine said.

“You can grab a photo and then let them swim off.

“Having a size slot limit has been a successful strategy for protecting the juniors and the mummies and keeping the Broadwater a reliable fishing resource.”