The Tasmanian Government is committed to rebuilding sand flathead stocks through effective rules, cutting-edge research and working with community.
But the real place rebuilding starts is on the water – and with the decisions made by everyday fishers like you.
Here's how you can help make sand flathead rebuilding a success story.
Know the rules
The rules are based on what science tells us is necessary for sand flathead to rebuild. It's critical that everyone follows them if we want to get back to flathead fishing as soon as possible.
Stay up to date
We're constantly learning more about sand flathead and assessing whether management changes are needed to support rebuilding. This means the rules might be changing more often than you're used to.
If you haven't fished in a while, check the rules at: Size and Bag Limits or on the
Fishing Tas app (make sure you have the latest version).
Important: The Recreational Sea Fishing Guide and our free fishing rulers show the rules at time of printing and may not be up to date. Always check our website or the
Fishing Tas app for the latest rules.
Report suspicious or illegal fishing
Don't let those fishing illegally undermine sand flathead rebuilding. If you've seen someone doing the wrong thing report it to Tasmania Police on 131 444. Every report makes a difference.Know your flathead species
Sand flathead is not the only flathead species in Tasmania. When fishing, you might catch tiger flathead or bluespotted flathead. In some areas of Tasmania, you might also catch rock flathead. Different rules apply to each of these species (but all species must be landed whole).
Watch the video: 'How to identify flathead species in Tasmania', or check out the images below to learn some of the key features that identify different flathead species.
Video: How to identify flathead species in Tasmania
Image: Sand and Tiger Flathead identification
Image: Bluespotted and Rock Flathead identification
Use good handling and release methods
Sand flathead have very high survival rates after release as long as they're handled well and returned to the water gently and quickly.
You can improve the survival of sand flathead you release by:
- Using barbless or circle hooks
- Using a de-hooker to quickly release fish that aren't legal size
- Handling flathead with a wet cloth
- Minimising the amount of time fish are out of the water
- Releasing flathead away from predators when possible to reduce the risk of fish getting eaten when you release them.
If a flathead is gut-hooked, cut the line and leave the hook in place. Trying to remove the hook will hurt the fish more than leaving it in place.
While you give sand flathead a break – go for a sustainable mixed bag
Sand flathead need a break, but that doesn't mean you have to stop fishing!
Tasmania has loads of sustainable species that can be caught from boat or shore. Catching a mixed bag of these hidden treasures is a great recipe for fun, rewarding fishing. It also spreads the pressure, which is better for sustainability.
We've started a compilation of our top tips and tricks for catching and cooking a sustainable mixed bag. For more information visit: Mixed bag fishing
Get involved in citizen science
Look out for tagged sand flathead!
IMAS is currently conducting a large-scale tagging program for sand flathead to help understand how the fish move and grow.
Thousands of sand flathead have been tagged and IMAS need recreational fisher's help to collect the data . By reporting tagged fish you can enter the IMAS tag lottery to win a prize.
To find out more visit the
IMAS website.