Habitat
Sand flathead are a bottom dwelling fish usually found in abundant numbers in inshore waters all around Tasmania. They prefer shallow waters of around 0-25 metres depth and a weed free, sandy bottom.
Fishing information
Sand flathead are the most commonly caught recreational species in Tasmania, accounting for two-thirds of all fish caught. They are present around the state in large numbers and are relatively easy to catch. They can be caught on a variety of baits and lures providing they are fished close to a sandy bottom as they don’t usually rise more than one metre from the bottom to take a bait. Flathead are often caught from a boat that is drifting slowly so the fish see the bait as it passes by. May also be encountered at night when spearing for flounder.
Handling
Beware of short, sharp spines on the flathead’s gill covers and dorsal fin.
Public Health advice
The Director of Public Health advises people to limits meals of Derwent caught scalefish including flathead due to heavy metal contamination - refer to the
Department of Health and Human Services or phone their hotline on 1800 671 738.
Cooking
Low oil content with a pleasant, sweet flavour. Fine textured flesh which can dry out slightly with some cooking methods but remains moist and flaky when cooked in batter. The long shape of flathead means that it fillets well as most of the bones are at the head section of the fish. Also retains moisture well when cooked as whole fish. Suitable to bake in foil, shallow or deep fry, marinate, poach or steam. Popular as fish and chips.
Recipe - Easy Cook Flatties:
2 flathead fillets; 2 tbsp rice or plain flour; salt and pepper; 2 tbsp olive oil.
Place flour and salt and pepper in a plastic bag. Place fish fillets into bag and shake bag. Remove fillets dust off excess flour. Heat oil in a large frypan to medium heat. Place fish into pan, cook for 3 minutes then turn over and cook for a further 2 minutes.
Recipe - Beer Battered Flathead:
500 grams flathead fillets; ½ cup flour; salt; 1 tbsp oil; ½ cup beer and 1 egg white; stiffly beaten.
Mix flour and salt, gradually add liquid and stir until smooth. Leave for 10-15 minutes. Gently fold in egg white. Dip flathead fillets lightly in flour before dipping in the batter. Heat oil to 180°C for deep frying or shallow fry in a wide pan.
Black Spots in Flathead Fillets
A flathead showing signs of black spots in the flesh
Have you noticed black flesh or spots in your sand flathead fillets? This is a phenomonen known as melanisation which is the subject of research at the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies. Help their research by reporting your catch using the
Black Fillets Project online form. Read the
outcomes of their survey or the
full report.
Flathead Fact Sheets
How to Increase the Survival of Released Flathead
How to Release Flathead using a Fish De-hooker