Flathead, Dusky
Platycephalidae

INTRODUCTION:
One of the most popular catches for recreational fisherman, the Flathead is found right around the Australian coastline. The three most common species are the Sand Flathead, found mostly in offshore waters, the Dusky Flathead of rivers and estuaries and the Tiger Flathead, usually found in deeper, offshore waters. They are a very common fish in the Manning River system, the biggest one that I have been involved with catching was a 50cm fish, caught about 2k's down stream from Lansdowne reserve in the Lansdowne River.

COMMON NAMES:
Dusky
Estuary Flathead
Flattie
Lizard
Frog

SIZE:
Up to 1.5 meters or 15kg

AUSTRALIAN RECORD:
9.4kg

DISTRIBUTION:
Mackay in Queensland to Wilsons Promontry and eastern Bass Strait in Victoria.

EATING QUALITIES:
Dusky's are a highly rated table fish with firm,they have white and flaky flesh but can be a little dry in larger fish.

Fishing Techniques