Flathead or mullet on fly.

[wobbygone]

I live at wellington pt in brissy and have just kicked off into fly fishing. I picked up a 7/8 shakespeare outfit with floating line. Thought flathead or mullet might be a go . Any info on this subject to point me in right direction would be great.
Tingalpa and hillards creek are handy. Any fly reports from either of these.
wobbygone

[Serge.]

If you're chasing flathead I'd first try a Chartreuse and White Clouser and if that doesn't work try a White and Chartreuse Clouser. Basically they're the mutts nuts when it comes to flathead.
As for locations I'd suggest any drop off or channel near a substantial bank system. Fish the last few hours of the dropping tide and the first hour of the incoming.
A few things to note -
Never wade out into water you haven't yet worked a fly through. Early morning on quiet water I've hooked good fish in less than a foot of water.
Be systematic. Thoroughly work an area if you know it regularly holds flathead but if you don't have any luck after one pass, move on.
If you are still learning and can't cast far I suggest trying to nip out for a quick session mid week when there is less boat traffic. Reason being the fish will hold up longer in shallower - and more accessible - water.

As for imparting action on your fly, mix it up. Combine long strips, short strips, fast strips, slow strips and occasional full stops.
If you are not having any luck chances are you are retrieving too fast.
Flathead are suckers – put it in front of them make it move and 9/10 you’ll get a take.
If you are using floating line use at least a 9ft leader to make sure the fly gets to the bottom. You need to retrieve the fly along the bottom.

Best of luck.

[bing]

Flathead respond well to many patterns but two in particular that work better than most are;

Flatface
http://www.########.com.au/images/products/12223_400_109_0935.jpg

and Chris Beechs Flathead Bendback
http://www.########.com.au/images/products/12510_400_112_1241.jpg

Predominantly white patterns be they clousers deep minnows of deceivers which have an amount of UV pearl also work well.

Chris.
Fly World

[wobbygone]

Thanks serge and bing for the goss on flatty on fly.I will slip the minn kota on the punt and cast some banks on the weekend. I picked up some of the patterns you suggested.and keeping my eye out for more. Also looking for any books on tying salt water flies. Something basic to kick off. If you know of any please let me know. Thanks again for the info.
Wobbygone

[Maxg]

A trick to flathead and flounder is to take a walk along the local flats at dead low tide. You can get a idea of the local population of these species by looking for their hiding places. Obvious by the flathead shaped indentations in the sand around you. If a lot, then give the flat a work over on the incoming tide.
I know that most people use 9 foot fly rods but you can cover more ground with a double hander in 6/7 weight a 12 footer is ideal. Easier to cast, longer cast and you can roll cast DH rods easy as pie.
Any minnow type fly is OK, white deceivers are good, clousers are OK but for beginners you should be aware that they are weighted by lead eyes and have a rod kill rate higher than the combined kill rate of the USAF in WW2. You need to be aware of this if you haven't cast Clousers before.
You need to use a thin flex wire shocker for flatties, they have sharp and abrasive teeth. They are also one of the few species that have an eye lid to reduce the overhead light in shallow clear water. They are very good eating so the effort has good points. Max

[NoosaFly]

Wobby...Dont want to be contentious here but wire is old school stuff. Obviously you''ll fare better without it, a 6 to 8kg tippet will suffice,
Look forward to hearing of a few captures !!
Nat

[Zeeke]

Ive gotta agree with Nat, i use 4lb and 6lb leaders 99% of the time and i never get biteoffs, you dont spook the fish easily either, just use a good quality leader material/Flurocarbon and you shouldnt have any problems!

Tim