Appearance & Identification
Oval, extremely flat, laterally compressed body with both eyes situated on the right side of the head. They have a small, curved mouth and a uniform sandy-brown to dark mottled-grey coloration on the eyed side, which is perfectly adapted for blending into muddy or sandy seafloors. Commonly grow to 15cm-25cm, reaching up to 35cm in southern waters.
Habitat & Movements
Coastal waters, shallow bays, sandy estuaries, and marine inlets across southern and eastern Australia. They lie completely buried in the sand or mud with only their eyes exposed, waiting to ambush tiny worms, mollusks, and crustaceans.
Tactical Loadout
- Rods Utilize an ultra-light, highly sensitive spinning rod of 1.5m to 2.1m, rated for line classes between 1kg and 3kg. The rod must have an incredibly soft tip section to register their delicate, subtle bites.
- Reels Pair your light rod with a small 1000 size spinning reel. Ensure the reel features a smooth, light-starting drag system to prevent the hook from pulling free from their small, soft mouths.
- Line & Leader Spool with 2kg to 3kg braided main line to guarantee maximum bottom sensitivity. Connect this to a long, 2m leader of 2kg to 3kg fluorocarbon to remain completely invisible in clear, shallow estuary pools.
Best Lures & Baits
- Artificials While rarely targeted on artificials, they can occasionally be caught on small soft plastic grubs (1 to 2-inch) worked extremely slowly on light jig heads, or micro-vibes bounced directly along the bottom.
- Live & Cut Baits Live worms (beach worms, bloodworms) or small pieces of peeled prawn. Present these baits on a small size 6 to 8 long-shank hook, fished on a running sinker rig with a very light sinker.
Field Tactics
- Trolling NOT APPLICABLE
- Drifting & Jigging Drifting over sand or mud flats is highly effective. Let your light bait drag slowly behind the boat, keeping the rod held to feel the subtle, light taps of a flatfish taking the bait.
- Fly Fishing NOT APPLICABLE
State Legal Limits
NSW: No minimum size limit. Daily bag limit of 20 per person (combined flounder and sole).
VIC: Daily bag limit of 5 per person (general unlisted species limit). No minimum size limit.
QLD: Daily possession limit of 20 per person (general unlisted species limit). No minimum size limit.
SA: Daily bag limit of 20 per person. No minimum size limit.
WA: Daily bag limit of 8 per person. No minimum size limit.
Final Logistics & Table Quality
- Field Notes When cleaning, the dark upper skin can be peeled off easily by making a small cut at the tail and pulling it firmly toward the head. Focus on sandy estuary channels during the run-out tide when prey is concentrated.
- Eating Qualities Outstanding table fish, considered one of the finest delicacies in the flatfish family. Features exceptionally sweet, delicate, fine-textured white meat. Best prepared whole by skinning the dark side, dusting in flour, and quick pan-frying in butter.
