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Bartail flathead

Platycephalus indicus

Bartail flathead© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

The Bartail flathead (Platycephalus indicus) is a bottom‑dwelling predator found in coastal marine and brackish waters. It is prized for its firm white flesh and aggressive strikes when hooked, making it a popular target for coastal anglers.

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Taste
Game Fish

Basic Information

Family

Platycephalidae

Max Size

100 cm

Max Weight

3.5 kg

Habitat

marine, brackish

Depth Range

20-200m

Climate

subtropical

Best Season

Spring and early summer (March‑June)

Best Time

Dawn and dusk, especially around high tide

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Bartail flathead

  • Use a light to medium sliding sinker rig to keep the bait on the bottom without spooking the fish
  • Fish near structures such as sandbars, mangrove roots, and submerged debris where flatheads ambush prey
  • Work a soft‑plastic jig or live shrimp slowly along the bottom, pausing frequently to trigger a strike
  • Target periods of rising or falling tide when flatheads are actively feeding

Top Fishing Locations for Bartail flathead

Ningaloo Reef

Australia
intermediate75% Very Common

Sandy flats along the reef where bartail flathead ambush prey, popular with reef anglers.

Best: March-May

Koh Tao, Andaman Sea

Thailand
beginner65% Common

Shallow coastal bays with mangrove edges, ideal for targeting flatheads on light tackle.

Best: February-April

Cape York Peninsula, Great Barrier Reef

Australia
intermediate80% Very Common

Remote sandbars and estuarine channels teeming with bartail flathead during the warm season.

Best: November-February

Dahab, Red Sea

Egypt
beginner55% Common

Protected lagoon areas with fine sand where flatheads gather to feed on crustaceans.

Best: June-September

Christmas Island Central Lagoon

Australia
expert78% Very Common

Pristine lagoon with abundant benthic life; a top destination for dedicated flathead hunters.

Best: April-June

Ari Atoll

Maldives
intermediate70% Very Common

Coral fringe and sand flats attract bartail flathead, often caught on live bait rigs.

Best: January-March

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Bartail flathead

Recommended Equipment

Rod6‑7 ft medium‑action spinning rod
Line10‑20 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeSoft‑plastic jerkbaits, bucktail jigs, or spoons; 'N/A' if not applicable
TechniqueBottom fishing with a sliding sinker, slow jigging or gentle dragging of bait

Best bait: Live shrimp, small crabs, or baitfish strips