Our beloved dusky flathead are appreciated for many reasons, and one of those reasons is their receptiveness to a variety of techniques. One of those techniques, which might these days be considered a bit ‘old school’, is casting hardbodies in shallow water.

Fishing for sand, summer or yellowfin whiting from the surf is a great way to enjoy trips to the beach while also gathering a feed to take home. Being a shore-based activity, it’s relatively inexpensive, and if you know how, the bait can be gathered right at your feet. 

All over Australia, fishing off ocean rocks is a popular pastime, and offers anglers without a boat to access species usually reserved for those with boats or kayaks. It also offers an exhilarating way to tangle with some of our most iconic species.

In the freshwater, there are few better baits than the humble shrimp. Everything from spangled perch to Murray cod will have a go at a shrimp, and with certain species, such as bass and golden perch, it seems like you can catch as many as the number of shrimp you have!