8kg Flathead

[Martin]

Having read the recent discussions over flathead size I thought I would post this photo.

The fish was caught a few years back, by a friend. David releases 99% of all fish he catches, however this flathead was hooked deep in the back of the throat and unfortunately bleeding badly when finally landed.

This is the largest flathead I have seen or heard of as a genuine fish capture

Caught on a lure at Port Macquarie

Line class 2kg

Weight 8.05kg

Length 1.1 meters

Across the head 11.5 inches

[Martin]

Sorry for the quality but it was an emailed photo sent from Davids brother in Coffs Harbour and I had to reduce it.

[knapers]

Good fish for you mate, i am sure this will get a few replies

[Guest bluecod]

That's a mighty fine capture on that line class and admirable that your mate releases 99% of his catch. I'm sure that even the diehard "release 'em all" fraternity understands that some incidental kill is just a hazhard of fishing.

I have been busted off by equally large flathead brought to the surface in the Mullet Creek area and I have seen larger flathead free swimming in Pittwater, but they are indeed a rarity. As a kid I remember photos in the Nambucca and Yamba areas of still larger flatties in the 32 lb vicinity [unfortunately on scales at tackle stores].

Does anyone have any idea how old these fish would be?