Flattiefisher Posted October 20, 2017 Share Posted October 20, 2017 Hi everyone I am going flathead fishing tomorrow on the flats. I decided to put on 6lb line hoping for a good fight. But I am just wondering if it might be to low. The average flathead where I am going is 35cm. I would love some help. Thanks flattefisher. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Howdoweplaythis Posted October 21, 2017 Share Posted October 21, 2017 6lb is fine for that size fish - it's what I would start with. You'll land most of them but be prepared to lose a few too. Upgrade to 10-12lb if you're losing too many fish for your liking Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Nolongeramember Posted October 21, 2017 Share Posted October 21, 2017 That’s a bit of a difficult question to answer as everyone has different amounts of risk they want to take. 6lb line/ leader will bring in any flathead your likely to hook but you risk getting bit off by the flatheads teeth. Are you fishing bait or lure? I would go 8-10lb myself. That size leader should last for a decent session. Some people use more. Up to you really. Check the leader after every fish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Howdoweplaythis Posted October 21, 2017 Share Posted October 21, 2017 6 minutes ago, Hateanchors said: Check the leader after every fish. Second this Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flattiefisher Posted October 21, 2017 Author Share Posted October 21, 2017 I am fishing with soft plastics. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rickmarlin62 Posted October 21, 2017 Share Posted October 21, 2017 i run 6lb braid but use heavier leader depending on where I fish..lake mac in boat with big sps I use 20lb nylon trace with light small sps I drop to 12lb...rick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flattiefisher Posted October 21, 2017 Author Share Posted October 21, 2017 Thanks for the replies Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Iceman Posted October 21, 2017 Share Posted October 21, 2017 If you are using fluorocarbon for leader or mainline you can drop down your size as the fluorocarbon has a much tougher outer coating than mono My flattie outfit has 5lb braid and 10lb fluorocarbon leader and I haven't been bitten off yet Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
campr Posted October 21, 2017 Share Posted October 21, 2017 Hi. 6lb braid or nylon is plenty heavy enough, however you should fish a heavier trace to avoid abrasion by their teeth should a big one take the jig right down. I would use a rod length of leader 8 to 10lb when using braid. You also have the option of adding a short trace of 10 to 17lb fluro only about 6-8 inches long when using braid or nylon to avoid bite offs.. I fish ANSA comps for flathead mostly using bait and only use 1kg Platypus pretest line but use a heavy fluro trace to avoid bite offs. My best 2 flathead on 1kg were both 97cm long weighing 5.64kg and 5.66kg, so your 6lb should be no worries if your drag is set at 1.5 to 2lb. You may get some long runs should you hook a big one but lots of fun. Ron Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Berleyguts Posted October 21, 2017 Share Posted October 21, 2017 3 hours ago, campr said: Hi. 6lb braid or nylon is plenty heavy enough, however you should fish a heavier trace to avoid abrasion by their teeth should a big one take the jig right down. I would use a rod length of leader 8 to 10lb when using braid. You also have the option of adding a short trace of 10 to 17lb fluro only about 6-8 inches long when using braid or nylon to avoid bite offs.. I fish ANSA comps for flathead mostly using bait and only use 1kg Platypus pretest line but use a heavy fluro trace to avoid bite offs. My best 2 flathead on 1kg were both 97cm long weighing 5.64kg and 5.66kg, so your 6lb should be no worries if your drag is set at 1.5 to 2lb. You may get some long runs should you hook a big one but lots of fun. Ron What Ron said! I fish 2kg Platypus Pretest a lot. I used to fish 1kg but my old eyes struggle with the knots. I'll probably give it another go soon, though. Use a heavier leader/trace. If you're using lures or circle hooks with bait you shouldn't get hooked deep. Flathead don't usually bite you off - they use their teeth in a sawing motion to wear through the line. The most dangerous time is when they're up on the surface, so try and keep their head down. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Aardvarking Posted October 21, 2017 Share Posted October 21, 2017 I would recommend 6-8lb line for flatties. You could easily bring in 90% of them on 2-4lb, but if you catch a monster flattie who snaps you off you'll never forgive yourself, so it's worth going a little bit over what you need. I use a 10lb fluorocarbon leader and have never been bitten off fishing lures, but others have different experiences. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluefin Posted October 21, 2017 Share Posted October 21, 2017 (edited) Agree with Iceman. I use 4 lb Braid, 6 lb leader, about 1 1/2 rod lengths, then around 25 c/m of 12 lb fluro. I lure fish almost exclusively, and mainly target Flathead. But the odd Jew livens things up! I sometimes chase Bream with straight 4 lb fluro, but my lure collection suffers too much. Hence the short 12 lb trace. Set your drag correctly, have fun, and take your time. A couple of weeks ago I got one into the net after a great fight in 50 c/m of water which would have been in the 90's. She thrashed around in the net , which I was holding with one hand, and I dropped the net in the water and lost the fish. Oh well. Howard. Edited October 21, 2017 by bluefin Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
GioSparro Posted October 21, 2017 Share Posted October 21, 2017 I'd use 10lb, its got abit more strength so wont break but still fairly thing Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Scratchie Posted October 21, 2017 Share Posted October 21, 2017 My 2 cents, flathead are not leader shy. So I would lean to a heavy leader 10-20lb just incase you do hook a monster! I’ve lost a lot of good flatty to light leaders. Cheers scratchie!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bluefin Posted October 22, 2017 Share Posted October 22, 2017 The reason I use 6 lb leader with a ''Bite Trace '' on the end of 12 lb is for casting distance. I use 4 lb braid as the fight is the best part for me, besides a good feed! Howard. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BIGG DADDA TREVS Posted October 22, 2017 Share Posted October 22, 2017 Just as the other said, I normally use a 8-12 lb fluro leader. Just depends on the size of fish ur targeting Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Guest123456789 Posted October 22, 2017 Share Posted October 22, 2017 Another fan of 6lbs platypus mono. Double the line for the uni knot and as mentioned check your leader after each fish. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
notoriousTASH Posted October 22, 2017 Share Posted October 22, 2017 I think you'll be fine mate! My Mrs caught a 62cm / 2kg flat on super light line (could be 4lb from memory) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
PRED-ATOR Posted October 22, 2017 Share Posted October 22, 2017 6-10 LB is all i use for them. just keep their head below the water when landing them, otherwise they are likely to rub/bite you off Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mullatt Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 As others have said, the best advice is to keep their head under water when landing them. If you don't, thats when they go ballistic and will more than likely rub/abrase you off. As long as you keep their head under and net them cleanly, dont think it matters what size line/leader you use. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
macca02 Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 1 hour ago, Mullatt said: As others have said, the best advice is to keep their head under water when landing them. If you don't, thats when they go ballistic and will more than likely rub/abrase you off. As long as you keep their head under and net them cleanly, dont think it matters what size line/leader you use. ^ This. If you're fishing out of a boat just keep their head low - I usually bring them up by leading them around the boat in circles it slowly works them up to the top with ease and they're going with you instead of against you. I use 3lb braid and 6lb fluorocarbon leader - only ever been bitten off once and that was because i'd left the rod unattended and the flatty had time to swallow the plastic. That being said they aren't leader shy - i just keep it light as i can chase flathead and bream with the same outfit without changing leaders (and the leader knot passes through the guide with less resistance) When using soft plastics 99% of the time you're going to hook them in the lip/jaw. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dirvin21 Posted October 23, 2017 Share Posted October 23, 2017 run a light drag and just go gently if its a good fish most bite offs happen because people get nervous and try and rush the fish in Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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