Bartail Flathead

Habitat & layer

Sandy-muddy coasts, estuaries and harbor bottoms.

Season

More active in the warm season; possible year-round.

Identification

• Broad, flattened head and elongated body
• Sandy-brown, camouflaged against the seabed
• Dark bars on the tail fin

Common methods

• Lure (soft bait dragged on bottom)
• Bottom fishing
• Live bait fishing

Baits & lures

• Live shrimp
• Baitfish
• Soft lures
• Ragworm

Rig

Jig head with soft bait dragged slowly, or a bottom live-bait rig.