what is the best bait for flathead in Port Phillip Bay

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

**Best bait for flathead in Port Phillip Bay (late fall)** 🎣

- **Primary tactic**: use *soft plastics on light jig heads* (about 75–100 mm with 1/6–1/4 oz heads). Natural/goby/pearl color patterns work best when the water is cooler and visibility is mixed. 
- **Rig options**: swap to a pre-rigged soft lure when you’re swapping spots quickly:
  - [DAMIDEL 6Pcs Pre-Rigged Jig Head Soft Fishing Lures](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CYSLB838?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
  - [Berkley PowerBait MaxScent Flat Worm Finesse, 4.5in](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B096G7QW1Z?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
  - [Berkley PowerBait Pre-Rigged Minnotator, 3.5in](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D1CW47LB?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1)
- **Live bait option**: small prawns/yabbies can work well if legal and available; fish around drop-offs and weed edges with live bait before trying plastics.
- **Retrieval technique**: cast toward likely holes, weed edges, and channels; use a slow roll with subtle lifts and pauses to mimic a wounded baitfish. A quick twitch or two every 5–10 casts can tempt moody fish in late fall. 
- **Target zones**: weed edges, drop-offs, and sandy channels that hold flats; watch the sounder for bottom structure and bait schools. 
- **Timing & tides**: dawn and late afternoon are productive; aim for light to moderate incoming/outgoing tides when water is moving through flats. 
- **Weather & water notes (late fall)**: cooler water temps slow bites; keep presentations slow, keep color natural for clear days and brighter or glow variants if water is murky. If the water is clear, mimic a natural fry; if it’s a bit murky, a little glow or chartreuse helps. 
- **Gear tips**: light spinning setup, 6–12 lb braid/fluoro leader, and a smooth drag. Move slowly and stay near cover; patience pays off as flathead in PPB can be bitey but selective in late fall.

For quick training and demos, check these resources:
- [Harbour Master In Port Phillip Bay | GIANT Flathead Fishing With Soft Plastics #flathead #PPB](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F3-jKRa-77w) 
- [How to Catch Flathead, Port Phillip Bay](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UMUpTwxgSBE) 
- [How to Catch Flathead, Port Phillip Bay.](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dD2Wyk7uivU)

Happy fishing and may you find a chunky PPB flatty soon! 🐟

🎣 Port Phillip Bay, Victoria, Australia

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