Cast out some berley to kick off a shallow water bite

Video: Al McGlashan reveals fish like these big flathead love it when the sun warms sandflats on blue sky winter days.

When it comes to fishing there is a common theory that the deeper water the better the

fishing and the bigger the fish. Think about how if you are fishing off the shoreline you always cast out as far you possibly can and if you’re are in a boat we always head further out.

However the reality is that sometimes the shallower water offers the best fishing, especially

in the cooler months. The water naturally cools down at this time of year thanks to those

bitter westerlies. Now you’d think the fish would retreat to deeper water to wait winter

out, but instead a number of species actually do the opposite and head right up into the

shallows.

This brace of flatties climbed all over lures cast across a Sydney Harbour sandflat under clear blue skies. Picture: Al McGlashan

The reason behind this is that these waters are more effected by the weather, so when get

those magic sunny blue sky days. like this week the, water temperature jumps up. Best of all

it doesn’t need a lot of sun to spark the temperature rise.

While nearly all species will take advantage of it, the dusky flathead is the master. One of the

largest inhabitants of the estuaries, they will move into incredibly shallow water seeking

some warmth. Recently I was down the coast and while walking along a breakwall I

noticed not one but several big flathead nestled in against the sand and rocks. To

the uninitiated they wouldn’t even realise the fish were there, but to a fisho like me it was

heaven on a stick!

One of Al’s winter secret techniques id to berley a sandflat then cast lures for bream. Picture: Al McGlashan

It’s not just the flathead that take advantage of this scenario, most other estuary inhabitants

are quick to seek out the hotter skinny water, even if it is just a degree or two higher. Bream, tailor and even kingfish will regularly cruise through the shallows soaking up the warmth and hunting for a feed.

This big flattie loved the warmth of breakwall rocks warmed by the sun. Picture: Al McGlashan

The problem is catching fish in the shallows is tricky as they can be super finicky at times. Add in the fact they are sluggish — their metabolism slows right down — at this time of year and you have the odds stacked against you. In the summer you can wade the shallows casting lures, but for some reason this isn’t always as effective during the colder months.

Tailor and other predators will also sneak up into the shallows responding to berley and lures. Picture: Al McGlashan

The best approach is to spice things up with a bit of berley. A block of pilchards scrunched

up and thrown out will not only draw the fish in from a much wider area, but it also seems to excite them, making them less finicky in skinny water. Always position yourself up current of the flat so the burley wafts across the casting zone covering as much ground as possible.

A big flathead in shallow water requires some stealth as they are super cautious. Picture: Al McGlashan

When it comes to techniques, the traditional approach has always been to fish baits in this

scenario. An unweighted cut bait on a VMC wide gape circle hook cast down the trail will

certainly work, however in recent times I have been doing much better fishing artificials

down the berley trail instead. Hard bodies or soft plastics like the Madeye Paddleprawns

can be absolutely deadly on anything. Best of all it’s a very visual way to fish and sometimes I just end up feeding them rather than catching them.

Al’s Tips