Get flat out and go looking for a bit of action

Early October would have to be my favourite time of the year for sight-casting on the flats.

Stewie Martin with blue salmon fishing column

Early October would have to be my favourite time of the year for sight-casting on the flats.

The water clarity is generally at its best as it hasn’t rained for months, and the water isn’t too hot, so the fish are still venturing up into the skinny water.

Activity levels are peaking as these frisky, pre-spawn male barra get up on to the shallow flats to smash any unsuspecting baitfish.

Building tides are best, but you can still find windows to sight-cast fish on the bigger tides, just be careful if it’s outgoing!

The best clarity usually occurs on the outgoing tide, and as the small, spiky aerial mangrove roots are being exposed the baitfish are forced to leave the cover of the mangrove forest and the barra are generally feeding hard. Stealth your way along the flats with a Minn Kota electric, using lightly weighted soft plastics like the KO Tailbaitz or small Bombers.

If you’re seeing lots of baitfish activity, creep as slowly as possible, keeping an eye out for bow waves, shadows or anything that indicates a big fish on the flats.

Try to cast well ahead of any cruising fish and let them come upon your lure naturally. Never cast at a fish travelling away from you, rather try and reposition to get a good shot.

Tight lines and catch ya on the water.