Dusky Flathead (also known as Flathead) in New South Wales. Minimum legal size, daily bag limit, possession limit, slot rule — verified against the NSW DPIRD guide, 2026.
In New South Wales, the minimum legal size for Dusky Flathead is 36 cm and the daily bag limit is 5, with a possession limit of 10. A slot limit applies: Dusky flathead must be within a 36–70 cm slot: anything under 36 cm or over 70 cm must be released. The 70 cm upper limit protects large breeding females. There is no closed season in NSW.
Dusky flathead must be within a 36–70 cm slot: anything under 36 cm or over 70 cm must be released. The 70 cm upper limit protects large breeding females.
No closed season
Verify your fish — sand flathead and other species have different rules. See our Sydney Flathead Guide for ID help.
These limits are pulled from the NSW DPIRD Recreational Saltwater Fishing Guide. Last verified June 2026.
Always check the official guide before keeping any fish. Regulations change. New South Wales Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development updates its guide annually and occasionally mid-year. Fines for over-bag or undersized fish are significant.
You also need a current NSW Recreational Fishing Fee receipt to fish in NSW waters unless exempt. Buy online from Service NSW.
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