Chasing Giant Flathead in Skinny Water
In this clip, Andrew Hart from Hook, Line and Sinker jumps aboard a Bar Crusher 535XS to chase big flathead in shallow estuary water. This kind of skinny-water sight-casting is where a purpose-built fishing boat shows its worth over a general-purpose runabout. The result is a trophy flathead on lures, the kind of fish anglers travel to this stretch of water to target.
Why the 535XS Suits This Style of Fishing
The 535XS is a compact centre console fishing weapon built for unrivalled fishability, and this session shows why. Its true 360° fishable platform lets you cast and fight a fish from any angle. The forward casting platform keeps the deck clear for lure work. The Waveslicer® deep-V hull and Gen2® plate aluminium construction handle the run to the fishing grounds. At rest, 217L of Quickflow® water ballast keeps the boat stable when you’re fighting a big fish boatside.
Other features that matter on a session like this include a plumbed livebait tank, a fully sealed and lockable forward hatch in the casting platform for tackle storage, and a toughened windscreen. These are practical details for a boat that spends its life on the water chasing fish.
Built for More Than Flathead
This session targets flathead, but the 535XS is set up as an all-round lure casting and trolling platform. It suits barra, bream, snapper, kingfish, bass, cod and trout, along with pretty much any freshwater, estuary or inshore species. At 5.35m, rated for 60–115hp and up to five people, it’s a fit for anglers who fish a range of water, not just the flathead grounds.
See the 535XS for Yourself
Explore the full 535XS specifications, build and quote your boat, or find your local Bar Crusher dealer.
