Slow rolling with Ari!
My Fishing has been a massive part of my life since I was just three years old, thanks to my dad who introduced me to the thrill of the catch. Now, as ‘FishingwithAri’ from Newcastle, NSW, Australia, I can confidently say that my passion has grown into a lifestyle. Whether I’m out on the water with my mates sharing laughs and competition or enjoying the solitude of a solo session, fishing feeds my soul. It’s where I reset, recharge, and truly connect with nature.
Flathead is my number one target species, without a doubt. There’s something about the powerful hit and fierce fight of these beauties that keeps me coming back for more. Plus, the temptation of hooking a true metre fish is an addiction all its own. I target these flatheads in the shallows of the Central Coast and North Coast, where the water is alive with potential. You’ll often find me slow-rolling hard-bodied lures along the run-out tide, and that’s where the magic happens.
The slow roll is my favourite technique. It’s all about that steady, continuous retrieve that keeps the lure moving just right—perfectly imitating a bait fish gliding through the water. I often fish the shallow areas, focusing on structure like drop-offs or weed beds where flathead like to lie in wait. I’ll work my lure back nice and smoothly, keeping it just above the bottom. That’s when the flatheads can’t resist the urge to strike! The excitement builds with every cast—you’ve got to keep your eyes peeled because these fish can surprise you!
While the slow roll is king, I also use other techniques that can be just as effective. The "hopping" technique is great for mimicking an injured baitfish. You cast your lure out, let it sink to the bottom, then lift the rod tip to create a little jiggle before letting it drop back down. When the lure sinks, it often triggers those ambush strikes from flathead lurking below.
Another solid method is the "burn and kill." This involves giving the lure a few rapid winds to create a frenzy ("burn") followed by a pause where the lure can sink ("kill"). Varying the speed and duration of both the burn and the kill can work wonders, convincing flathead that prey is trying to escape and prompting them to bite.
One of my proudest moments was landing a flathead just over 90cm. The adrenaline was through the roof as I felt the pull on my line during those long runs. With my heart racing, I kept focused, using steady pressure to guide it closer. When I finally slid that beauty into the net, the relief and joy were unforgettable. That’s the thrill of fishing, and it’s moments like that which drive me to keep improving with each session. I’m always refining my techniques—from reading the water and understanding tidal movements to matching the bait they’re munching on. Consistency beats luck any day, and fishing near drop-offs, mangroves, or drainage areas is where the action happens.
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Representing Black Magic Tackle has been unreal. The BMAX lures have been killer, especially for flathead and bream. My go-to gear includes the Hyper Glide 13X line, which casts like a dream and is super sensitive, helping me feel every nibble. It fits perfectly with my style, giving me the confidence to tackle whatever comes my way. I also reckon a solid rod is crucial—something that balances strength with a bit of finesse to handle those intense head shakes when you’re hooked up to a big flatty.
For anyone thinking about visiting my waters, here’s my advice: Don’t just rock up and start casting. Learn the tides and understand how the fish move. Timing is everything—hit the flats early or late when the bait’s pushing, and the fish are hunting. Keep it simple; move around, explore, and read the water. Every little sand edge or drop-off can hold a monster waiting to be hooked. And above all, show respect for our waterways by leaving them cleaner than you found them. Take it all in—the sunrise reflecting off the water, the sounds of nature—all of it makes the chase even more worthwhile.
The next chapter for me? More competitions, new waterways, and levelling up my content.
My big goal is to land a genuine metre flathead on camera—now that would be the dream! With each cast, I’m not just hunting fish; I’m building my community and sharing the joy of fishing with everyone. So, here’s to the adventure ahead, and may the pursuit of flathead continue to thrill every angler on the water!
Arikan Dogan, also known as ‘FishingwithAri’, hails from Newcastle, NSW, Australia. He began fishing at just three years old and quickly developed a passion for lure fishing. Arikan targets species like flathead, mulloway, kingfish, bream, snapper, and tuna, with memorable catches including a 72cm flathead on 20lb Black Magic gear. He loves using Black Magic tackle, especially their leader, hooks, and rigs, which he finds reliable and effective. With goals of joining a professional angler team and expanding his presence in the fishing community, Arikan embodies the spirit of adventure and connection within the angling world.
