Caravan cuisine: Flathead tacos
Is there anything better than freshly caught flathead fillets cooked up with a mexican twist on the 'van's external kitchen?There’s something special about pulling up to a quiet coastal camp, backing in the 'van, and knowing your entire afternoon is yours.
No deadlines. No noise. Just a stretch of sand, a fishing rod, and a pan waiting for the day’s catch.
On this trip, I set up at Jimmy’s Beach on the Central Coast of New South Wales with the JB Caravans Gator Hybrid 16 (borrowed from the local dealer), and within an hour, I was doing exactly what I love most - chasing flathead.
Quick tips for chasing flathead
Flathead are the perfect target species for any coastal angler — easy to find, great to eat, and accessible whether you’re fishing from a boat, kayak, or the shore.
The key is to focus on areas with sandbanks, drop-offs, and patches of weed where baitfish tend to gather. These ambush predators lie camouflaged in the sand, waiting for an easy meal to swim past.
A light spin rod and reel combo is all you need — something in the 2–4kg range spooled with 6–10lb braid and a light fluorocarbon leader. My go-to lure is a soft plastic on a lightly weighted jighead, worked slowly along the bottom. The bite can feel subtle, more like a little ‘tick’ than a hit, but once you connect, you’ll know.
If lures aren’t your thing, fresh bait like prawns or pilchards will do the trick. Just make sure to give the fish time — patience is half the fun. On this trip, it didn’t take long. A few casts over a new sand flat and I was onto a nice dusky flathead measuring 38 centimetres — a perfect size for lunch.
When you do land one, handle it carefully. Bleed and ice your catch as soon as possible to keep the flesh firm and fresh. A good esky and sharp filleting knife make all the difference. Treat the fish well, and it’ll repay you on the plate.
Cooking up a caravan storm...
Back at camp, the Gator Hybrid 16’s outdoor setup was calling my name. If you haven’t seen one of these caravans up close, the outdoor kitchen facilities are a standout.
You’ve got everything you need: slide-out cooktop, prep bench, storage, and even enough space to plate up comfortably. The whole setup encourages you to spend more time outside — which, for me, is what caravanning’s all about.
What really impressed me was how well-designed the layout is. It’s compact but incredibly functional. Within minutes, I had the fish filleted, the panko crumbs ready, and the pan sizzling. The 'van also makes it easy to move seamlessly between cooking, and relaxing — no fuss, no wasted time.
Outdoor cooking isn’t just about convenience; it’s about connection. There’s something about hearing the sea breeze through the trees while you’re flipping fillets that makes a meal taste better. Maybe it’s the fresh air. Maybe it’s the satisfaction of knowing you caught it yourself. Either way, it’s unbeatable.
Panko-Crumbed Flathead Fish Tacos
Here’s how I made mine that afternoon at Jimmy’s Beach. You don’t need much, and you can pull it together in 20 minutes flat.
Ingredients:
- Fresh flathead fillets (skin off)
- Plain flour
- 2 eggs, beaten
- Panko breadcrumbs
- Salt and pepper
- Olive oil or butter for frying
- Soft wraps or tortillas
- Homemade slaw (shredded cabbage, carrot, and red onion)
- Sliced avocado
- Kewpie mayo or aioli
- Lime wedges to serve
Method:
- Prep the fish — Pat the fillets dry and season with salt and pepper. Coat in flour, dip in egg, and roll in panko breadcrumbs until evenly covered.
- Heat your pan — Add oil or butter to a medium-hot pan. Fry the fillets for 2–3 minutes each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Assemble your tacos — Warm the wraps, add a spoonful of slaw, a few slices of avocado, and the crispy flathead fillets.
- Finish strong — Drizzle with Kewpie mayo, squeeze over some lime, and enjoy with a cold drink in hand.
That’s it. Simple, fresh, and ridiculously good. No fuss, no need for fancy sauces — just clean flavours and that crunchy texture you only get from fresh panko crumbs. Has outside cooking ever been this easy?
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