Flounder Fishing

Fishing for flounder is a favorite pastime for many anglers due to its combination of skill, challenge, and the rewarding taste of the catch. These bottom-dwelling fish are found in coastal waters, and with the right approach, you can reel in plenty.

About Flounder

• Appearance: Flatfish with both eyes on one side of their head.
• Habitat: Found near sandy or muddy bottoms, grass flats, and near structures like docks or jetties.
• Behavior: Flounder are ambush predators, lying in wait to pounce on passing prey.

When to Fish for Flounder

• Best Seasons: Spring and fall are prime flounder fishing times due to their migration patterns.
• Best Times of Day: Early morning or late afternoon during tidal changes are ideal.

Fishing Gear for Flounder

• Rod and Reel:
  • Medium-light spinning rods offer good sensitivity to feel subtle bites.
• Line:
  • 10–20 lb braided line with a 12–20 lb fluorocarbon leader.
• Hooks:
  • Size 1/0 or 2/0 circle or J-hooks work well.
• Weights:
  • Use sinkers heavy enough to keep the bait near the bottom.

Bait for Flounder

• Live Bait:
  • Mud minnows, finger mullet, and live shrimp are top choices.
• Artificial Lures:
  • Soft plastic grubs, paddle tails, and scented baits like Gulp! are effective.
  • Jig heads (1/4 to 1 oz) or bucktail jigs are excellent for bouncing along the bottom.

Fishing Techniques

1. Drifting:
   • Drift slowly over likely flounder habitats like sandy drop-offs and channels.
   • Use a Carolina rig with live bait to cover more ground.
2. Jigging:
   • Cast soft plastics or jigs and hop them along the bottom.
   • Pause occasionally to mimic the behavior of prey.
3. Bottom Fishing:
   • Anchor near docks or other structures and use live bait rigs.
   • Let your bait sit and twitch it lightly to entice strikes.

Recognizing a Bite

• Flounder bites can feel like a light tug or added weight on the line.
• Be patient! Flounder often "taste" the bait before fully committing.
• Wait a few seconds before setting the hook to ensure a solid hook-up.

Hot Spots for Flounder

• Coastal bays, inlets, estuaries, and tidal creeks.
• Near underwater structures such as oyster beds, rock piles, or jetties.

Regulations and Conservation

• Size and Bag Limits: Check your local fishing regulations for size limits and daily catch limits.
• Seasonal Closures: Some regions have seasonal restrictions to protect spawning populations.

Tips for Success

1. Follow the Tide: Flounder are more active during moving tides. Fish the edges of the tide for the best results.
2. Cover Ground: If you're not getting bites, move to a new location.
3. Use Scented Baits: Flounder rely heavily on smell to find prey, so scented lures or baits can increase your chances.
4. Stay Low: Fish along the bottom where flounder feed.

Cooking Flounder

Flounder is highly sought after for its delicate flavor. Popular cooking methods include:

• Pan-Seared: Lightly breaded and fried with butter and lemon.
• Baked: Stuff with crab meat or herbs for a flavorful dish.
• Grilled: Brush with olive oil and season with salt and pepper for a light, smoky taste.

Fishing for flounder can be both relaxing and exciting, with a tasty reward at the end of the day. Good luck on your next trip!