By Gary Hendry
Fishing for flounder is an adventurous activity for both beginners and seasoned anglers. However, flounder can be challenging to catch when you’re not equipped with information as to where they hang out as well as their habits. In this article, I’ll share some great outdoor fishing tips that will help you improve your flounder fishing game.
Flounder habits
Flounder prefer to hang out close to the shore, on the ocean floor, as well as in shallow reefs, deep trenches, creeks, estuaries, and rivers. Other places where flounder can be found include rocks, sandbars, docks, drop-offs, bridges, and mouths of creeks. During winter, flounder migrate to deeper water and settle on the sandy ocean floor and only return to shallow waters during spring. The best time to fish for flounder is during the migration period when they begin to move out of the rivers and creeks to the ocean. The migration period is usually between September and November.
Essential equipment for flounder fishing
Fishing rod and reel –Choose a medium 7-foot casting rod and a 10-12 lb. reel so your line doesn’t snap when you catch bigger flounder. It’s also recommended to use circle hooks, which are more effective. You can pair your hook with a sinker so your line can reach the bottom where flounder tends to hang out.
Line and tackle –Choose your fishing line depending on the size of the flounder you intend to catch. A 14-20 lb. fishing line is ideal for larger species while a 10-12 lb. line is recommended for smaller species.
Baits- Live baits such as sea worms, minnow, mullet, croakers, and live shrimps are recommended for catching flounder. If you prefer artificial bait, choose those that mimic the movements of small fish.
How to catch flounder
You can fish for flounder using two methods – with a rod or with a gig.
Drift and bounce
This method involves getting on a boat and heading out onto the water. Once you’ve set up your fishing gear, drop your bait, and add weights to ensure it gets to the bottom of the sea. Make sure you can feel the seabed. Bounce the bait along the sea bottom to catch their attention. Flounder don’t always take bait immediately but tend to follow it when you’re retrieving it. Give it some time to get a grip on the bait. You can then set the hook and reel in your line slowly. You can cast your line from the shore or use a fishing boat.
Gigging
The gigging method is very simple. Essentially, it involves spearing flounder using a barbed spike. The best time for gigging is nighttime when flounder are stationary. You can do gigging from a boat or the shore. However, you’ll need to check if your area legally allows gigging before you head out for outdoor fishing. Be sure to aim properly such that flounder will not thrash around.
With this simple guide, you’re equipped for a fruitful flounder catch in your next outdoor fishing adventure.