Flounder
LOCATIONS
BODIES OF WATER
Ocean, Beaches. Southern Chesapeake bay, Delaware Bay. Tidal areas closer to the ocean
They are typically found in estuaries and nearshore coastal waters.
STRUCTURE/HABITAT
Flounder are bottom-dwelling fish that are often found in sandy or muddy areas, as well as around structures such as jetties, piers, reefs, and shipwrecks. They are also known to congregate around areas with high concentrations of baitfish.
Surf- located near dropoffs/sandbars in the surf. Can be found closer to shore. Try areas protected from direct surf currents on the beach. Areas where they can hide from currents.
PATTERNS
SPRING
Flounder can be found in estuaries as they migrate towards the bays and inlets to spawn.
Fishing picks up.
SUMMER
Flounder are found in various locations. Fishing from the beach and jetties is productive. Fish will also be found deeper near wrecks and reefs on the bottom.
FALL
Flounder will remain near inshore locations an structures until it gets colder. Flounder will move deeper as temps drop
WINTER
Typically flounder will stay in deeper water off the ocean coastlines. Roughly 50+ ft depths near structures or dropoffs.
More diffiuclt to catch.
Bait
Bloodworms, Soft Crab, Squid, Croaker, Mullet, Minnows
Techniques
Bait Fishing
How: Flounder are bottom-dwellers that feed on small fish and crustaceans. Use a bottom rig with a live baitfish or a strip of cut bait, such as squid or mackerel.
Gear: Rods: 6-7 ft light to medium-light spinning rods. Reels: Spinning reels with line capacity of 150-200 yds of 6-12 lb test. Hooks: Size 1-2/0 hooks. Rigs: Bottom rigs with sinkers ranging from 1/4 to 1 oz.
Jigging
How: Use a jig with a soft plastic bait that mimics a small baitfish or a shrimp. Bounce the jig along the bottom and retrieve it slowly to entice a bite.
Gear: Rods: 6-7 ft light to medium-light spinning rods. Reels: Spinning reels with line capacity of 150-200 yds of 6-12 lb test. Jigs: 1/4-1/2 oz jigs with soft plastic bait. Leaders: 15-20 lb fluorocarbon leaders.
Drift Fishing
How: Drift fishing allows you to cover a larger area and find where the flounder are concentrated. Use a live baitfish or a strip of cut bait on a bottom rig.
Gear: Rods: 6-7 ft light to medium-light spinning rods. Reels: Spinning reels with line capacity of 150-200 yds of 6-12 lb test. Hooks: Size 1-2/0 hooks. Rigs: Bottom rigs with sinkers ranging from 1/4 to 1 oz.