LOCATIONS

BODIES OF WATER

• Flounder can be found in a variety of coastal waters in the North East of the US, including bays, inlets, lagoons, estuaries, and the surf zone along beaches.

• They are also found in freshwater rivers and canals that are connected to the ocean.

STRUCTURE/HABITAT

• Flounder prefer sandy bottoms and are often found around natural structures such as jetties, groins, and sandbars.

• They are also known to congregate around man-made structures such as pilings, bridge abutments, and artificial reefs.

• Flounder are typically found in shallow waters, often less than 20 feet deep, but they can also be found in deeper waters up to 60 feet.

PATTERNS

SPRING

• During the spring months, flounder migrate into estuaries and shallow coastal waters along the Northeast coast in search of spawning grounds and abundant prey. Target them using bottom fishing techniques with baited rigs, jigs, and sinkers. Look for areas with sandy bottoms, submerged structure, and underwater grass beds, where flounder are likely to gather in large numbers. Additionally, consider fishing around tidal flats, marshes, and areas with underwater channels where flounder may seek shelter and ambush prey.

  
  

SUMMER

• Flounder can be found in deeper offshore waters, particularly near channels, underwater grass beds, and shell reefs. Target them using bottom fishing techniques. Focus on areas with sandy bottoms, submerged structure, and underwater grass beds, where flounder are likely to feed on baitfish and other prey.

  
  

FALL

• As temperatures cool down in the fall, flounder may migrate into shallower nearshore waters in search of food. Target them using bottom fishing techniques with baited rigs, jigs, and sinkers. Look for areas with sandy bottoms, submerged structure, and underwater grass beds, where flounder are likely to gather to feed on baitfish and other prey. Additionally, consider fishing around tidal flats, marshes, and areas with submerged grass beds where flounder may congregate in large numbers.

WINTER

• Flounder may move into deeper offshore waters, particularly near channels, wrecks, and artificial reefs.

Bait

• Blodoworms, soft crab, squid, shrimp, 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.