1. Understand Flounder Behavior
Flounders are bottom dwellers, spending much of their time on or near the seafloor. They have an impressive ability to blend in with their surroundings, which makes them difficult to spot. They primarily feed on smaller fish, crabs, and shrimp, so you’ll need to focus your fishing efforts on areas where these prey species are abundant.
Flounder are most active in warmer waters during the summer months, which makes this the ideal time for fishing. Typically, you’ll find them in shallow coastal waters, estuaries, and bay areas, though they also inhabit deeper waters in search of food.
2. Choose the Right Gear
Having the right gear can make all the difference in your ability to land a bigger flounder. Here’s what you’ll need:
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Rod and Reel: A medium-action spinning rod between 6 to 7 feet is ideal for flounder fishing. Pair it with a 2500 to 4000-size spinning reel, which offers a good balance of strength and sensitivity.
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Line: A 10 to 20-pound braided line is perfect for detecting light bites while maintaining the strength needed for heavier fish. Use a fluorocarbon leader of 20 to 30 pounds to ensure the flounder doesn’t spot your line.
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Hooks: Choose a circle hook in sizes 2 to 5/0 for the best hookup rates when flounder fishing. Circle hooks are particularly effective in preventing gut hooking and ensuring a clean catch.
3. Where to Find Flounder
To catch bigger fish, you need to fish where the big ones are. Flounder can be found in a variety of habitats, but they often favor structures that provide hiding places for prey.
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Shallow Flats: Look for them along shallow sandy or muddy flats where they can blend into the bottom. These areas are perfect for flounder during high tide when they come closer to shore to hunt.
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Drop-offs and Channels: Deeper waters with drop-offs and channels near jetties, piers, or submerged structures often hold larger flounder. As the tide comes in or out, flounder will position themselves along these ledges waiting for prey to pass by.
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Estuaries and Inlets: The calm, warmer waters of estuaries and inlets are rich in the types of food that flounders love, making these spots prime locations for bigger fish.
4. Use the Right Bait
Bait selection is crucial when targeting bigger flounders. While they will eat almost anything that moves, using fresh, natural baits will increase your chances. Here are some options:
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Live Bait: Live minnows, spot fish, and small croakers are excellent choices for attracting bigger flounder. You can either fish them on a live well or rig them with a hook, letting them swim naturally near the bottom.
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Cut Bait: Fresh cut bait like squid, mullet, or menhaden is also effective when targeting larger flounder. Cut the bait into small, manageable pieces and drop it right on the bottom where flounder are feeding.
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Artificial Lures: Soft plastics imitating small fish or shrimp can be highly effective, especially when paired with a jig head. Experiment with different colors and sizes to see what works best in your area.
5. Perfect Your Technique
Flounder are known for their subtle bites, so it’s essential to detect and react quickly when you feel a tug. Here are a few tips to help you land bigger fish:
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Slow and Steady: Flounder are not fast-moving predators, so keep your bait or lure close to the bottom and use a slow, steady retrieve. Jigging the bait can also be effective in enticing a flounder to strike.
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Dragging the Bottom: The best way to find flounder is by dragging your bait or lure slowly along the bottom. Pay attention to any sudden tugs or changes in resistance. The fish might simply pick up the bait, so setting the hook too early can cause you to miss the catch.
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Timing the Tide: Flounder fishing is best around the tide change. The incoming or outgoing tide brings food into the shallows, and flounder will often be waiting in ambush. Try fishing an hour before and after the tide change for the best results.
6. Be Patient and Stay Observant
Fishing for bigger flounder requires patience. They can be elusive, and their bites can be light. Pay attention to your surroundings, and be sure to make adjustments to your bait, depth, or technique if you’re not having success. Sometimes, the biggest flounder are just waiting a little deeper or slightly off the structure, so keep varying your approach until you find them.
7. Catch and Release (or Keep)
Flounder are delicious, but if you’re targeting trophy fish, consider catch and release. Handling your fish with care ensures it can continue to thrive and grow for future anglers to enjoy. If you decide to keep your catch, remember to check local regulations for size and bag limits to protect the flounder population.
Conclusion
With the right gear, location, and technique, you can land bigger flounder this weekend and enjoy the thrill of chasing one of the ocean’s most elusive bottom dwellers. Whether you’re after a personal best or just a good time on the water, following these tips will improve your chances and give you a productive, enjoyable fishing experience. Get out there, cast your line, and land a summer flounder that will make your weekend unforgettable!
