caught this 15 inches Flounder in Fort Desoto Gulf Pier.
With the incoming tide beginning to push and a moderate chop on the water, conditions were lining up as the bite slowly came to life. I was fishing a 7’2” Daiwa Arid Coastal medium-heavy rod paired with a Daiwa Legalis 2500, spooled with 10-lb Beyond Braid. The rig was simple and effective: a 12-inch, 20-lb leader, a 7/8-oz weight, and a 3/0 circle hook, baited with a live shrimp.
On the retrieve, the initial pressure felt like a snagged rock on the bottom. As I continued reeling, the weight shifted, the rod loaded up, and the fight began. Moments later, I landed my first flounder—a rewarding reminder that patience, proper presentation, and paying attention to tide movement often make the difference when the bite turns on.
