The fall weather has finally arrived and with that fishing gets better and better. One of the best fisheries in November is flounder, both Gulf flounder and its bigger cousin the southern flounder. The Gulf flounder is easy to identify by the three predominant dark spots on the body, whereas the southern is darker and gets bigger. The southern is often referred to as a “doormat” because they can reach lengths of 24 inches or better. Both species are great table fare and can be cooked in a number of ways.
Most fish are easy to identify because their eyes are located in what most consider a normal position; not so with flounders in our area. When they hatch from egg, the eyes are in the standard place on the head, but migrate to the left side when young. Oddly enough, there are flounder in the world that have their eyes move to the right side, like some halibut. All flounders are masters of camouflage and can bury themselves in whatever bottom they are hiding in. Being top predators, they are ambush hunters and strike hard when feeding.
Fishing for these great fish can be done in a number of ways. In the fall, spawning takes place offshore and flounder of both species congregate to move to deeper water. Fishing around any structure in 30 to 60 feet depths, with jigs or live bait, can produce some really nice fish. Bull minnows on a dropper rig is a sure thing, but jigs tipped with bait will also work. One of the interesting ways to catch them is to gig the fish when they are in shallow water. This is a special way to fish and it pays to talk to someone who knows the ropes before you decide to take this on.
Gag grouper are big and biting offshore, so don’t give up on them. The cooler weather brings the bigger fish into shallow waters and the season is open till the end of December. Inshore, the trout will be huddling up to move into the inner bays and rivers. When you locate one, there is sure to be others around. Redfish start to appear around Dog Island with the offshore breed schooling up along the beaches.
It is finally getting comfortable to be on the water so take advantage of it! The fish are also getting spunkier so fall can be great.
Good luck out there and be safe.
CAPT. CHESTER REESE
Natural World Charters
(850) 228-9060
www.naturalworldcharters.com