I am always hoping in the back of my mind that at least some of these articles are helping you to up your flounder catching skills. Some of the time it may seem repetitive but the only reason for that is once you can pattern flounder and where they like to sleep, eat, feed and all of their habits. It all becomes more of a routine after a while. I cannot stress enough about how the wind is really affecting the clarity of the water and making it very difficult on some nights. I have most definitely seen the flounder numbers greatly increasing, especially in the super skinny areas where they are at during the hotter months.
The other night I went and dropped the boat in at a protected area and was still fighting 20mph plus winds, which made it very hard to control the boat and keep it straight. I just parked it and started walking. Lots of flounder were hanging out in between three and six inches of water, with the occasional slab lying on the grass drop off. Although not super extreme, any kid of fluctuation in depth allows them for a quick deep water escape. When I would see a good amount of bait in the area I knew the flounder were not far away, whether it be a mud minnow, mullet or just a nice looking shrimp the fish were waiting for them, ambush style. It was during this trip that I was able to acquire my personal best flounder at almost twenty-six inches and a hefty eight pounds. For me commercially that was a $40 fish by itself. I hate looking at it that way but it is how I make my living.
Rod and reel fishing is getting quite a bit better also. My way of looking at it is if I cannot find and gig them I can always catch them on a fishing line. I have been using chickenboy lures bubba clucker in black mamba or white/pink. Thump kings in chartreuse have also been doing well. I would try a ¼ ounce jig head first, I prefer hellrazor jig heads. If that’s not heavy enough to keep you on bottom try the next heaviest size. Try your luck at the jetties on the surf side or if you have access to the marsh then find spoils and work them profusely. Remember if you have any questions or just want some pointers, feel free to email me or join my group Flounder Fanatics on Facebook. Thanks to all of my sponsors: chickenboy lures, saltthugzapparel, fin addict angler, Kelley wigglers, hookspit rods, retail republic,thump kings, ardent reels, stinkypants fishing and hellrazor jig heads.
Until next time, tight lines and sharp gigs.
Brian Joseph Spencer
Flounder Fanatics @ Facebook | Flounderfanatics@gmail.com