Scientific name Paralichthys dentatus, the flounder can be found by the Atlantic coast inshore waters along the coasts of southern Florida and Nova Scotia. The flounder belongs to the flatfish group but are distinguishable for the mottled light spots scattered on its body.
Characteristics
Apart from the spots on their body, the flounder has the ability to modify its skin tone to correspond with the hues in the water, perfect for going after its prey. The number of flounders in the US continues to increase, and that’s why it’s become a popular choice among anglers. Aside from being a popular game fish, the flounder is also known for its delicious taste, and it’s highly regarded as a gourmet fillet in many countries around the world.
Lures and Baits
The type of flounder you catch depends on where, when and how you go about it. You could end up getting a 1 lb. flounder or one that weighs 15 lbs. or even heavier ones. What all flounder share in common is a strong appetite, and this is good because it means you can use live bait, shrimp or squid strips. Regardless which of these bait you choose, what’s important is your bait continues to move as drifting is one of the most effective ways of catching fish.
flounder go for live, natural baits as well as the artificial ones. You can experiment with different types, but when it comes to artificial lures among the most effective are the biodegradable ones which have been enhanced with pheromone. These baits are designed to simulate crabs, shrimps and other stuff that make up the flounder’s meals. Regardless what bait you choose, make certain that it’s fastened on your fluorocarbon leader’s terminal end so it’s not visible to the fish when placed in the water.
How to Catch Flounder
Most flatfish like to hold the bait in their mouth and play with it prior to swallowing. Because it doesn’t immediately swallow the bait, new anglers get frustrated. The key to catching flounder successfully is to be more patient compared to catching other game fish. One of the first things you have to remember is not to set the hook or pull up the rod immediately when a flounder bites. Once a flounder takes a bite, wait for around ten seconds, and then reel in your line slowly but firmly. Don’t pump your rod because it could snap the hook off the flounder’s mouth.
In most conditions a medium light to medium action rod (6 to 6.5 ft.) with a 2000 to 3000 spooled reel will suffice. The fluorocarbon leader should be 2 feet and the test braid around 10 lbs. Combine this with a ¼ to 10 oz. bucktail or jig and you’re all set.
Some anglers prefer to use baitcasting combos and they work fine too. If you’ve got a jighead heavier than 1 oz., get a heavier rod. Just to make sure you cover all the bases, it’s best to carry reels and rods that can handle everything from ¼ oz. to 4 oz. jigs.