| Flounder are a species of flatfish that are typically | | | | docks, reefs, and other types of natural or |
| found in the Northern Atlantic and in waters that | | | | manmade structures that protrude from the |
| are off the shores of the east coast (in the U.S.). | | | | ground. As a result, flounder can generally be |
| There are actually several different types of | | | | found close to the bottom of the ocean floor, |
| species that we often include in the term | | | | which is a good thing for fishermen to keep in |
| "flounder." In the United States, we have the | | | | mind. |
| summer flounder (found primarily in the Western | | | | Flounder are especially prevalent during their |
| Atlantic), the southern flounder, and the winter | | | | migration season, so if you want to stand the |
| flounder. There are also species of flounder that | | | | best chance of landing flounder, it's a good idea to |
| can be found in waters off the coasts of Europe | | | | angle for them from September through |
| and Japan. | | | | November, which are considered their migratory |
| Flounders are traditionally pretty small fish and | | | | months. As far as tackle is concerned, experts |
| usually range from 12 to 15 inches in size. | | | | recommend using a medium stiff casting rod, |
| Interestingly, this presents a unique challenge to | | | | particularly one that is around 7 feet long. |
| anglers. Instead of feeling an immediate bite, | | | | In addition, it's a good idea to use this in |
| fishermen who angle for flounder often can feel | | | | conjunction with a smaller baitcasting reel. Many |
| as if they've snagged their line on something. This | | | | experts consider the "standard flounder rig" to be |
| can make it tricky to ultimately land a flounder, | | | | a 4/0-circle hook on a 15-inch 30 lb. test |
| particularly because the flounder often will hold the | | | | monofilament leader (terminal rigging). However, |
| bait in its mouth and swim a few feet back to its | | | | as with most tackle, you'll want to experiment a |
| feeding area. | | | | little and perhaps implement your own unique |
| As a result, if a fisherman tries to hook it too | | | | combination that you find to be the most |
| soon, they will simply lose half of their bait. As a | | | | effective. |
| result, catching flounder presents a challenge for | | | | There are actually several factors to consider |
| fishermen despite the fish's small size. Flounder | | | | when selecting flounder rigs: water depth, current, |
| are considered ambush predators and they | | | | and bottom terrain. Because flounder live primarily |
| generally feed in the soft mud or sand of the | | | | near the bottom of the ocean (near the floor) |
| bottom of the ocean. | | | | you need to make sure that your rig can get the |
| They can especially be found near bridge piles, | | | | bait down to the bottom. |