Flounder Fishing Tips

The flounder is a unique fish with some odd features. The average size for this flatfish is about fifteen inches but they have been caught measuring in at around three feet. They are a predator fish that can be found about twenty-five to thirty miles offshore where they lie in wait to ambush their prey. They prefer being in waters with sandy bottoms but they can survive in waters with rocky bottoms and around reefs.

One of the most extraordinary features of the flounder is their eyes. They have an eye on each side of their head when they are young but this will change as they mature. The flounder lie quietly on the bottom of the ocean and wait for food to come by. As they mature metamorphosis occurs in which one of their eyes (the one on bottom) will actually migrate to the opposite side of the head. As a result, they have two eyes on one side and none on the other.

This is a species that is sought out for the sport of fishing and for their great taste. They can be a little harder to catch than many of the other species so expect a challenge when you go after these fish. Of course, this is one of the reasons why they are so popular with many anglers. The following information can help to increase the amount of success you have when fishing for this species.

flounder fishing tips:

1. Normally live bait will get the best results when fishing for flounder. The best choices include minnows, worms, shrimp, squid, clams and mullet. The bait should be fresh for the best results. You can use artificial baits when fishing for this species but you do need to choose carefully and present them correctly. The soft plastic lures have proven do very well when fishing for flounder. They are also attracted to lures that are shiny or red, pink and white colors.

2. Since the flounder lies on the bottom of the ocean floor you need to choose a fishing technique that allows you to get the bait down on the bottom where they are located. Bottom fishing will usually yield good results because it allows you to move the bait along the bottom in a very enticing way. Fishing rigs generally work very well and so does drift fishing.

3. When fishing for flounder the size of the bait you use is just as important as what you use. It can't be too small or too large. Small bait won't stay on the hook and large bait won't fit in the mouth of the flounder. Therefore, you need something in-between and you may need to experiment a little before finding the right size.

Dan Eggertsen is a fishing researcher and enthusiast who is committed to providing the best salt water fishing information possible. Go to http://www.asksaltwaterfishing.com/editorials/flounder- fishing-tips.html for more information on salt water fishing.