What's hot: Flounder is in full swing. Schools of big, breeder flounder are in sandy areas surrounding structures, including grass and rock. Most larger flounder have been caught in 10-30 feet. But keeper-sized ones can be caught in shallower than 5 feet.
Tactics: Look for oyster bars and rocky spoil islands surrounded by a sandy or shell bottom. Most structures have a deeper side with more moving water. That's where the flounder will be. Also check out near-shore structures. Anchor just off them or set up a drift from one end to the other. Popular baits include finger mullet, pinfish and scaled sardines.
Tackle: When fishing inshore, lighter tackle can be used, including spin gear of 10-12 pounds. A 25-pound leader, a 1/O or 2/O circle hook and a small weight are all that is needed. In deeper water, beef up the tackle. Grouper in shallow water also will eat your flounder bait. Spin or conventional gear of 15-30 pounds and 40-pound leader allow you to have fun with flounder and give you a chance at that keeper grouper.
Seth Leto runs Pristine Fishing Charters out of Tarpon Springs. Call (727) 385-0382.
Loading...