Floundering Around

Floundering Around - Tips, tricks, tactics and techniques for bagging Northwest Florida’s favorite flatfish.

Flatties, flatfish, fluke - call them what you want, flounder are at the top of many anglers and restaurants list for tastiest table fare. These odd looking bottom feeders are voracious ambush predators that camouflage into the bottom substrate and wait for the opportune moment to strike. When a baitfish or crustacean swims too close, the patiently waiting flounder opens its gapping mouth and instantly swallows its prey whole. These tenacious fish are not easy to catch as strikes can be barely detectable - even for the veteran angler. Although I rarely set out to specifically target flounder on my charters, I will share a few techniques and tactics that work for me. I will also pass along some tips and tricks from several local guides along the Panhandle who were kind enough to divulge their special secrets as well as some of their favorite flounder hot spots. Get out your little black book and get ready to take a few notes, as the following information will surely help you put some tasty flounder filets on your dinner table.

Overview…

There are over 200 species of flounder worldwide, but only two are typically caught in the Northwest Gulf Coast: the southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) and the gulf flounder (Paralichtys albigutta). The southern flounder grows much larger than its cousin, reaching up to and occasionally tipping the scale at over eight pounds. These slimy fish have numerous spots and grow rapidly, reaching approximately 12-inches within their first few years of life. Females grow larger than their male counterparts, and often reach lengths of 25-inches or more. Gulf flounder have three distinct eye-like spots that form a triangle pattern on their ‘upside,’ and rarely break the four pound mark. Flounder can tolerate a wide range of salinities and reports have shown that it’s not uncommon to encounter them far up inland creeks and rivers.

When a flounder hatches, it appears like an ordinary fish, somewhat similar to a perch. Early on, an unusual metamorphosis begins. Its right eye starts to migrate over to the left side of its head, its jaw twists slightly, and the fish begins to swim in a vertical motion. Within two to three weeks, after this amazing evolutionary transformation takes place, the flounder stops swimming like a normal fish and starts to move about horizontally around sandy and muddy bottoms. They often bury themselves in the substrate as they patiently wait for unsuspecting prey to enter their strike zone. When a passing fish, shrimp or crab swims within reach, they open their mouths, clamp down on the unsuspecting critter and ingest the victim whole.

In my many years as a Pensacola charter captain, I have managed to stumble upon a few trusty spots that have proven to be ultra-productive when targeting elusive flounder. The Three Mile Bridge on both the Pensacola and Gulf Breeze sides is a great place to look, as is Pensacola Pass on both the east and west sides. When fishing the west side of the pass, focus your efforts around the drop-off that ranges from 12–25 feet of water, as this is where you will most likely encounter consistent action. Also, out in the Gulf, I have consistently found flounder around the outskirts of the USS Massachusetts. This old ship has been around since the 1920s and can hold a variety of prized species depending upon the time of year. Remember when fishing these areas to keep a close eye on the tides, as water movement is a must for successful flounder pounding.  

Locating the Bite…

Drifting is by far the most productive way to cross paths with tasty flatties, as they are ambush predators that wait for prey to swim within striking distance. Tidal rips around creeks, river mouths, seawalls and oyster bars are ideal places for flounder to set up their ambush. They also like to settle in around drop-offs accompanied by moving water. Remember that flounder don’t move around much, so you will have to place your offering within striking distance to entice a bite. Shell fragment shorelines that quickly slope off into grassy bottoms are also great places to look for these voracious feeders. Most flounder spots produce fish trip after trip, so if you’ve found them before, you will know exactly where to start your search on your next outing.

To inexperienced anglers, a flounder strike may feel like nothing more than the sinker bouncing off the bottom - the experienced flounder pounder knows different. Although flounder strikes can be somewhat subtle, the rod tip almost always lets you know. My flounder philosophy is, “When in doubt, set the hook!”

When you land a keeper flounder, pay close attention to its colors. A dark back indicates that the fish has been hovering over muddy bottoms or dark colored grass; whereas a light colored back indicates that the fish has been residing near sand.

Spawning Migration…

From November through February, adult flounder start their annual spawning migration to the warmer waters of our offshore arenas. Immediately after spawning, adult flounder return to the estuaries and rivers, however, many find permanent homes in Pensacola Pass and reside there all winter long. In the spring, a few will venture up the local rivers and if you know the right spots and have the correct tackle on hand, you, too, can effectively bag a few tasty doormats.

Basic Carolina Rig…

A typical flounder rig, better known as the Carolina rig, varies across the state as most anglers have their own favorite rigging methods. My rig consists of a ¼ oz. – three oz. egg-sinker (depending upon the current and water depth), a three foot section of 15 – 20lb. test monofilament leader, and two beads to create irresistible sound and vibration. Live bait such as shrimp, bull minnow and finger mullet all attract serious attention. There are also a few artificial favorites that will entice quality hookups. My personal favorite is a small ¼ oz. to ½ oz. multi-colored Mister Twister round jighead matched with a pumpkin pepper or solid white Exude curly-tail grub. Another proven artificial is a three-inch Berkley Gulp Shrimp in penny color, rigged on the same ¼ oz. - ½ oz. jighead.

Hot Spots & Rigging Tips from Expert Regional Guides:

Many anglers think flounder fishing is difficult. It really isn’t, you just need to have the proper tackle, knowledge and know-how. Along the upper Gulf Coast, flounder fishing can be very rewarding and with some helpful hints from a few local guides who make their living on the water, we are going to point you in the right direction.

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Captain Pat Dineen - Destin

Flyliner Charters

850.376.0400

www.flyliner.com

Captain Greg Burnett - Panama City

Osprey Charter

850.814.8016

www.fishosprey.com

Captain Greg tells me that the winter flounder fishing around Panama City Beach is usually productive. There are quite a few promising inshore structures that are really close to St. Andrews Pass, and any of the reefs in the 40-60 foot range do hold fish. The Bridge Spans, Inshore Tower, Black Bart, whistle buoy and gas buoys are also good bets. Small live baits such as pinfish and bull minnow are highly effective, and Captain Greg also suggests fishing these offerings on a Carolina style rig with light fluorocarbon leaders and just enough lead to keep the bait on the bottom.

Captain Tim Harvey – Port St. Joe

Tall Tales Fishing Charters

850.527.7230

www.talltalesfishing.com

Captain Tim prefers to fish for flounder during the winter months around deeper water. One spot he routinely visits is the Lumber Ship - an old wreck that is located just off the shipping channel in front of the bay. Other recommended areas worth checking out are the range markers located down the beach from Port St. Joe to Mexico Beach.

“Ideally, you need to be in about 25 feet of water, and look for drop-offs. Make sure you keep a close eye on the weather, as winter seas can be unpredictable,” says Harvey.

Captain Dwayne Allen - Apalachicola

Book Me A Charter

850.653.2622

www.BookMeACharter.com

In Captain Dwayne’s neck of the woods, it is possible to catch an occasional flounder in Apalachicola Bay while fishing during January and February, but you are not likely to find them in large numbers during the coldest months of the year. November marks the beginning of spawning season in this region and most of the flounder, both bay and Gulf species, are from two to ten miles offshore. Be aware of the weather - in the winter a northerly wind can be deceiving in the fact that it appears calm, however, the further you venture offshore, the rougher the waters become.

Time to Score…

Now that you have heard the news and learned a few hot spots for your area, what are you waiting for? Grab your light tackle rods, rig them like our area guides suggested and see if you can pull on that that trophy flounder you have always dreamed of. See you on the water and I hope you have nothing but tight lines during all of your future fishing adventures.

Know the Flounder Law:

Ten fish per person per day at a minimum total length of 12-inches. Flounder must remain in whole condition until your back at the landing.