Advanced Fluke Fishing

During the long, cold winter, many fishermen become bored and restless waiting for prime fishing weather. If you are lucky enough to live in or near New England, you know that you have a host of opportunities almost literally right outside your door, and ice fishing can become a great way to break up the monotony. Striped bass can be caught in early March, and fluke (or winter flounder) are available as soon as April. These fish are more abundant this time of year due to their spawning habits.

There have been new restrictions placed on winter flounder due largely to over-harvesting and unsuitable habitats for spawning. This has reduced the winter flounder season to 6 or 8 weeks. But, these 6-8 weeks provide ample opportunity for great fishing.

Different from summer flounder, you can effortlessly fish for winter flounder with fairly light line (8-12 lbs) and a rod as short as 6-7 feet is sufficient. You should keep in mind that these fish only weigh around 2-3 lbs!

Bait for winter flounder should be combined with yellow grubs or beads attached to the shank. Winter flounder rigs are renowned for their bright yellow bait. Whether you elect to use mussel, sandworms or bloodworms, the bright yellow will help attract winter flounder.

Chumming is another good idea when you are fishing for winter flounder. This is true whether you fish while anchored in a boat or from the shoreline, and this method helps draw in jam-packed schools of winter flounder. You will have all the gear you need to maximize your winter flounder fishing experience once you simply pick up your chum pots at a local bait and tackle shop. Just attach the pot to an inflexible area near the shore or fasten it to your boat.

If you’d rather cast two or more rods at the same time, you can do so behind the boat, one in the same direction as the current is flowing and the other alongside the boat by the chum pot. This is a very efficient way for you to maximize your day’s catch and the equipment used, a plus for any fisherman.

Since winter flounder tend to congregate in areas where they can find plenty of food, chances are good that you’ll find them in fairly shallow water. The more shallow the water, the warmer it is and the more food that will be found. If you’re near an area of sand and gravel that turns to mud regularly, you are sure to find a school of winter flounder nearby.

If you’re a saltwater angler, winter flounder is a great way to break back into fishing after a long and cold winter. These delicately flavored fish also help restock your freezer after the winter and before the summer fishing season gets underway.

There are many helpful types of gear that you should consider investing in some of them are Daiwa Rod and Shimano Calcutta Reel, such as the Shimano Calcutta 400B.