How to target Winter Flounder

Winter flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus) is an estuarine flatfish found in almost

all shoal water habitats along the northwest Atlantic coast. The geographic distribution

ranges from nearshore habitats to offshore fishing banks along the Atlantic coast of

North America.

The name 'winter' flounder refers to their annual spawning migrations into nearshore

waters in winter. Adults migrate in two phases; an autumn estuarine immigration prior

to spawning, and a late spring/summer movement to either deeper, cooler portions of

estuaries or to offshore areas after spawning. This pattern of seasonal distribution may

change in the colder waters of the northern extent of the range where they migrate to

shallow water in the summer and deeper waters in the winter. The annual spawning

period varies geographically and although spawning periods overlap considerably, peak

spawning times are earlier in southern locations.

During spawning, females release demersal (negatively or neutrally buoyant) adhesive

eggs whose properties facilitate retention within spawning grounds. Many factors

influence larval and juvenile growth and survival, including temperature, salinity, dissolved

oxygen, and food availability. Nursery habitat for winter flounder larvae and juveniles is typically saltwater coves, coastal salt ponds, estuaries, and protected embayments; although larvae and juveniles have also been found in open ocean areas such as Georges Bank and Nantucket shoals. Larvae are predominantly found in the upper reaches of estuaries in early spring, moving into the lower estuary later in the season. - ASMFC

Methods of Fishing under construction

When the water is cool, in the beginning of April, fish shallower. When water temps are in the mid 40's to lower 50's the fish will be hanging out in shallow mud flat areas, trying to get the warmth from the sun. Early in April, you can find Flounder in 5-10 feet of water. I like areas around marinas, docks, pile-ons, etc, early on.

As the water warms thru the 50's, try deeper spots out to 20ft of water. Mussel beds are an excellent place to try.For bait. Sandworms, Bloodworms, and fresh shucked Bank Mussels all work well. Some days, the Flounder will prefer one over the other...Chumming is very important. At a minimum, bing along a few sleeves of frozen ground up clam chum to put in a chum put.Smashing up Bank Mussels, and tossing them up tide, is also very effective. Another trick, is to attach a 10lb dumbell, or something similar to a length of close line, and use it to pound the bottom, stirring up a natural chum slick.

As far as rigs go, tie two flounder hooks in tandem, and attach the hooks to one of the eyes of a three way swivel with a snap. Attach the lightest sinker you can use, and still hold bottom, to the snap. As far as hook selection, try to find the shorter shank Chestertown style flounder hooks. I think they present the baits much better than the ones with the long shank. Size 9's are good, and a little plastic yellow corn on the leader never hurts. Keep your baits on the bottom, and constantly work the rig with one or two inch bounces. Pause for a little bit, and bounce some more. Remember all this is done from an anchored boat.

Winter Flounder prefer a muddy bottom, unlike Fluke (Summer Flounder). They have a much smaller mouth, and are far less aggressive.I've had my best luck in Bays, and in Canals, rather than the high surf. The "senior citizens" parking lot at Oak Beach is as good a place as any these days. Winter Flounder are noplace near their historical numbers, and many feel this is a permanent change, because the environment needed for breeding has been destroyed.

Winter Flounder won't chase lures. They just lay in the mud and wait for King Neptune to bring them a meal. Mussels, Clams, and Worms account for the majority of their diet.