Are you planning to go flounder fishing soon? While it may seem like an easy task, there are a few mistakes that many beginners make that can ruin their chances of catching any flounder at all. In this post, we'll go over the 5 most common mistakes to avoid when flounder fishing, so you can have a successful and enjoyable fishing trip.
One of the most common mistakes made by beginner flounder fishers is using the wrong equipment. Flounder fishing requires specific gear, such as a rod with a sensitive tip, a reel with a strong drag system, and a fishing line with a low stretch. Using the wrong equipment can make it difficult to detect when a flounder bites, and even if you do feel a bite, you may not be able to reel in the fish successfully.
Flounder can be found in a variety of different habitats, including sandy bottoms, grassy flats, and near structures like docks or jetties. Fishing in the wrong area can significantly decrease your chances of catching flounder. Do some research and find out where the flounder in your area like to hang out, and focus your fishing efforts there.
Flounder are opportunistic feeders and will eat a variety of different baits, including live bait and artificial lures. However, using the wrong bait can make it challenging to catch flounder. Make sure you're using bait that is appropriate for the area and the time of day you're fishing. Some popular baits for flounder include live shrimp, minnows, and mullet.
Flounder are more active during certain times of the day and year. Fishing during the wrong time can reduce your chances of catching any flounder. In general, flounder are more active during low light conditions, such as dawn and dusk. Also, pay attention to the tide. Flounder are more active during the incoming tide when baitfish are moving towards shore.
Finally, setting the hook too early is a common mistake made by beginner flounder fishers. Flounder have small mouths, and it's important to wait until you feel the weight of the fish before setting the hook. If you set the hook too early, you may miss the fish entirely.
A: Yes, you can use artificial lures for flounder fishing. However, make sure you're using lures that mimic the types of bait that flounder eat, such as shrimp or minnows.
A: Flounder are more active during low light conditions, such as dawn and dusk. However, it's also important to pay attention to the tide, as flounder are more active during the incoming tide when baitfish are moving towards shore.
A: If you feel a bite but can't reel in the fish, try changing the angle of your rod or reeling in more quickly. It's also possible that the fish may have just nibbled at your bait and not taken it fully.
Flounder fishing can be a fun and rewarding activity, but it's important to avoid these common mistakes that can ruin your chances of catching any fish. By using the right equipment, fishing in the right area, using the right bait, fishing at the right time, and setting the hook at the right moment, you can increase your chances of catching more flounder. We hope this blog post has been helpful in improving your flounder fishing skills, and we wish you good luck on your next fishing trip!