Fishing for flounder: bait, tackle, fishing techniques

Flounder is considered one of the most valuable and sought after fish in the fishing industry. Flounder spends most of its life at the bottom, so hunting for it has a specific process.

The result of fishing directly depends on the equipment of the fisherman and how correctly the gear is selected. Before hunting for such a specimen, you should know some features and nuances.

Peculiarities of flounder behavior

Flounders are predators and, despite their unique body, are able to move quickly and agilely. Fish live throughout Eurasia, as well as in inland seas.

The Pacific and Arctic Oceans are especially rich in flounder fish. Some species can be found in the Black, Azov and Caspian Seas.

These fish spend their lives alone, masterfully camouflaging themselves to match the color of their surroundings. Flounder are characterized by passive behavior; they often bury themselves in the bottom and wait for prey. The ability to camouflage is necessary for fish not only for hunting, but also for hiding from predators.

Note! In its normal state, flounder moves slowly along the bottom, but if necessary, it can develop greater speed using wave-like movements. If it wants to catch prey, the flounder can shoot from the shelter in the required direction.

Flounder fish: description

Appearance

What is most interesting is that what is seen is not the truth. The back and belly of the flounder are actually the sides of the fish, some of which are colored and others not. Along with this, the eyes of the fish are located on one side, despite the fact that they can look in different directions, independently of one another. This allows the fish to respond to external stimuli, such as flounder enemies. They also help her hunt.

Adults lie on their sides, with their eyes moving to the top of the head, which is their characteristic feature. It is quite simple to find out how an adult an individual is by the asymmetry of its body. In adult individuals, there is a strong asymmetry of the body, and the part of the body on which it spends virtually its entire life is distinguished by very pronounced roughness. The color of her steam is pale, and her eyes are located differently. As for the other side, it is smooth and has a sandy color, which helps the fish camouflage on the bottom. The color of the top may depend on the fish's habitat. Juveniles are virtually no different from simple fish species and swim just as vertically. As we grow older, certain modifications occur. By the time of reproduction, the flounder becomes a flounder: the left eye moves to the right side, and the fish begins to swim horizontally.

Flounder hides from its enemies at the bottom, burying itself in sand or other soil. Along with this, she leaves her eyes outside in order to monitor what is happening around her. In this position, she also keeps an eye on potential prey. If it suits her, she instantly grabs it.

The lower part of the flounder has quite durable and rough skin. This is due to the fact that the fish mostly moves along the bottom, among scatterings of stones and shells, which can be quite sharp. To the touch, this part of the flounder’s body can be compared to sandpaper. There are species of flounder that can change color depending on their habitat, which helps the fish hide from its enemies.

Where does flounder live?

Flounder can be found in virtually all oceans and seas. Most of the representatives of this species prefer the waters of the Quiet and Atlantic oceans, and the waters of the Sea of ​​Japan, etc. Unusually, the flounder was found in the Mariana Trench, at a depth of 11 km. This type of flounder grows up to 30 cm in length. Three species of flounder live in the Black Sea. The largest species is the kalkan flounder. Some individuals are capable of gaining weight up to 15 kg. Also, the kalkan flounder is capable of changing its color, adapting to external living conditions. This species of flounder has no scales.

In the Black Sea one can see river flounder (gloss) and sole, which also belongs to this type of fish. Many fishermen note that the most catchy place is the Kerch Strait. Also, fishing can be no less productive at Cape Tarkhankut, as well as at the mouths of the Dniester and Dnieper. The same types of flounder are also found in the Sea of ​​Azov.

How does it reproduce

Flounder, compared to other fish species, is quite prolific. Adults are capable of laying up to ten million eggs. This fish lays eggs at a depth of at least 50 meters.

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Flounder catch

Flounder meat is valued for its taste, which is why it is caught on an industrial scale. Especially, olive Japanese and European flounder are in great demand. Flounders are extremely popular among amateur fishermen, especially those that inhabit the northern and western parts of the Atlantic Ocean. In most cases, amateur fishermen go to the open ocean or open sea to catch this tasty fish and try their hand.

What to catch flounder with - bait

Animal bait

Flounder is a predator, so it bites on many different types of bait. It is not particularly picky about food, so it does not require special searches or significant costs for bait.

Mainly used:

• shellfish meat;
• shrimp;
• worms;
• parts of crab and squid;
• pieces of fish;
• small crustaceans;
• mussels;
• anchovies and small gobies.

The advantage of flounder is that it bites on anything that moves, which makes it much easier to prepare for fishing.

Artificial baits

Artificial baits are also widely used when hunting this fish. Fans of spinning fishing actively use weighted jigs and various types of wobblers. When fishing on a boat, experts recommend using vertical lures.

Tackle for catching flounder

Fishing from the shore

It is advisable to go fishing from the shore in the second half of autumn. The predator gets closest to the shores in November and December. It is optimal to choose gear for casting over long distances. Feeder-type rods with a length of more than 4 meters are suitable, on which you can attach heavy weights.

Experts recommend using gear with an additional protective coating in seawater, since the aggressive environment negatively affects the fishing rod:

• The fishing line is chosen with a diameter greater than 0.4 mm.
• The reel should be strong and reliable, allowing you to place about 150 meters of fishing line.
• The sinker should weigh at least 60 g, and hooks should be numbered 6-10. Depending on the place where fishing is carried out, the size of the sinker may vary, since waves and undercurrents often occur in the seas.
• The leash is made of fishing line, the diameter should be up to 0.25 mm. When choosing baits, you should pay attention to the brighter ones.

Fishing from a boat

Fishing by boat has a number of undeniable advantages:

1. It is more convenient to monitor the fish.
2. The fishing process is a little easier.
3. Opportunity to go fishing at a convenient time of year.
4. This way it is more convenient to look for places where fish accumulate.

When going out on the water with a boat, there is no need to take a long fishing rod. Basically, it is recommended to take the same equipment as for the shore, but choose less weight of the sinker.

Experts highlight the most convenient method of fishing - vertical. It is characterized by dipping the bait under the swimming device, and then tapping the bait on the bottom.

Thus, the bait forms muddy water and attracts predators. For more successful fishing, several fishing variations are used at once.

Equipment for fishing from a boat should be selected according to the following criteria:

• small rod;
• leash diameter up to 0.35 mm;
• sinker weighing 70-130 g;
• fishing line 0.6 mm thick;
• hooks numbers 9-13.

Fishing methods

As a rule, most anglers go out for flounder at dawn. In the early morning, larger specimens are encountered, especially when using a swimming device. The search for large flounder takes place at depths of 10 meters with rocky or sandy terrain. From the shore, fishing is done from piers using long spinning rods.

Fishing with donkey

For fishing from the shore, powerful sea fishing rods with a blank length of 4 meters are used. High test limits allow you to tie heavy weights in the form of bullets, which have excellent flight qualities. All equipment for coastal fishing is configured for long-distance casting, so the rods are equipped with powerful reels with a spool size of 4000-5000 units. Flounder can hardly be called a schooling fish, so the installation does not include a feeder.

The equipment consists of several elements:

• sinkers with a swivel;
• several hooks with a long shank;
• silicone stoppers;
• metal clasp.

The lead sinker is placed at the very bottom of the installation so that when casting, the leashes do not get tangled with each other. As a leader material, use a fishing line with a diameter of 0.25-0.35 millimeters. The long shank of the hook allows you to quickly release the bait from the mouth of the prey, and special grooves located on the metal hold the bait tightly.

Tackle is thrown from stone piers. If the bite is active, the flounder may bite every 10-15 minutes, but it is worth remembering that the fish has soft lips and must be fished out carefully. In some cases, feeder and carp rods are used.

For fishing from a boat, spinning rods are used for vertical fishing; their length rarely exceeds 2.4 meters. The fishing rods are characterized by special flexibility, high load capacity and the presence of a reel seat for a multiplier. The equipment used is the same as for fishing from the shore. Its weight depends on the depth at the fishing site, and, of course, the height of the wave.

For flounder fishing use:

• pieces of fish;
• small crabs;
• shrimp and shellfish;
• pieces of raw meat;
• smoked sausage.

Flounder has an easy bite because the fish itself is quite slow. Before hooking, you need to let the predator swallow the hook with the nozzle. You need to lift the trophy from the depths carefully, since the body of even a small flounder creates a certain pressure on the rod.

You can also use artificial bait from the shore or boat. Spinning fishing is less popular for catching flounder. Fish, as a rule, are caught on a hook quite rarely and are considered a passing catch. Popular baits include edible rubber, jigs and sinking wobblers.

How to make your own tackle for flounder?

Due to savings, fishermen prefer to prepare their tackle with their own hands; to do this, you should know some rules. The process of making the gear is very simple and also does not require financial costs.

Tackle for flounder is made according to the following principle:

1. Prepare a leash about 13-15 cm long.
2. Hooks are attached to the leash.
3. Several colored beads are placed on top of the hook.
4. The leashes are placed on the rig with a distance of 20-30 cm.
5. Carabiners are attached to the ends.

Let's celebrate! It is best to make several items for stock. For convenient use, they are hooked onto a reel. The final result is to connect the load and the main line, and the equipment will be completely ready.

Cooking secrets and recipes

There are several ways to properly prepare flounder: simmer in a multicooker bowl, fry in a frying pan, bake in a convection oven or in the oven, wrapped in foil.
We want to share simple step-by-step culinary recipes for delicious dishes. Compatibility table with other products

In the oven

The baked fish turns out very tender, juicy, and has a sweetish taste.

Ingredients:

• flounder – 1 kg;
• vegetable oil – 1 tbsp;
• lemon – 1.5 pcs.;
• dill – 1 bunch;
• pepper mixture – ½ tsp;
• butter – 50 g;
• salt.

Preparation:

1. Clean and wash the fish.
2. Chop the greens and mix with soft butter.
3. Rub the carcass with salt, pepper, and pour lemon juice.
4. Fill with butter mixture.
5. Wrap the flounder in foil. Bake at 180 degrees until golden brown.

In a frying pan

Fried fish has an appetizing crust and a light spicy taste.

Ingredients:

• vegetable oil for frying – 100 ml;
• pepper mixture – 2 pinches;
• flounder fillet – 400 g;
• butter – 2 tbsp;
• onions – 3 pcs.;
• flour – 150 g;
• salt - to taste.

Preparation:

1. Separate the meat from the bones, add salt and pepper.
2. Bread the fillet in flour and fry until golden.
3. Separately sauté the chopped onion.
4. Lubricate the finished fish with melted butter.

In a slow cooker

Ingredients:

• flounder – 700 g;
• butter – 40 g;
• carrots – 2-3 pcs.;
• onions – 2 pcs.;
• water – 100 ml;
• olive oil – 2 tbsp;
• spices for fish dishes.

Preparation:

1. Clean the fish and cut into portions.
2. Chop the onion into half rings.
3. Three carrots into large flakes.
4. Grease the bowl with vegetable oil and set the “Frying” mode.
5. Fry vegetables for 3-4 minutes.
6. Season the flounder with spices and place it on a vegetable base.
7. Fill with water, add butter, close the lid tightly.
8. Leave in the “Extinguishing” mode for 35 minutes.
9. Serve with a side dish of rice and asparagus.

Read: Catching perch with microjigs and preparing gear

On the grill

Ingredients:

• fish carcasses – 3 pcs.;
• vegetable oil – 4 tbsp;
• juice from 1 lemon;
• grated ginger root – 3 tsp;
• spices - to taste.

Preparation:

1. We peel the fish and gut it.
2. Pour over lemon juice, rub with grated ginger and fish spices.
3. Marinate for half an hour without refrigeration.
4. Coat with oil.
5. Fry on the grill, turning, until an appetizing crust.

The fillet turns out aromatic, with a spicy spiciness.

Techniques and tactics for catching flounder

1. It is recommended to cast the tackle further away, positioning the rod at a large angle. Some piers have special sides that are just right for a convenient position of the fishing rod.
2. Flounder behaves especially when biting; it can grab prey and lie motionless for some time. If there was a long cast, then such a bite can be missed.
3. It is important to carefully monitor the condition of the rod; a shudder will appear at the tip when the fish moves.
4. They hook flounder quickly and confidently. Catching such a fish does not tolerate slowness. It should be remembered that flounder can actively resist. That is why, before pulling her towards you, it is advisable to tire her out.
5. Flounders tend to swallow bait deeply; in this case, you need to have an extractor or hook with you.
6. You will have to make some components of the equipment yourself. These include leashes; there should be at least 10 of them in stock.
7. Fishing on a boat eliminates the need to take heavy weights. This is due to the fact that the rod does not need to be cast far.
8. The boat uses vertical fishing techniques, alternating tapping on the bottom and small casts along with pulling up the equipment.
9. The more powerful the tackle, the easier it is to pull out the flounder while fishing.

Reviews from fishermen

I prefer to catch flounder using a donkey. Instead of a sinker, I hook a heavy copper spoon into place between the hooks. Hooks are chosen thicker, preferably from number 10. On the modern market you can find special hooks for flounder, but I have not tried them, as I am used to mine. I use a variety of bait, I take worms, fish, squid or mussels.

Grade:

Vitaly 34 years old

I fish in Magadan very often. The last place was the central bay. I fished in the cold season, but the result is worth it. The fish are biting great. During the day of fishing, we managed to catch more than 20 individuals. Due to the fact that I hunted in the autumn, the fish pecked very vigorously and rushed to any bait. I was especially lucky with my lard catch. Grade:

Igor 38 years old

I prefer to catch flounder using a scallop. It holds the hook well and attracts attention. I don’t like to use meat and shrimp, since that’s the kind of food I like to eat myself. I consider capelin and herring to be good bait. In my opinion, the bait does not play the main role, it is the ability to use it that is important. Grade:

Konstantin 40 years old

At first, fishing for flounder seemed difficult to me, but gradually I learned how to catch this specimen and now I share my experience with everyone I know. I prefer to take a small spinning rod, a fishing line of about 7 m. I attach a sinker and several hooks to the end. You can look for bait as you go, since on the shore you can often find snails that are perfect for the role of bait. The fish attaches itself very quickly and every time you pull it out, a surprise awaits you, since it is impossible to predict the size of the individual.

Grade:

Vladislav 29 years old

Very often I go out fishing for flounder, as this fish attracts me not only with its special appearance, but also with its exquisite taste. From such a specimen you can make various dishes. Also, when fishing, you practice very well in the field of fishing, since pulling out a flounder to yourself is not always easy. Very often these fish bury themselves in the sand, so during the entire practice, several times I had to climb into the water and get the catch with my own hands.

Grade:

Nikolay 46 years old

Very often among fishermen you can meet true connoisseurs of sea hunting. Sea fishing is usually the way to catch flounder.

The process of catching this species is distinguished by the special behavior of the fish. That is why many people, when going on vacation to the sea, do not miss the opportunity to go fishing. When going hunting, the main thing to remember is the basic rules for a successful catch.

Fishing Features

Among the features, it is worth highlighting the selection of sinkers. Sea fishing differs from freshwater fishing due to the strong current. That’s why you should choose a reinforced sinker, preferably with anchors.

Fishing from the shore is complicated by the fact that due to the current and the horizontal position of the fishing line, the fisherman does not feel the bite. Therefore, you have to check every 30-40 minutes. But there is a little trick here too. Instead of monofilament, it is better to choose a cord, as it will enhance the bite sensation. If it doesn’t bite for a long time, you should move to the right or left along the shore a few meters. To cover the largest area, it is recommended to install 3-4 tackles. This method fundamentally distinguishes sea fishing from the shore from fishing in freshwater bodies.

Read How to assemble feeder tackle and make the equipment yourself

Flounder is a neat fish and it is almost impossible to determine whether it has bitten or not. It happens that the fish swallowed the hook along with the bait and remained in place. But if you feel a bite, don’t rush. It is necessary to first reel out the fish and slowly drag it to the shore. And if the moment of biting is practically not felt, then when pulling the fish to the shore you can encounter increased resistance, for which you need to be prepared.

In fact, catching flounder is a jewelry job. The habitat in the coastal zone makes fishing very comfortable, but the characteristics of the fish and its “gentle” bite must be taken into account. And the process of playing with fish and bringing it to the shore will make fishing spectacular and exciting for any true fisherman.