For you who are bored with winter weather and ready to begin fishing, ice fishing is usually a good possibility. New England residents have a host of opportunities almost literally right outside the back door. Fishermen can catch striped bass as early as March, and April brings the chance to fish for fluke (also called winter flounder). Bass and fluke are more plentiful this time of year because they reproduce alongside the coastline.
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!
Designing a winter flounder rig can be as easy or as complex as you decide to make it. In any case, success is nearly guaranteed provided that you make use of the smaller hooks, which are a vital part of fishing for winter flounder. Small hooks and weights are used to keep bait at the bottom and are adaptable for both the habitat where winter flounder are found and their tiny, practically toothless mouths. Your next step is to combine bait for winter flounder with yellow grubs or beads fastened to the shaft. Winter flounder rigs are well known for their bright yellow bait. Regardless of whether you choose to fish with mussel, sandworms or bloodworms as bait, the bright yellow helps catch the attention of winter flounder.
You should consider chumming when fishing for winter flounder. This is the same whether you’re anchored or you’re fishing from the shoreline. Chumming can help attract full schools of winter flounder and it’s easy to find chum pots. After picking up your chum pots at your local bait and tackle shop, you’ll have all the tools you need to make the most of your winter flounder fishing. Simply tie the pot to a fixed area near the shore or attach it to your boat and before you know it you’ll have plenty of winter flounder available.
If you prefer to fish with dual rods, one can be cast in the same direction as the current, while another can be set alongside the chum pot. This is a very resourceful way for you to maximize your fishing expedition and the equipment itself, a plus for any fisherman on any trip.
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.
Fishing for winter flounder is an extraordinary way for you to enjoy fishing during the long and bitter winter months, especially for saltwater fishermen. These palate-pleasing fish are also an exceptional means of restocking your freezer between fishing seasons.
There are many helpful types of gear that you should consider investing in some of them are Daiwa Fishing Pole and Shimano Calcutta, such as the Shimano Calcutta CT 400B.
