The arrival of flounder season in Southwest Florida brings excitement among anglers, as these unique fish offer both a thrilling fight and a delicious meal. For those who think flounder fishing isn’t possible in this region, think again. As one angler noted, "I love when I’m out fishing and floundering."
For over 50 years, enthusiasts have been navigating the waters to target flounder. One fisherman shared about his early days saying, "I learned about targeting flounder when I first arrived in Florida in 1971," recalling his experiences near East Pass in Destin. The key to catching flounder lies in the method of fishing; dragging lures along the bottom is essential.
"I learned about targeting flounder when I first arrived in Florida in 1971,"
"If you drag anything tasty slowly along the bottom, sooner or later a flounder will latch onto it," he explained. This is especially true during the month of November when flounder gather along sand bottoms near grass flats and channels.
"If you drag anything tasty slowly along the bottom, sooner or later a flounder will latch onto it,"
Preferred techniques often include a combination of light jig heads paired with soft plastics. "I most often use a D.O.A. CAL 1/16-ounce jig head with a D.O.A. paddle tail or MirrOlure Little John," another experienced angler stated. The focus should be on allowing the lure to drop before slowly retrieving it, as "the slower, the better."
When it comes to reeling in a flounder, patience is crucial. "When a flounder takes your lure, it will feel as if you’re hung up. Your instinct is to jerk the lure free. Don’t!" one angler advised. Instead, gently pulling back often prompts the fish to respond, providing the perfect opportunity to set the hook.
Current Season
The true challenge kicks in once the flounder realizes it's hooked. "The battle won’t start until the flounder sees the kayak. When it does, it will dig for the bottom and pull line from the reel," a seasoned kayaker reported, adding insight into the flounder’s fighting style. Known for their ambush tactics, flounder thrive on stealth, lurking beneath sandy surfaces.
Choosing the right rod and line can significantly improve the chances of landing a catch. "I prefer to use medium-light to medium spinning rods with braided line because of its sensitivity. I typically choose 8- or 10-pound PowerPro or Fins," an experienced angler shared.
By the Numbers
By the Numbers
By the Numbers
In Southwest Florida, anglers often encounter two main species of flounder: summer and gulf. "Summer flounder are the most common, averaging 2-4 pounds, with the Florida record being 20 pounds, 9 ounces," noted a fishing enthusiast. The gulf flounder, identifiable by three distinct eye-like spots on its back, typically weighs around a pound and can grow slightly larger.
"Summer flounder are the most common, averaging 2-4 pounds, with the Florida record being 20 pounds, 9 ounces,"
Whatever the species, there is no denying that flounder is among the tastiest catches in local waters. While many prefer traditional fried flounder, one angler mentioned, "Of course, they’re great fried, but I try to stay away from fried food. I prefer to sauté fillets in olive oil with lemon juice, garlic and chopped onion."
As the flounder season unfolds, excitement is building among Florida’s fishing community. With the right techniques and an understanding of the species, anglers can enjoy not only the thrill of the catch but also a delightful meal at the end of the day. It's time to hit the waters—flounder season is officially here in Southwest Florida.