Those winter diehards who have been chasing cod, blackfish and sea bass on the deep water wrecks have enjoyed a good winter season. However, the end of March ushers in the beginning of a new season of fishing which traditionally begins with flounder on the West End of Long Island. Areas like Great South Bay, Reynolds Channel, the bays around Freeport and Raritan Bay off Staten Island are traditional early season flounder destinations.
The spring flounder run at Raritan Bay off Staten Island had been excellent the last three years. Last year the run started early due to the mild winter and the fish were on the Coney Island flats by early April. This year may be a repeat of last year, again due to a very mild winter. However, we had a late winter snow storm upstate. The melting of that snow and the subsequent run off through the Hudson River could chill down the coastal waters in the New York Bight causing a later spring run.
Flounder fishing is one as my favorites. Simple tackle, mild weather and calm inshore fishing with a group of friends makes for a very enjoyable day. Don't forget the pile of nice flounder filets that will make some great meals.
Tackle is simple. A small level wind reel spooled with 12 lb. test line and a light action graphite rod capable of handing 1-3 ounces of sinker is ideal. I prefer conventional over spinning for bottom fishing primarily due to better line control. However, it is a matter of personal preference. Also, I have been using Spiderwire and have had great success due to its low stretch and sensitivity.
For terminal rigging I like to use either #4 Mustad baitholder hook or #8 short shank
Chestertown flounder hook. Snell them on 20 lb leader material approximately 12 inches long. Attractants like yellow corn beads or small plastic grubs in yellow or florescent chartreuse work great. I tie two hooks in tandem. Tie a small dropper loop about 3 inches above your sinker loop and attach your hooks to the dropper loop.
When you talk about flounder fishing, the right bait and chum is essential for a good day.
As far as chum, frozen clam bellies or crushed mussels is the way to go. For bait, my favorite is fresh mussels. However, flounder are known to show a preference for other baits, so bring along some sea worms and fresh clams. Also bring along a sash weight to pound the bottom or your own version of a flounder pounder.
If you are fishing off a party or charter boat, than the captain will usually have some favorite spots to anchor on. If you are on your own boat, then cruise around the fleet to see if there is any action. If you spot some activity, then cruise around for an opening to anchor up. Don't try to squeeze in between other boats if there is not sufficient room. Just run a little uptide and anchor up. Once anchored, get that chum pot down. It will take about 20-30 minutes for the chum to get a good bite started. So be patient. Also, use your flounder pounder to get them to start biting.
Periodically check the chum pot and refill it as necessary. Also, check your bait frequently. It can easily wash out and loose its scent. If you are not getting bites, change your bait.
Flounder give a good account of themselves on light tackle. A good fish is 1.5-2 lb., and don't be surprised if you take a fish pushing 3 lb. The current regulations are a minimum size of 11 inches and a daily limit of 15 fish. If 1999 is anything like the last two years, you will be putting back lots of 11-12 inch fish and keeping the bigger ones.
In a future article I will write about East End flounder fishing off Montauk, Block Island and Gardiners Island, where the legendary snowshoe flounders reside and fish pushing the 4-5 lb mark are not uncommon.
|
