Outdoors

Captain's Corner

Flounder congregate in large numbers during February in preparation of their annual spawn.

 

By DAVE MISTRETTA
Published February 26, 2007

Flounder: They congregate in large numbers during February in preparation of their annual spawn. Most anglers never experience this because they are trying to target rocky bottom when bottom fishing. A changing tide or wind direction can sometimes swing your boat off the rocks to sand bottom. That's where you'll find the flounder.

Locations: Many wrecks in 40 feet and more are holding doormat-sized flounder. They like to partially bury themselves in the sand, waiting to attack baitfish. The Rube Allen and Clearwater wreck are perfect locations, because most of the structure is surrounded by sandy bottom.

Tactics: Silver dollar-sized pinfish, live shrimp and strips of cut bait are the most popular. You can use a jig head without the plastic tail, adding the natural bait to it. The bait stays on the bottom, allowing flounder to have an easy attack. Some of the flatties have weighed in at 5-plus pounds.

Dave Mistretta captains the Jaws Too out of Indian Rocks Beach. Call 727 595-3276, e-mail jawstoo@msn.com or see jawstoo.com.

[Last modified February 26, 2007, 05:41:28]