Flounder fishing is a popular pastime for many anglers, but knowing which bait to use can be a challenge. In this blog post, we’ll be discussing the best live baits for flounder fishing and how to use them effectively.
- Mud Minnows
Mud minnows are one of the most popular live baits for flounder fishing. They are readily available at most bait and tackle shops, and they are relatively inexpensive. Mud minnows are effective because they are a natural food source for flounder and are found in the same habitats that flounder inhabit.
To use mud minnows, you can hook them through the lips or through the back, depending on the size of the bait and the hook. You can also use a Carolina rig with a small sinker to keep the mud minnow close to the bottom, where flounder are more likely to be feeding.
- Mullet
Mullet is another popular live bait for flounder fishing. They are especially effective during the fall months when flounder are feeding heavily in preparation for the winter months. Mullet are found in a variety of habitats, including estuaries, bays, and beaches.
To use mullet as bait, hook them through the lips or through the back, depending on the size of the bait and the hook. You can also use a Carolina rig or a slip sinker rig to keep the mullet close to the bottom.
- Squid
Squid is a versatile bait that can be used for a variety of fish species, including flounder. Squid is especially effective when fishing in deeper waters or when fishing from a boat. Squid can be found at most bait and tackle shops, and they are relatively inexpensive.
To use squid as bait, you can either cut it into small pieces or use a whole squid. Hook the squid through the mantle or through the eyes, depending on the size of the bait and the hook. You can also use a sliding sinker rig to keep the squid close to the bottom.
- Shrimp
Shrimp is another popular live bait for flounder fishing. They are readily available at most bait and tackle shops, and they are relatively inexpensive. Shrimp are effective because they are a natural food source for flounder and are found in the same habitats that flounder inhabit.
To use shrimp as bait, hook them through the head or through the tail, depending on the size of the bait and the hook. You can also use a sliding sinker rig to keep the shrimp close to the bottom.
- Sandworms
Sandworms are a favorite bait of many flounder fishermen. They are effective because they are a natural food source for flounder and are found in the same habitats that flounder inhabit. Sandworms are found in sandy or muddy bottoms, and they can be dug up at low tide.
To use sandworms as bait, hook them through the head or through the middle of the body, depending on the size of the bait and the hook. You can also use a sliding sinker rig to keep the sandworm close to the bottom.
There are many live baits that can be used for flounder fishing, but the five baits mentioned above are some of the most effective. When using live bait for flounder fishing, it’s important to keep the bait close to the bottom where flounder are more likely to be feeding. Experiment with different baits and techniques to find what works best for you, and remember to always practice catch and release to help preserve our natural resources.
