How to Catch Flounder

Fishing for flounder is done using a spot or locator rig. The purpose of the rig is to get an attractor or lure down to the depth where flounder feed and hold a position for a period of time. As flounder are bottom feeders, flounder rigs are designed to go and stay deep. Typical rigs involve a cigar-shaped barrel weight, beads, a spinner blade, and circle or bait holder hook.

1. Tie the cigar weight to a length of fishing line that is 18 to 24 inches in length. The line should be at least 15-lb. test and may be monofilament or other type of line, including fluorocarbon. Use a clinch knot to tie the line to the eye of the weight. Feed the line through the eye for 3 to 4 inches. Wrap the free or tag end of the line around the main line for six to seven turns. Feed the tag back down and through the small loop formed above the eye of the hook. Moisten the line and pull tight.
2. Tie an overhand knot about 5 to 6 inches from the free end of the line. Tie this knot by forming a loop in the line and feeding the free end through the loop. Pull tight.
3. Slide a glass bead onto the line and up to the overhand knot. Next, feed the free end of the line through the hole in the spinner blade. Slide another glass bead onto the line making sure both beads and the spinner blade are located next to the knot.
4. Attach a circle or bait holder hook to the line by once again using the clinch knot. Make sure the knot used to hold the hook to the line is pulled up the line so that it is located just below the bottom bead. The goal is to hold the beads and blade in place while giving enough room for movement. The beads should be able to bounce or clack and the spinner blade should have freedom of movement to turn.
5. Attach a plastic bait such as a grub or piece of a trick worm on the hook. Flounder are attracted to bright colors, so consider using colors such as chartreuse, white, pink and florescent orange.