Gulf Flounder fishing in Florida

Gulf flounder are flat, sand-colored ambush predators with three distinctive eye-like spots, found on both Florida coasts despite the name, over sand and mixed bottom near structure: jetty rocks, bridge pilings, dock edges, channel drop-offs and the mouths of creeks. They lie buried with only the eyes showing, waiting for bait to be carried past, so moving water, especially a falling tide that flushes shrimp and minnows off the flats, is best. Spring and the fall, when flounder move toward the passes and inlets, are the peak shore seasons. Drag a live mud minnow, finger mullet or shrimp slowly along the bottom on a Carolina rig, or bounce a jighead with a paddle tail or shrimp tail along sandy edges next to rocks. Use 10 to 20 lb line, a 20 lb leader and a 1/0 to 2/0 hook. When you feel the thump, give the fish a moment to turn the bait before setting. Watch the sharp teeth and gill covers when unhooking. Flounder are excellent eating; check current FWC rules before keeping one.