Flounder fishing on a Head Boat

[DRock]

Ok in the past I've taken a bucket of the largest minnows I can get and some nice white squid strips. On the head boat.

I may get lucky and catch a keeper and maybe 1-2 throwbacks.

I've taken the boats out of Lynhaven, Ruddee and Ocean view. I prefer when they go along the CBBT but it has not really made a difference in my catch.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how I might increase my productivity fishing for flounder from the head boats?

[Fishboy OV8]

hire Craig Paige to take you and skip the head boats

[codenurse]

hire Craig Paige to take you and skip the head boats

Without a doubt! Get 2 or 3 of your buddies to go and share the cost. I know there are lots of TFers with awesome photos~ Bobby?

[1fishnut]

I used to work on head boats out of ocean view Harrison's fleet, they normally target spot, croaker are really not set up for flounder fishing.The larger flounder hold up around structure CBBT, HRBT or other bars etc. not good to hold a boat full of anglers in tight quarters if you know what I mean.

hire a guide tell him you want big flounder.

matt

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I used to work on head boats out of ocean view Harrison's fleet, they normally target spot, croaker are really not set up for flounder fishing.The larger flounder hold up around structure CBBT, HRBT or other bars etc. not good to hold a boat full of anglers in tight quarters if you know what I mean.

hire a guide tell him you want big flounder.

matt

[DRock]

Of course i know i can charter a boat to go flounder fishing!

Matt thanks for your comments. i understand they target croaker this time of year. I figured that since they go to the CBBT and the Hampton bar that those would also be good areas to target flounder? Plus they drift? sometimes over the tubes and sometimes over the bars. conditions my not always be favorable but i figure it should be more productive than what i have experienced. I'm sure as a mate you've seen more than a few nice ones caught on bare minnow, bloodworms, bare squid or whatever. Usually when i go i see somewhat that is targeting croaker inadvertenly cautch a nice keeper flounder?

I used to fish on headboats out of Atlantic highlands in NJ. They targeted "Fluke" in the Raritan Bay during the summer.
I figured the same thing could be done in the Ches Bay?

Years ago i could drag a minnow/squid combo or jig it at the Sea gull fishing pier and catch quite a few keeper flounder. I was hoping someone could provide some serious insight. I find it hard to believe that the only way to go is deep (or wire line) and for jumbo flounder. Or hire a guide to catch a few keepers?

[BBCroaker]

DRock,
Like your enthusiasm!
Keep trying. Don't give up.
You'll get em!

[caryman33]

Going with dad and buds Sunday with Craig. According to his report from today, they caught 16 keepers up to 7 lbs on a half day charter.
Money well spent in my book if flatties are your target.
I'll let you know how we do on Sunday.

Cary

[home cookin']

Here's the key: you said "Years ago i could drag a minnow/squid combo or jig it at the Sea gull fishing pier and catch quite a few keeper flounder." True dat. but the flounder are much scarcer now and the size limits higher.
You describe the Basic Bay Bottom Fishing which I also have done for years (50). Your mixed bag was spot croaker flounder, with the occasional taylor blue, the frequent sea robin and small black bass.
The headboats are out there for the most fish per head. That means the croaker/spot this time of year. The flounder is just a fluke. (sorry). You can't go to the baseball park and expect to see a basketball game.
Consider the pier on the CBBT

[n2striper]

On july 3rd a few years ago we charted craig. We had 14 fish all over 5lbs 3 citations 9lb10oz. 9lb11oz. And mine was 7lb9oz. We are chartering him this monday again. I cant wait.

[beechtym]

Not eveyone can afford $100+ per person to charter. If you can get 3 anglers its cheaper to rent a small boat and take yourself.