Flounder fishing on a Head Boat

[Screaming Drag]

You do not have to go deep to catch large flounder!! There are times when that is the case and predominant method but I have caught plenty of large ones in very shallow water as recently as two weeeks ago........also, they are structure oriented but there are PLENTY of humps, oyster bars, etc...that hold BIG flatties! Most people just don't take the time to search out these spots and reproduce their presentation, instead they just hope for luck and pick up a fish or two throughout the day.

Good luck!

Capt. Joe

[schitty_vhull]

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.

This is true but if you own a boat, you quickly realize that $100 per fishing trip is a bargain for the use of an experienced guide's boat, equipment, and knowledge. I think when you do the math of owning a boat (initial cost, registration costs, trailer costs, maintenance, gas) and then all the money spent on tackle, ice, ramp fees..ect....you're going to be above $100 per trip. Then you have to find the fish on your own too.

[codenurse]

I agree with the point that you can catch large flounder in skinny water. I haven't researched that here in the Chesapeake but on Long Island , particularly, Moriches Bay and most of the bays on southern Long Island I found that to be true. I just happen to fish deeper water here. As far as cost, there are some good fisherman on this board that just might take you on their boat as a HO. The cost would be less than a charter. Check around and you can find alternatives to a head boat and you may see that you have some good options. Be flexible and good luck.

[DRock]

I UNDERSTAND that there are other fishing options! I enjoy charters and pier fishing and surf fishing etc!
We all have our preferences and budgets. I understand how a head boat operates. I know you can join clubs and HO on boats and there are all kinds of fishing options.

AS screaming drag has pointed out...,,,(TY sir) flounder can be caught at humps, oyster bars and other skinny water! Thats also where the head boats go! they drift over the tubes, hampton bar etc! which in my humble opinion should be productive flounder fishing grounds?

I started this post to see if someone could give advice on increasing flounder catches from a headboat! Maybe rig tips , or best tide, current weather? I know there is a lot of knowledge out here and fishing from a headboat presents unique challenges.

[jogrun10k]

Live bait!!!! Small croaker or finger mullet.

[Fit to be Tide]

I went with craig paige years ago and found out quick i had been doin it all wrong when it comes to flounder. I used to do the big minnows or small croakers but once i learned from craig it changed everything. Needless to say my first trip with resulted in catching my limit and 2 of which were citations. My buddy also limited out with a citation. After that i kept booking with him at least twice a year. Hes got some sort of jedi mind tricks over the flounder lol

[DRock]

@beechtym , not everyone here seems to understand that.

@jogrun10k, Thanks thats the kind of info I started this post for!

I'm very disappointed at the responses, or lack there of. This used to be a board with lots of folks willing to share information. Most responses to this thread were "if you want to catch flounder, charter someone." (shoot I know thats an option!) That was not the spirit of the question I asked.

Maybe there were too many tourneys going on this time of year for anyone to try and provide a serious response?

[home cookin']

Maybe there are too many ways to catch flounder to answer--once you know the basics, it's debatable what's better. A gudgeon on a bare hook, squid/minnow sandwich, belly, gulp, copper penny, pink plastic, white bucktail, chartreuse, spinners, feathers, horsehair, carolina rig, ocean view bottom rig, large live bait, small live bait; jigging, trolling, drifting; deep, shallow, ledges, flats--all catch flounder in the bay in the summer--as long as it stays on the bottom!

Seems like the only method that doesn't work is whichever of the choices I am trying that day!

[xpuha]

There is only one headboat that I know of that targets flounder ( at least used to) and that is the Sally T which is located now in Hampton, VA. Capt Pete's cell phone is (757) 515- 3051

[Sandlapper]

Just curious, but after you have been with this Craig guy once then why do you need him again unless ofcourse you dont have a boat??

- - - Updated - - -

Just curious, but after you have been with this Craig guy once then why do you need him again unless ofcourse you dont have a boat??