Flounder spawn offshore in waters between 30-66 meters (98-217 feet) deep when they reach 2 years of age. Young flounder that do not migrate to the Gulf, spend the winter in deep holes and channels. Each female can spawn up to 13 times a season and can produce around 29,000 eggs per spawn.
Where do flounder go in the winter?
Yes, you can catch flounder in the winter months but you will have to target them offshore or around near shore structure. Flounder move out into the Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean in the winter to spawn so you might have to go offshore 30 or 40 miles to find them during the cooler months.
Where is the best flounder fishing in Texas?
Where can I catch them?
- Sabine Lake. This shallow water system is where the famous “fall Flounder run” takes place.
- Galveston Bay. This collection of bays is perhaps the most famous fishing location in North Texas, thanks to its impressive size – and you’ll find plenty of Flounder on offer here.
- Matagorda Bay.
Why did Texas close flounder season?
Citing negative trends and large-scale declines in flounder populations over the past several decades, The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will suspend the year-round flounder season during a six-week period ending on Dec.
What temperature do winter flounder live in?
between 32°F and 50°F
Ideal living and spawning temperatures range between 32°F and 50°F, but winter flounder can survive temperatures near 28.4°F, the freezing point of seawater. How? They have a special “antifreeze” protein that makes them freeze resistant!
What is the best bait for winter flounder?
Winter Flounder Bait
Small pieces of clam, mussel, or bloodworm are the preferred baits for flounder. Anytime I shuck clams, I keep the siphons and thread them on the hook as bait. Sandworms, bloodworms, and tapeworms can all be cut into 2- to 3-inch lengths.
What is the best depth to catch flounder?
Flounder congregate in sandy areas in 10- to 15-foot depths just off those reefs. Soak a Sardine: Live sardines with a 1/0 to 3/0 hook, fished with just enough split shot to get them to the bottom, are hard to beat.
Can you catch flounder in December in Texas?
The best time to catch flounder is during their fall migration to the Gulf, typically from October to December, in the channels and passes leading to the Gulf. Flounder may be caught using rod and reel but most people prefer gigs.
Is flounder fishing good in winter?
Fishing for winter flounder can be just as productive as the spring and summer months as long as your timing and location is just right. Winter is spawning season for flounder, and you may have to go offshore to catch them during this time.
What month is best for flounder?
The best time of the year to catch flounders is the late summer/early fall months. But they can be caught regularly during the spring and summer as well. The flounders migrate offshore during the colder months to spawn, so they’ll be more abundant at the beach as they move from the inshore estuaries to deeper water.
Where is most flounder caught?
About the Species. The summer flounder fishery in the U.S. operates from Maine to the North Carolina/South Carolina border. Summer flounder is one of the most sought after commercial and recreational fish along the Atlantic coast.
What time of day are flounder most active?
Flounder are the most active early in the morning and late in the afternoon offshore at sites like wrecks and reefs. Inshore, flounder are the most active swimming and feeding at high tide. You can find them searching for food near grasses, channels, flats, and at the mouths of feeder creeks.
How old is a 25 inch flounder?
7
Summer Flounder (Fluke)
| Age (years) | Length (inches) |
|---|---|
| 5 | 22 |
| 6 | 23.5 |
| 7 | 25 |
| 8 | 26 |
What do flounder eat in the winter?
Winter flounder feed during the day because they depend on sight to locate prey. Their small mouths limit what they can eat. They feed on small invertebrates, shrimp, clams, and worms.
What is the best setup for flounder fishing?
Best Flounder Rigs
Like the basic fish-finder, this flounder fishing rig begins with the fishing line running through an egg, bullet or flat sinker, which is then tied to a barrel swivel. Next, a two-foot section of mono that’s lighter than the main line is tied to the opposite end of the barrel swivel.
Do flounder like deep or shallow water?
While flounder are commonly found in deep water out to 100-feet or more around reefs and wrecks, for most anglers, flounder are usually targeted when they move into shallow water bays, inlets, river mouths and inshore creeks and marsh areas. These are some of the best flounder fishing areas.
What color is best for flounder?
The best colors for flounder fishing lures are white and chartreuse and the best lures are listed below. The Top Flounder Fishing Lures are: Berkeley Gulp Swimming Mullet or 3″ Gulp Shrimp. DOA CAL 3″ or 4″ Shad with Paddle Tail.
How old is a 14 inch flounder?
12 – 14 inches, 1 – 2 pounds; South Carolina State Record: 17 pounds, 6 ounces (1974); maximum age: approx. males – 5 years, females – 7 or 8 years; females are generally larger and outlive males.
What should I look for when floundering?
One of the most important features to look for in a good flounder gigging light is the ability to have a light that is most optimal in the water conditions you are experiencing. We have noticed that a warm white (yellowish colored) light works best for muddy water, while a cool white light works best for clear water.
Can you flounder gig in the winter?
You can also gig for flounder in the late winter and all the way through spring and summer.
What’s the flounder limit in Texas?
5 fish
All species, their hybrids and subspecies
Daily bag is 5 fish except Nov 1 – Dec 14 (fishery closed; bag limit = 0). Possession limit = the daily bag.