Flounder

One of the most common of the UK flatfish - a deep-bodied flatfish with a rounded outline and a rough lateral line. Flounder move inshore over sandy bottoms from late summer into winter and feed hard on worms, ragworm and small crustaceans.

Where and when

	Detail
Habitat	Sandy and muddy bottoms, estuaries, open beaches
Best time	Daytime
Category	Coarse

Baits and tactics

• Tactics: Running leger, Beach casting, Boat fishing
• Baits and flies: Lugworm, Ragworm, Mackerel strip, Squid

Tackle that suits

	Detail
Hooks	1-2/0. Aberdeen or wide gape. Wide gape sea hooks
Mainline	0.25-0.30mm. 10-15lb. Mono for shore, braid for boat drifting
Hooklength	0.25-0.30mm. 2-3ft. Long flowing trace - flounder like movement in the bait
Shotting	Running leger with 2-4oz bomb lead. Light enough to trundle along the seabed.
Field notes	Flounder feed on the flood tide - fish the incoming tide; A flowing trace of 2-3ft gives the bait natural movement; Whole lugworm or ragworm are the main baits; Late summer to winter is the season; Sandy and muddy bottoms are the target - avoid rocky ground; They are bottom feeders - keep the bait close to the seabed

More sea species

European Bass

Surf beaches, estuaries, rocky headlands, harbour walls

Cod

Deep water, wrecks, rough ground, open beaches in winter

Mackerel

Open water, harbours, piers, headlands

Pollack

Reefs, wrecks, kelp beds, harbour walls, rocky coastlines

Try FishingTactix free Get it on Google Play

Free tier, no card. Pro is £14.99 a year after a 7-day trial.