Flounder are an ambush predator, which will burrow into the mud bottom and lay in wait for other fish to swim within striking distance. 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.
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Are there flounder in the York River?
Summer flounder, Paralichthys dentatus, (Figure 7A) is a lefteye flounder and a popular sport fish in the lower York River.
What fish are biting in the York River?
About York River The most popular species caught here are Atlantic croaker, Red drum, and Striped bass. 126 catches are logged on Fishbrain.
Where is the best place to fish flounder?
“Flounder like moving water around coves, estuaries and inlets that present fairly deep centers and shallow fringes. A sand or gravel bottom is ideal, but they’ll also feed over mud and grassy areas as well as mussel beds and creeks that empty into deeper water.
How many flounder can you keep in Virginia?
A. It shall be unlawful for any person fishing in any tidal waters of Virginia, except the Potomac River tributaries, with recreational hook and line, rod and reel, spear, gig or other recreational gear to possess more than four summer flounder.
How big do flounder have to be in Virginia?
A. The minimum size for summer flounder harvested by commercial fishing gear shall be 14 inches in total length.
What bait is best for flounder?
Using live bait is essential for many flounder (fluke) fishermen around the country, and can be extremely effective for picky flounder (fluke). Shrimp, crabs, smaller flounder, sardines, shad, mullet, and mud minnows can all be great options for live bait.
Can you gig flounder during the day?
Once successfully gigged, your Flounder doesn’t have much of a chance of surviving. Therefore, you only want to spear as many Flounders as you’re planning to eat later. All the action typically happens at night, although day trips are also possible.
What lures to use for flounder?
The best baits for flounder are finger mullet, white baits and mud minnows fished within 12 inches of the bottom. The best lures for flounder are gulp swimming mullet and bucktail jigs with a 1/4 ounce to a 1/2 ounce jig head fish very slowly. Flounder are an extremely popular fish for fishermen everywhere.
How deep is the York River?
The York River below West Point has an average width of two miles and average depth of 20 feet. The channel is 80 feet deep beneath the George P. Coleman Bridge, which is 90 feet above the river at its highest point. Map courtesy of Center for Coastal Resources Management, Virginia Institute of Marine Science.
Where can I fish on the York River?
The York River, where catfish, spot, croaker, striper and crabs are plentiful, is accessed at Croaker Landing. The landing has a boat launch dock, a 360-foot fishing pier, parking and restrooms. Those fishing from boats and the shore must have a Virginia saltwater fishing license.
Is the York River saltwater?
Coleman Memorial Bridge. The York River is known for its rare and delicate environment, where freshwater and saltwater meet to create a habitat rich in marine and plant life.
What tide is best for flounder fishing?
The outgoing high tide is the best tide to catch flounder. Flounder rely upon the outgoing tide to bring them shrimp, crabs and fish to their hidden ambush points. They like to hide in strategically located spots that will make it easy for them to catch their prey as the tide brings the food right to them.
Why is flounder hard to find?
“When the pandemic hit, the boats came in and didn’t have a place to sell. We worked hard to find them places to sell, after we did the cutting and packing. I know flounder was a bit tight this week. Some weeks it’s plentiful and prices are lower; sometimes it’s harder to get, and prices inch up.”
Is there a flounder season in VA?
In Virginia, it is primarily an April through November fishery though some are caught in March and December. Early season action is found in the seaside inlets of Virginia’s Eastern Shore.
How do you rig for flounder?
What is a flounders favorite food?
Summer flounder eat a mixed diet of fish and invertebrates throughout their life. Larval and post-larval flounder feed on zooplankton (tiny floating animals) and small crustaceans. Juveniles eat crustaceans and fish.
How many fish can you catch in a day in Virginia?
The law is to catch only 5 per day and must not be less than 18 inches.
At what age do you no longer need a fishing license in Virginia?
Residents 65 and older: You are not required to buy a Saltwater Fishing License, but you are required to register annually with the Fisherman Identification Program (FIP) by visiting www.mrc.virginia.gov/FIP.
What size hook is best for flounder?
A 5/0 to 7/0 circle hook is a good size for summer flounder fishing, where a traditional J-hook would be size 1/0.
Will flounder take lures?
Lure choice: in my harbour the flounder seem to prefer worm imitations, with other options like crab or prawn type lures being ignored. With enough patience and luck I’m sure they could be tempted with any small lure, the trick is to find one that is awake and switched on, then they will take anything.
Are flounder hard to catch?
Fluke is not a bad fish to start with for beginners; it’s not too hard to catch, many times of the year work, and it’s a great chance to try bottom fishing. Flounder, also called fluke, are a great target for Mid-Atlantic anglers.
Where is the best place to gig flounder?
I generally try to gig them just behind the head so I don’t poke holes in the meat, but sticking them in the center works just as well. Another sign to look for are beds, or spots where they have been laying in the sand. A fresh bed is easy to spot because it will be the exact shape of a flounder.
Is low tide good for flounder gigging?
This can negatively affect the water clarity, making it very difficult to see fish while out gigging. However, the beginning of a falling tide can make for very good flounder gigging because the fish haven’t moved out yet.
What time of night is best for flounder gigging?
Flounder seem to move in with the tide, so being out at night on an incoming tide will be a plus to your flounder gigging success. It’s always best to listen to locals when fishing any area.