Best Lures for Flounder: Boost Your Catch with Top Picks

With their peculiar shape and delectable taste, flounder is a coveted catch for anglers worldwide.

You can increase your chances of catching bottom-dwelling flatfish with the right tools and techniques.

The key to success in flounder fishing often lies in choosing lures. This article dives into flounder fishing and explores the best lures to help you land this delectable fish.

The Flounder’s Habits:

Before we delve into the best lures for flounder, it’s essential to understand the behavior of this fish.

Flounders are ambush predators that lie camouflaged on the seabed, waiting for prey to swim by.

Their feeding habits revolve around small fish, crustaceans, and other marine creatures.

You must present a convincing meal to lure them out of their hiding spots. This is where the choice of lures becomes crucial.

9 Best Lures For Flounder Fishing

With their distinctive flat bodies and prized meat, flounder are a favorite catch for many anglers.

You need to know the best bait to increase your chances of a successful flounder fishing trip.

Flounder can be picky eaters, but you can lure them from their hiding spots with the right bait. This guide will explore the top bait and Lures For Flounder Fishing:

1. Soft Plastic Baits:

Soft plastic baits are among the top choices for flounder anglers. Their lifelike movements in the water mimic the natural prey of flounder, making them irresistible.

Opt for soft plastic baits in colors like chartreuse, white, or pink, which imitate the color of common flounder prey such as shrimp and minnows.

Soft plastic lures can be rigged on a jig head or a Carolina rig for optimal presentation.

Soft plastic baits are highly versatile, allowing you to adapt to various fishing scenarios and conditions.

You can rig them on a jig head for casting and retrieving near the bottom, or you can opt for a Carolina rig to bounce them gently along the seafloor.

The versatility of presentation techniques means you can match your approach to the specific needs of the day.

Tips for Using Soft Plastic Baits:

Rig soft plastics securely to keep them in place during casting and retrieval.
Vary your retrieval speed to determine the movement pattern most enticing to flounder on a given day.
Maintain your fishing gear in good condition to avoid losing the hooked flounder due to equipment failures.
Soft plastic baits have undoubtedly earned their place as a secret weapon in flounder fishing.

Their lifelike appearance, natural movement, versatility, scent options, and durability make them a reliable choice for enticing these camouflaged flatfish.

2. Bucktail Jigs:

Bucktail jigs are a classic choice for flounder fishing. The combination of a lead head and a tuft of bucktail hair creates an alluring, fluttering action in the water.

These jigs come in various sizes and colors, but natural hues like white or brown often prove the most effective.

Bucktail jigs offer flexibility in rigging, making them suitable for various fishing scenarios.

You can choose from various weights and hook sizes to adapt to different water depths and current conditions.

Bucktail jigs are perfect for casting and retrieving along the seafloor, enticing flounder to strike.

Flounders are known for their cautious and deliberate feeding behavior. Bucktail jigs offer a subtle, non-threatening presentation that can entice even the most cautious flatfish.

The natural look and movement of these jigs make them an attractive target. Bucktail jigs are cost-effective and durable.

They withstand multiple strikes without losing their effectiveness, and their affordability makes them a favorite choice among flounder anglers.

Tips for Using Bucktail Jigs:

Experiment with different weights and sizes to match the depth and current of your fishing location.
Opt for colors that best match the local baitfish and water clarity.
Use a slow, rhythmic retrieval to imitate the movements of wounded or fleeing prey.
Maintain a keen sense of feel to detect the subtle taps or weight increases that signal a flounder strike.

Bucktail jigs are a timeless and trusted tool for flounder fishing. Their distinctive design, natural color choices, versatility in rigging, and subtle presentation make them an excellent choice for enticing these cunning flatfish.

3. Gulp! Baits:

Gulp! baits are another game-changer in the world of flounder fishing. These biodegradable soft baits come soaked in fish-attracting scents that can’t go unnoticed by flounder.

The lifelike appearance and scent make Gulp! Baits are an irresistible option.

They are easy to use and can be fished with a simple jigging motion. Unlike live bait, Gulp! Baits are incredibly durable.

They won’t get picked apart by smaller fish and can endure multiple strikes from flounder without falling apart.

This longevity ensures that you can keep fishing longer without needing constant re-baiting.

Tips for Using Gulp! Baits:

Experiment with different Gulp! Bait shapes and colors to match the local baitfish and water conditions.
Pay attention to the specific scent of the Gulp! Bait you’re using and match it to the prevailing conditions and the preferences of the local flounder population.
Use Gulp! Baits on various rigs to determine the most attractive presentation style to flounder on a given day.
Maintain a keen sense of feel to detect subtle taps or weight increases that signal a flounder strike.

Gulp! baits have brought a new level of success to flounder fishing. Their potent scent, lifelike appearance, versatile presentation, durability, and eco-friendly nature have made them a must-have in the tackle boxes of anglers pursuing these camouflaged flatfish.

4. Scented Jerkbaits:

Scented jerkbaits are designed to mimic the look of real prey. Their detailed textures, coloring, and lifelike profiles closely resemble the natural prey of flounder, which can trigger their predatory instincts and entice them to strike.

These jerk baits are created to move in a way that imitates the motions of live prey.

A skilled angler can make them dart, twitch, and swim in a manner that mimics wounded or fleeing baitfish, making them irresistible to flounder.

What sets scented jerkbaits apart is their added scent. Many of these lures are infused with potent scents that replicate the smell of natural prey, creating an enticing trail in the water.

This scent can draw in flounder from a distance, increasing your chances of a strike.

Scented jerkbaits can be used in various ways to adapt to different fishing scenarios.

You can cast and retrieve them near the seafloor, work them with a stop-and-go action, or even fish them with a slow, steady retrieve.

This versatility allows you to cater your presentation to the specific needs of the day.

Brightly colored scented jerkbaits can be particularly effective in murky or turbid waters.

Their high-contrast appearance can stand out even when limited visibility makes them a reliable choice for such conditions.

Tips for Using Scented Jerkbaits:

Experiment with different scented jerkbait shapes, sizes, and colors to match the local baitfish and water conditions.
Pay attention to the specific scent of the jerkbait you’re using and match it to the prevailing conditions and the preferences of the local flounder population.
Vary your retrieve speed and action to determine the most enticing movement pattern on a given day.
Maintain a keen sense of feel to detect the subtle taps or weight increases that signal a flounder strike.

Scented jerkbaits have earned their place as a preferred choice for flounder fishing.

5. Spoons:

While typically associated with freshwater fishing, spoons can also be effective in saltwater for flounder.

Their flashy, fluttering action and unique profile can catch the attention of flounders, enticing them to strike.

Choose spoons in natural, silver, or gold finishes for the best results. Spoons feature a unique design with a concave shape that causes them to flutter and wobble as they move through the water.

This fluttering action resembles the movements of wounded or fleeing prey, which is precisely what flounders are looking for.

Spoons come in various sizes and weights, making them suitable for depths and current conditions.

Whether you’re fishing in shallow waters or deep channels, there’s a spoon that can be tailored to the situation.

Bright and reflective colors work well in murky waters, while more natural, silver, or gold finishes can be ideal for clear conditions.

Tips for Using Spoons:

Experiment with different spoon sizes and weights to match the depth and current of your fishing location.
Use a slow, rhythmic retrieve to imitate the movements of wounded or fleeing prey.
Pay attention to the color and finish of your spoon, choosing the one that best matches the local baitfish and water conditions.
Maintain a keen sense of feel to detect the subtle taps or weight increases that signal a flounder strike.

Spoon lures have long been favored by anglers targeting flounder and for a good reason.

Their flashy, fluttering action, adaptability to various depths, and variety in color and finish options make them ideal for enticing these elusive flatfish.

6. Live Eels:

For many seasoned anglers, the secret to unlocking the world of flounder fishing lies in the enigmatic allure of live eels.

These slender, wriggling baitfish offer a distinctive approach to luring flounder and have become a favorite choice for those targeting these elusive flatfish.

In areas where eels are readily available and legal, live eels can be an exceptional bait for flounder.

Eels are a favorite meal for large flounder; presenting them on a fishfinder rig can be highly effective.

Flounders prefer live eels as they closely resemble their natural prey.

The undulating, twisting movement of live eels mimics the motion of small fish, making them an irresistible target for flounder. The natural scent and flavor of eels further enhance their appeal.

Live eels are suitable for various fishing environments, including coastal inlets, estuaries, and shallow coastal waters.

They can be employed in still waters and areas with mild to moderate currents.

Tips for Using Live Eels:

Keep live eels in a well-aerated bait bucket or live well to maintain their vigor and freshness.
Present live eels with a hook size that matches their size and the flounder’s feeding preferences.
Vary your retrieve speed and motion to imitate the movements of natural prey.
Maintain a keen sense of feel to detect the subtle taps or weight increases that signal a flounder strike.

Live eels are a secret weapon in flounder fishing, offering a compelling and natural presentation that lures in these elusive flatfish.

7. Squid Strips:

Squid strips have an irresistible scent that draws flounder from a distance. The scent of squid, a favorite flounder prey, acts as a powerful attractant, creating an alluring trail that leads the flatfish straight to your bait.

The texture and flavor of squid strips closely resemble the natural prey of flounder, making them a convincing and delectable option.

Flounder are more likely to strike at bait that feels and tastes like what they typically feed on.

Squid strips can be presented in various ways to suit different fishing scenarios.

You can use them with a standard bottom rig, a Carolina rig, or even as a trailer for other lures.

The bright, white color of squid strips makes them particularly effective in murky or turbid waters.

Their high-contrast appearance stands out, even when visibility is limited, which can help flounder locate your bait.

While squid strips are an excellent choice for floundering, they can also attract other species like sea bass, black drum, and sheepshead, making them a versatile option for multi-species fishing trips.

Tips for Using Squid Strips:

Experiment with different sizes and shapes of squid strips to find the most effective option for your local fishing conditions.
Rig squid strips securely to your hook to keep them in place during casting and retrieval.
Present squid strips with a slow and steady retrieve to mimic natural prey movements.
Pay attention to the local water conditions and adjust your bait selection accordingly.

Squid strips have emerged as a trusted and tempting choice for flounder fishing, offering an alluring scent, natural texture and flavor, and adaptability in presentation.

8. Berkley Gulp! Baits:

What sets Berkley Gulp? Baits apart is their proprietary scented formula. These baits are infused with potent, water-soluble attractants that replicate the scent of natural prey, such as shrimp, minnows, or squid.

This scent creates an irresistible trail in the water, attracting flounder from a distance and prompting them to strike.

Berkley Gulp! Baits are designed to resemble the look of real prey closely.

Their lifelike appearance, texture, and coloring imitate the natural prey of flounder, enhancing their appeal by appealing to the flatfish’s visual senses.

Berkley Gulp! Baits can be used in various ways to adapt to different fishing scenarios.

You can rig them on a jig head for casting and retrieval, use them with a Carolina rig for a slower, bottom-bouncing presentation, or even tip your bucktail jigs with them for added attraction.

This versatility allows you to cater your presentation style to the specific needs of the day.

Unlike live bait, Berkley Gulp! Baits are incredibly durable.

They can endure multiple strikes from curious flounder without falling apart, ensuring you can fish longer without needing constant re-baiting.

Tips for Using Berkley Gulp! Baits:

Experiment with different Berkley Gulp! Bait shapes and colors to match the local baitfish and water conditions.
Pay attention to the specific scent of the Berkley Gulp! Bait you’re using and match it to the prevailing conditions and the preferences of the local flounder population.
Use Berkley Gulp! baits on various rigs to determine the most attractive presentation style to flounder on a given day.
Maintain a keen sense of feel to detect subtle taps or weight increases that signal a flounder strike.

Berkley Gulp! Baits have emerged as a game-changing solution in the world of flounder fishing.

9. Gulp swimming mullet

Flounder fishing is all about the right bait and the perfect presentation. Among the arsenal of lures available to anglers is the Gulp! Swimming Mullet stands out as a true game-changer.

Designed with precision and infused with irresistible scents, this soft bait has proven to be a favorite among those chasing the elusive flatfish.

In this article, we’ll dive into the world of Gulp! Swimming Mullet and explore why it’s a top choice for flounder enthusiasts.

The Gulp! Swimming Mullet is designed to mimic the look of a real mullet, one of the flounders’ favorite prey. Its soft, flexible body and intricate detailing make it incredibly convincing.

Available in various colors and sizes, you can choose the one that best matches the local baitfish population or the specific preferences of the flounder in your area.

What sets Gulp! apart from many other soft baits is its powerful scent dispersion.

These baits are soaked in a potent, water-soluble attractant that disperses scent in the water, drawing in flounder from a distance.

The scent mimics natural prey and stimulates the fish’s predatory instincts, making them more likely to strike.

The Gulp! Swimming Mullet is versatile in how you can present it to flounder.

You can use it on a jig head for casting and retrieving along the seafloor or rig it on a Carolina rig for a slower, bottom-bouncing presentation.

This flexibility allows you to adapt to various fishing conditions and depths, giving you an edge in different scenarios.

One of the standout features of the Gulp! Swimming Mullet is its durability. Unlike live bait, it doesn’t get picked apart by small fish or damaged easily by nibbling flounder.

This means you can fish longer without constantly re-baiting your hook, increasing your chances of hooking that trophy flounder.

Tips for Using Gulp! Swimming Mullet:

Experiment with different colors and sizes to match the local baitfish and water conditions.
Use a slow, subtle retrieve to mimic the natural movements of a mullet.
If the water is murky, consider using brighter, high-contrast colors to help flounder spot your bait.
Keep your tackle in good condition to avoid losing a hooked flounder due to line breaks or equipment failures.

For flounder fishing enthusiasts, the Gulp! Swimming Mullet is a bait that has earned its place as a top choice.

Do flounders eat lures?

Yes, flounders do eat lures. Flounders are opportunistic feeders and are known to strike at artificial lures when they are presented effectively.

While live bait like minnows, shrimp, and small fish is often the preferred choice for catching flounder, lures can be highly effective when used properly.

When using lures to target flounder, selecting baits that mimic the prey flounder feeds on, such as small fish or shrimp, is essential.

Soft plastic lures, including those that resemble baitfish or shrimp, are particularly popular for flounder fishing.

Jigs with a slow and erratic retrieval can also be productive, as this retrieval style imitates the movements of injured or vulnerable prey that flounders find enticing.

It’s important to experiment with different lures, colors, and retrieval speeds to determine what works best for the specific conditions and the preferences of the flounder in your fishing area.

As with any type of fishing, understanding the behavior and preferences of the target species in your location is key to successful angling.

How to jig for flounder

Flounder lie camouflaged on the ocean floor, making jigging an excellent method for catching them.

The up-and-down motion of a jig imitates the movement of prey and is particularly enticing to flounder.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to master the art of jigging for flounder, from selecting the right gear to perfecting your technique.

1. Gear Up for Success:

Before you hit the water, ensure you have the right gear for jigging flounder. Here’s what you’ll need:

Rod and Reel: A medium to medium-heavy spinning rod in the 6.5 to 7.5-foot range is ideal.

Match it with a quality spinning reel that can handle braided or monofilament lines.

Line: Opt for a 15- to 20-pound braided line, which provides sensitivity and strength. Attach a fluorocarbon leader to reduce visibility in clear water.

Jigs: Use bucktail or lead-headed jigs in weights ranging from 1/4 to 1 ounce, depending on water depth and current.

Choose jigs in natural colors like white, brown, or green to imitate flounder prey.

2. Choose the Right Location:

Flounders are often found in sandy or muddy bottoms near structures. Look for underwater features like drop-offs, channels, and wrecks where flounder will likely lie in wait for passing prey. You can also find them near inlets, piers, or jetties.

3. Time Your Trip:

Flounders are most active during the warm months, typically spring through early autumn.

Plan your fishing trip during the outgoing tide to maximize your chances, as flounder often feeds when water moves.

4. Cast and Retrieve:

Here’s how to jig for flounder effectively:

Sink your jig to the bottom by casting it.
Once it’s on the bottom, begin a series of slow, short, and deliberate lifts and drops.
This motion imitates the movement of prey, which is irresistible to flounder.
Pay attention to the feel of your line. You may feel a subtle “tap” or resistance when a flounder strikes.
Set the hook with a firm but controlled hookset when you detect this.

5. Experiment with Retrieve Speed: Flounders can be picky, and their preferences for retrieve speed may vary.

Try a slow and steady retrieve initially, but don’t hesitate to experiment with different speeds until you find what works best on the day.

6. Be Patient: Flounders are ambush predators and can take their time before striking. It’s crucial to be patient and maintain focus throughout your jigging session.

7. Handle Flounder Carefully: When you’ve successfully hooked a flounder, handle it gently.

Use a landing net to avoid damaging its delicate mouth. Be mindful of local regulations and size limits, and safely release undersized or unwanted fish.

Jigging for flounder is a rewarding and effective technique that offers excitement and a delicious catch.

Conclusion:

A flounder lure should mimic its natural prey’s appearance and movements. Soft plastic baits, bucktail jigs, Gulp! Baits, scented jerk baits, and spoons are all excellent choices to entice these cunning flatfish.

However, remember that the best lure alone is not enough.

Success in flounder fishing also depends on your knowledge of the tides, currents, and the behavior of the fish.

Combine your lure selection with sound fishing techniques, and you’ll be on your way to reeling in flounder for a delectable seafood feast.

So, gear up, pick the right lure, and head to your favorite flounder fishing spot for a rewarding and delicious adventure.

Check out the How to Fish for Flounder available on our website.