Flounder is considered one of the most valuable and sought after fish in the fishing industry. Flounder spends most of its life at the bottom, so hunting for it has a specific process.
The result of fishing directly depends on the equipment of the fisherman and how correctly the gear is selected. Before hunting for such a specimen, you should know some features and nuances.
Peculiarities of flounder behavior
Flounders are predators and, despite their unique body, are able to move quickly and agilely. Fish live throughout Eurasia, as well as in inland seas.
The Pacific and Arctic Oceans are especially rich in flounder fish. Some species can be found in the Black, Azov and Caspian Seas.
These fish spend their lives alone, masterfully camouflaging themselves to match the color of their surroundings. Flounder are characterized by passive behavior; they often bury themselves in the bottom and wait for prey. The ability to camouflage is necessary for fish not only for hunting, but also for hiding from predators.
Note! In its normal state, flounder moves slowly along the bottom, but if necessary, it can develop greater speed using wave-like movements. If it wants to catch prey, the flounder can shoot from the shelter in the required direction.
General information about flounder
Flounder is a predatory fish that lives in many seas. This species unites more than 60 varieties that have one characteristic feature - a flat body, the sides of which are located in the upper and lower planes (and not in the usual right and left). Thus, the eyes are on the upper side, and not on the back, as many people mistakenly believe. The skin is practically without scales, dark above and light below.
The physiology of flounder involves living in the bottom layers of water, to which the predator is perfectly adapted. Its diet includes bottom crustaceans, mollusks, and sea worms, which densely populate the seabed, and the fish prefers to live in the sand, although it is also perfectly camouflaged in pebbles. She has several reasons for this:
- the body is able to completely take the shape of a smooth sandy bottom;
- the ability to burrow into the ground for successful hunting;
- colors camouflaged to match the color of the bottom, as well as mimicry abilities.
Flounder often hunts for small fish from its sandy ambush. Individuals come in different sizes, but most are found up to 50 cm. Some species reach almost a meter and weigh more than 15 kg. Based on the way of life of flounder, it is easy to guess that it needs to be caught using bottom gear.
Flounder fishing in the Black Sea is carried out throughout the year. Some believe that a higher frequency of bites occurs in the pre-dawn hours. Others say that the predator bites regardless of the time of day. This fish is caught mainly from a boat, but fishing from the shore is also effective, the main thing is to choose the time when it approaches the shore. It is believed that the predator approaches the shores after a storm. Each method involves specific gear, equipment, and bait.
What to catch flounder with - bait
Animal bait
Flounder is a predator, so it bites on many different types of bait. It is not particularly picky about food, so it does not require special searches or significant costs for bait.
Mainly used:
- shellfish meat;
- shrimp;
- worms;
- parts of crab and squid;
- pieces of fish;
- small crustaceans;
- mussels;
- anchovies and small gobies.
The advantage of flounder is that it bites on anything that moves, which makes it much easier to prepare for fishing.
Artificial baits
Artificial baits are also widely used when hunting this fish. Fans of spinning fishing actively use weighted jigs and various types of wobblers. When fishing on a boat, experts recommend using vertical lures.
Useful properties of flounder
This fish is actively recommended by nutritionists. Flounder meat is easily digestible and contains many vitamins, for example, group B, and beneficial microelements that have a good effect on the digestive, respiratory, and cardiovascular systems.
It is also recommended to include flounder dishes in the diet of patients. In addition, this fish contains Omega-3 acid, which fights cancer cells.
Flounders are not very high in calories: 100 grams of fish contain only 90 kcal. Also, 100 grams of flounder meat contains about 16 grams of protein, 3 grams of fat and no carbohydrates. Along with its beneficial properties, flounder meat tastes surprisingly tender and juicy.
And so that the specific smell does not remain in the cooked fish, it is advisable to remove its skin during cutting. There are a great many recipes for flounder dishes. It can be baked, stewed, fried, boiled.
Source: bolshoyulov.ru
How to catch flounder on an industrial scale
Tackle for catching flounder
Fishing from the shore
It is advisable to go fishing from the shore in the second half of autumn. The predator gets closest to the shores in November and December. It is optimal to choose gear for casting over long distances. Feeder-type rods with a length of more than 4 meters are suitable, on which you can attach heavy weights.
Experts recommend using gear with an additional protective coating in seawater, since the aggressive environment negatively affects the fishing rod:
- The fishing line is chosen with a diameter greater than 0.4 mm.
- The reel should be strong and reliable, allowing you to place about 150 meters of fishing line.
- The sinker should weigh at least 60 g, and hooks should be numbered 6-10. Depending on the place where fishing is carried out, the size of the sinker may vary, since waves and undercurrents often occur in the seas.
- The leash is made of fishing line, the diameter should be up to 0.25 mm. When choosing baits, you should pay attention to the brighter ones.
Fishing from a boat
Fishing by boat has a number of undeniable advantages:
- It is more convenient to monitor the fish.
- The fishing process is a little easier.
- Opportunity to go fishing at a convenient time of year.
- This way it is more convenient to look for places where fish accumulate.
When going out on the water with a boat, there is no need to take a long fishing rod. Basically, it is recommended to take the same equipment as for the shore, but choose less weight of the sinker.
Experts highlight the most convenient method of fishing - vertical. It is characterized by dipping the bait under the swimming device, and then tapping the bait on the bottom.
Thus, the bait forms muddy water and attracts predators. For more successful fishing, several fishing variations are used at once.
Equipment for fishing from a boat should be selected according to the following criteria:
- small rod;
- leash diameter up to 0.35 mm;
- sinker weighing 70-130 g;
- fishing line 0.6 mm thick;
- hooks numbers 9-13.
Sea fishing in Crimea
The calling card of Crimea, without a doubt, is sea fishing. Due to the favorable geographical location and mild microclimate, fishing is allowed here all year round. However, for fishing to be successful, you need to know when, where and what kind of fish to catch.
For example, in the Black and Azov Seas, in addition to the rich local fauna, you can meet “vagrant” guests who migrate to spawn during the changing seasons. Such transit inhabitants include the Black Sea herring, which is found off the coast of the Caucasus. She goes to spawn through the Kerch Strait into the Sea of Azov, and returns to the Black Sea for the winter. Therefore, the perfect time for catching Black Sea herring falls in October. Sturgeon and tuna fish species, bonito and mackerel also enter the Crimean seas.
But, let’s say, horse mackerel is a continuous inhabitant of the Black Sea and you can catch it all year round. True, the fishing season ends in spring and autumn, when the water is still warm - after which the fish goes into the depths of the sea. The local inhabitants of the Black Sea waters also include pilengas, mullet, bluefish, sea bass, sea burbot, flounder and ruffe. You can catch them from late spring to mid-autumn.
Sea fishing on the Crimean peninsula can be conditionally divided into 3 main areas: the Black Sea, the Sea of Azov and Sivash. All of these areas have their own fishing characteristics. Thus, on the Black Sea coast near the Kerch Peninsula, they mainly catch horse mackerel, pilengas, mullet and flounder. The southern coast of Crimea is popular among those who like to go fishing in the open sea. The Balaklava area is considered the most “fishy” place - sea bass, redfish, sea fox and horse mackerel are found here in abundance. You can catch greenfish, ruffe and other small fish from the shore.
On the western coast of Crimea, in the area of Cape Tarkhankut, fishermen can expect a richer catch: horse mackerel, mullet, goby, kalkan, as well as crabs, mussels and rapana. In this area you can also hunt for Black Sea shark if you go by boat into open waters.
Fishermen prefer to go to Sivash for bulls. Due to the fact that it is found in deep water, it can only be caught from a boat. In addition to the goby, in this area you can also catch glossy flounder, which is distinguished by delicious meat, shellfish and shrimp.
The Sea of Azov is of interest both for fishing from the shore and in the open sea. The main prey in these waters will be sprat, goby, flounder, sawfish, mullet and pike perch.
How to make your own tackle for flounder?
Due to savings, fishermen prefer to prepare their tackle with their own hands; to do this, you should know some rules. The process of making the gear is very simple and also does not require financial costs.
Tackle for flounder is made according to the following principle:
- Prepare a leash about 13-15 cm long.
- Hooks are attached to the leash.
- Several colored beads are placed on top of the hook.
- The leashes are placed on the rig with a distance of 20-30 cm.
- Carabiners are attached to the ends.
Let's celebrate! It is best to make several items for stock. For convenient use, they are hooked onto a reel. The final result is to connect the load and the main line, and the equipment will be completely ready.
Fishing in the Black Sea
One of its most popular nicknames for flounder is the phrase “chicken of the sea,” which representatives of this species of fish received because of their indiscriminate eating habits. The bait for catching them can be anything - from a simple earthworm to the insides of a sea urchin or shellfish.
And here's what you need to know: Leeches as bait for fishing
Tackle for flounder in the Black Sea should be prepared taking into account the fairly wide variety of species of this fish. Here you can find three main species, the largest of which is the so-called Black Sea Kalkan, which has excellent mimicry abilities.
Often its adult individuals reach a weight of 15 kg, having practically no scales. Therefore, before fishing, special attention should be paid to the quality of fastening of the rings and reel.
The rod should definitely be tested first in the folded state and only then in the unfolded state.
The unpretentious flounder bites both at depth and close to the shore. In order to catch it, it is enough to have a bottom fishing line and a heavy sinker.
Techniques and tactics for catching flounder
- It is recommended to cast the tackle further away, positioning the rod at a large angle. Some piers have special sides that are just right for a convenient position of the fishing rod.
- Flounder behaves especially when biting; it can grab prey and lie motionless for some time. If there was a long cast, then such a bite can be missed.
- It is important to carefully monitor the condition of the rod; a shudder will appear at the tip when the fish moves.
- They hook flounder quickly and confidently. Catching such a fish does not tolerate slowness. It should be remembered that flounder can actively resist. That is why, before pulling her towards you, it is advisable to tire her out.
- Flounders tend to swallow bait deeply; in this case, you need to have an extractor or hook with you.
- You will have to make some components of the equipment yourself. These include leashes; there should be at least 10 of them in stock.
- Fishing on a boat eliminates the need to take heavy weights. This is due to the fact that the rod does not need to be cast far.
- The boat uses vertical fishing techniques, alternating tapping on the bottom and small casts along with pulling up the equipment.
- The more powerful the tackle, the easier it is to pull out the flounder while fishing.
Fishing from a boat
When fishing from a boat, it is best to use a short spinning rod with a spinning reel. The tackle is similar to that used from the shore, only the sinker can be placed smaller - there is no need for long casts.
Good results are obtained by vertical fishing, when the bait is lowered directly under the boat. It is very good if the boat slowly drifts, moving the bait along with it.
Such a game can better excite the flounder to bite.
While on a boat, you can alternate fishing vertically with short casts. The chances of catching flounder with this combined approach are much greater.
An additional advantage of fishing from a boat is that you can find flounder habitats at any time of the year, and control over the behavior of the bait is much better.
We present to you a video of catching flounder from a boat in the seaside.
Reviews from fishermen
I prefer to catch flounder using a donkey. Instead of a sinker, I hook a heavy copper spoon into place between the hooks. Hooks are chosen thicker, preferably from number 10. On the modern market you can find special hooks for flounder, but I have not tried them, as I am used to mine. I use a variety of bait, I take worms, fish, squid or mussels.
Grade:
Vitaly 34 years old
I fish in Magadan very often. The last place was the central bay. I fished in the cold season, but the result is worth it. The fish are biting great. During the day of fishing, we managed to catch more than 20 individuals. Due to the fact that I hunted in the autumn, the fish pecked very vigorously and rushed to any bait. I was especially lucky with my lard catch. Grade:
Igor 38 years old
I prefer to catch flounder using a scallop. It holds the hook well and attracts attention. I don’t like to use meat and shrimp, since that’s the kind of food I like to eat myself. I consider capelin and herring to be good bait. In my opinion, the bait does not play the main role, it is the ability to use it that is important. Grade:
Konstantin 40 years old
At first, fishing for flounder seemed difficult to me, but gradually I learned how to catch this specimen and now I share my experience with everyone I know. I prefer to take a small spinning rod, a fishing line of about 7 m. I attach a sinker and several hooks to the end. You can look for bait as you go, since on the shore you can often find snails that are perfect for the role of bait. The fish attaches itself very quickly and every time you pull it out, a surprise awaits you, since it is impossible to predict the size of the individual.
Grade:
Vladislav 29 years old
Very often I go out fishing for flounder, as this fish attracts me not only with its special appearance, but also with its exquisite taste. From such a specimen you can make various dishes. Also, when fishing, you practice very well in the field of fishing, since pulling out a flounder to yourself is not always easy. Very often these fish bury themselves in the sand, so during the entire practice, several times I had to climb into the water and get the catch with my own hands.
Grade:
Nikolay 46 years old
Very often among fishermen you can meet true connoisseurs of sea hunting. Sea fishing is usually the way to catch flounder.
The process of catching this species is distinguished by the special behavior of the fish. That is why many people, when going on vacation to the sea, do not miss the opportunity to go fishing. When going hunting, the main thing to remember is the basic rules for a successful catch.
Effective baits
When fishing for flounder, you can get bait right at the fishing spot; bait from its usual habitat does not scare away the fish. The most attractive Nereis are sea worms; the predator readily pecks at them. It is necessary to find a depression on the coast with water and sediments of algae, and then, scooping up dirt from there, rinse and remove the worms (the same as when extracting bloodworms). Excess live bait can be kept in a container with silt and moist soil for several days.
Among other baits that these predators bite well are:
- shellfish;
- shrimps;
- small pieces of squid and crab;
- pieces of fresh fish.
In addition, many fishermen use the following baits to catch predators:
- Maggot. A universal bait that is suitable for all types of gear. You should cover the hook using several maggots and enhance the attractiveness with various flavors.
- Red worm. The most suitable size is considered to be medium, and it is advisable to pierce only at one point so that the bait wriggles and attracts flounder. It is recommended to use flavoring additives other than those made with alcohol.
- A piece of red meat. This bait is considered catchable, and the use of fresh meat is not necessary; sometimes a product with a smell becomes more effective. You should choose pieces with fat that is attractive to a predator, and pierce them in one place.
- Canned foods. They are a tasty morsel for fish, but after a bite you should check for their presence.
- Dead small fish. The effectiveness of this bait is high, especially if it is from the same body of water. You should choose a small fish so that a predator can easily grab it without being afraid of a hook prick.
- Sea fish fillet. Such baits emit a smell that is more attractive to predators than the smell of freshwater fish species. The skin on the fillet should be left and strengthened additionally; the bait itself should be small in size.
- Twister. In areas with flat terrain, you can use a boat to tap the bottom. When fishing at night, it is recommended to use glowing bait using the scents of sea fish or worms. This method is effective when fishing close to shore when the water is calm.
- Pilker. They fish from a boat, tapping the bottom. The use of fragrances is recommended. The weight of the sinker is selected taking into account the bait and the depth of the reservoir.
Anchovy, salanka, and small bellyfish are well suited for catching large specimens. Popular artificial baits are spoons and sinking wobblers.
Source: ribaku.info
by Andrew — October, 18th 2015
Crimea is associated with luxurious beaches, a gentle sea, mountains covered with pine needles... But on the peninsula you can not only have a good rest, but also have wonderful fishing. Moreover, this pleasure is available all year round. For example, the Black Sea is extremely rich in flounder.
A little about flounder
Flounder is a marine fish that spends its entire life on the bottom, lying on one side and waiting for prey. This predator may seem lazy, but it is truly cunning. Thanks to its ability to adapt to its environment, flounder practically merges with the sand and attacks its prey suddenly. Few people manage to dodge its huge mouth.
More than 60 species of flounder are known. Only 3 of them are found in the waters of the Black Sea. These are kalkan (the most numerous), glossa and sole.
Where and when to hunt flounder
Flounder fishing in the Black Sea is possible all year round. But the best period is still autumn, when the fish come closer to the shore. As for the time of day, the most successful fishing is at night. Or at dawn, at these moments the largest specimens are caught. And if you manage to organize a hunt immediately after the storm, the catch may turn out to be fabulously rich. It is recommended to choose country beaches where there are no breakwaters as a place for fishing. The latter do not allow flounder close to the shore. Cape Tarkhankut is considered one of the most promising areas in Crimea.
How to catch flounder?
Fishing for flounder in the Black Sea is almost equally effective both from the shore and from a boat. For coastal fishing, you will need an elongated spinning rod equipped with a powerful reel. The farther you can cast, the greater your chances of catching a fish. The distance should be approximately 50-70 m. But it is important to remember that flounder is not a schooling fish. Therefore, you should not wait for a repeated bite in the same place. You need to “probe” the territory.
You will need a fishing line that is not too thin - with a cross-section of at least 0.5 millimeters. It must withstand a fairly heavy sinker (up to 200 g) and the catch itself. Fishing from a boat involves the use of a short spinning rod. If the depth is serious, then the gear is lowered directly under the vessel and the bottom is carefully tapped. Such actions will stir up the bottom mud and attract the attention of flounder. And at shallow depths, short casts and sweeps along the bottom are effective.
What to “treat”?
It is good to use any small fish or shellfish as bait when hunting for flounder. The predator will be happy with anchovies, tiny gobies, sprat, anchovy, mussels, crabs, squid, etc. He will not refuse meat either - in particular, the heart of a bull. A lazy flounder grabs the bait in a lying position. Having enjoyed himself, he tries to leave. The rod begins to vibrate. Since this fish is quite large and strong, you need to try not to let it go. Sometimes you have to be patient and let the victim get exhausted, and then drag on. But the result is worth the effort! Exotic flounder with an unusual taste - grilled, dried, smoked, or simply fried - will be a worthy reward for your hard work and a real decoration for your holiday in Crimea!
Source: www.perekop.info
