By Capt. Bryan Dickinson Dixie Riverside Charters

Down in South Louisiana around the Mississippi River Delta, most inshore anglers pursue speckled trout and redfish. However, let¹s not forget that another popular game species, flounder, deserves some attention.
In our area we generally can catch a flounder or two on any given day, but in August, September and October, it is possible to catch large stringers of the flat tasty fish. While flounders will at times bite on artificial plastic baits, spoons, jigs or live bait, there are a few tips that may help you to catch more and bigger fish.

Flounders tend to congregate around oyster reefs, mud flats or sand bars that have a nice flow from tide or current. You don¹t need deep water, anything from six inches to four feet will do. Watch for large or small points with current moving across them and some bait activity on the water.
Sometimes you may even see the fish themselves as they flip out of the water chasing shrimp or minnows.

I usually fish for flounders with market shrimp curled on the hook of a l/4 ounce jig head. You should cast up current and let your bait bounce along the bottom at about the same speed as the current will carry it.
Try to keep as much slack out of your line as possible because flounders tend to bite very lightly. When you feel the light tap of a bite, don¹t set the hook real hard give a light tug and immediately start reeling in. Use a steady retrieve and keep your rod tip down so it doesn¹t shake the hook.
If you find they are biting pretty consistently, gold spoons will usually work well in clear water. Some days when the reds and trout aren¹t cooperating, a nice mess of flounder will save the day. As for table fare, flounders are hard to beat and can be cooked in many different ways. My favorite is broiled flounder stuffed with crawfish and crabmeat dressing. Nothing finer!

If you are interested in an inshore fishing trip for reds, specks, and flounders, just give me a call at 504-657-9214 and we can discuss details and talk fishing. You can also email me Dixiecharters@aol.com. Remember to practice safe boating on all of your fishing adventures.