Spring Flounder Tips

[cowkiller]

With Flounder Season just Two Weeks away I thought I would give some pointers to you guys.
1- STAY SHALLOW. Try to find a muddy bottom in 5-10 feet of water. This water warms up quicker then deeper water.
2-CHUM. Mussells* clam chum* cracked clam shells all works well.But you must chum.
3-BAIT. Usally fresh mussells work best followed by Sandworms.
4-RODS & REELS. Any Baitcaster setup will do fine or a lite spinning outfit.Use no more then 10 lb test mono or braid.Rods 6 feet and under* are mostly used.
5- RIGGING. Most common is your standard two hook short shank chestertown hook* although other small hooks work well.Some will add beads and yellow sinkers or even little grubs above the hook to attract flounders.Use as LITTLE weight as possible.
Shake the chumpot every 5-7 minutes and always give your rig a few bounces off the bottom. Now go get them.

[RJ]

I am ready to set the steel in some winter flatties!!

[suilleabhain]

And add a flounder pounder and work it around the whole boat.
Sash weight* clam rake* clam tongs* mother-in-law with cement shoes

Best pounder I ever had* and maybe someone who is in a biz that has it* was the iron cone shaped things on the ends of rolls of carpet & flooring* reems of paper. It weighed about 5-pounds* had iron bolts that stuck out like spikes on the bottom* hollow down the center and had a spot for a shackle on top.

[Clam I am]

suilleabhain...I make up my own flounder pounders in my shop. I use a brake rotor* weld some bolts around the perimeter and a round in the center.

[rydogg]

i fish from shore.i usually do ok.i usually get dinner any tips besides get a boat?

[suilleabhain]

Calm...that sounds perfect. My brother was in construction and he had a friend make up a davit with a roller on the end so it fit in a rodholder. That way I could sit and pound without pulling my back out leaning over to heave that thing. A length of 1/4 or 3/8 nylon and I was all set. Had a little spot near the Oceanside dump* right of some houses where the swans used to sit. That was always good for a couple on the ebb.

[cowkiller]

Rydogg* Fishing from shore is also good at times from a dock* pier. If you are on a dock or pier chum and bounce your rig as if you were on a boat.If you are casting from the shore drag the rig very slowly along the bottom* say 5 inches then let it sit for a few minutes then repeate.

[samborges]

Joe* you mention about chum* back then my day used to buy a big can of corn and chum with it. Does corn work for chum? Now we would catch some flounders but of course back then* the fishing was better. Also* does painting your lead yellow help out also? :grin:

[cowkiller]

Sam *Corn was and still is a very popular chum. I personally dont use it as the flounders cant digest the corn and it will kill them.They cant pass it through their digestive track.I learned a trick from an old timer who uses cooked rice and dyes it yellow with food coloring.Then he mixes it in with his clam chum.
Painting your sinker yellow works well also* as anything that looks yellow to a flounder resembels a mussell.

[samborges]

Well I wont use that anymore* since it might not be a keeper and die after I release it. So mussel and clam chum it is. :)

[suilleabhain]

Keep the corn* just serve it one the side with your filets. Tradition was whole flounder floured and fried with cream corn on the side. Lucky ones i my family got the roe and didn't get stuck with a fork reaching for their next fish!!
Corned beef is almost done. McSorley's Black & Tans with dinner tonight.

[cowkiller]

Im gonna give it a try end of this week.( Commercial is open ).Gonna try in the back of E.Rockaway by swift creek and numms creek.Try some of the old school spots* Havent done flounder fishing back there in years* Maybe ill be surprised. (doubt it).Ill be happy just to see one.

[suilleabhain]

Get the garvey out and go back up the canals. Parsonage and Milburn should have life way in the back. Used to pick some fish in the 60' hole in Hudson* east side just before the turn

[Jaye43b]

McSorley's Black & Tans with dinner tonight.

It is curried Shrimp for me chased with ice cold Guiness Stout in the bottle. :beer:

[cowkiller]

got the big boat bill* Skiff is under the weather now* gotta fix her up.The canals are good but i cant get in there with the big boat.

[suilleabhain]

Curried Shrimp and a Guinness....I can feel my butt tingling just thinking of that combo!!!! I'd die a slow and painful death !!! Toss in some of that hot green stuff the Indian restaurants serve with the Narn bread. That's something I haven't had in a couple of years* some good Indian food. Wife's not adventurous* her eat out menu would fit on an index card.

[Jaye43b]

Serve you right Sulli..........should have taken her to those expensive restaurants when you dated.

[Jaye43b]

By the way Sulli...if you are into hot peppers.....truly hot peppers......stay in touch. I do a bit of organic gardening during the Summer and grow my own Habenero peppers (100x hotter than Jalepeno). I can let you have enough to keep you warm all winter.

[cowkiller]

Jay as a moderator I was told you must keep the thread on the topic.If you want to talk about food bring it up in the off topic thread.This is so we can talk and ask questions on one topic under a specifec thread. I love food start one up.

[Jaye43b]

U R right!!! Keep up the good work. We went off the subject matter four posts ago but I look forward to consistency with all of the future posts. It certainly will enhance the quality of each forum.

[Clam I am]

Maybe we can organize a flounder trip in Jamaica Bay* let me know if anyone is interested.

Back in the 70's* 80's and early 90's we used to fill up our buckets with big flounders. I've had a few decent trips fishing the pumpkin patch last couple of years.

[Alberto]

date, time, and point me in the right direction and I'm there <{{{=<

[RJ]

We should all storm Smitty's and rent all the boats and have our own tourney for flounder mid April!

[Alberto]

Joe is coming with me LOL... I'm not kidding!!!!!

[Clam I am]

What does Smitty charge?

Maybe I can have my Brother-in Law take a couple of us guys out, he has a 26 foot shamrock, plenty of space.

[Clam I am]

Or maybe we can get together on a Party Boat, let's say 2nd or 3rd weekend of April - anyone interested?

[Jaye43b]

Count me in sporting my TFL hat and sweat top.

[cowkiller]

If we could muster up 7 guys, we can fish on the MY JOANN.I can fit a total of 8 guys on board including myself. It would be a local trip.My neck of the woods.

[Alberto]

hey there where do I sigh.... I'M IN !!!!

[OffTheHook13]

OOOOOO OOOOOOO Pick me, pick me

[Clam I am]

Joe, Where are going to fish and what day?

[Alberto]

probably Island park, Baldwin, Oceanside, and Frerport..

[cowkiller]

I will fish back in Bay park(swift creek).island park(hog chanell), or numms creek.That is where we used to catch them years ago in the early season.The day doesnt matter to me.You guys can decide that one.This will be an experamental trip as I havent flounder fished these areas in over 10 years.But you never know we could be surprised.
You guys pick a day and let me know, start a list for 7 guys.

1 cowkiller
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just add your name first come basis. Once we get the guys we will figure a day that is good for everyone.Like I said the day doesnt matter to me.:cool:

[OffTheHook13]

I'm in anyday is OK for me.

Joe check your PM's

[Clam I am]

1 cowkiller
2 Clam I am
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[OffTheHook13]

You missed a name bro.

I AM IN

[OffTheHook13]

1 cowkiller
2 Clam I am
3 Off The Hook
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[OffTheHook13]

I'll bring the rigs.:D

[angus63]

1 cowkiller
2 Clam I am
3 Off The Hook
4 ANGUS63
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Joe
April 9,10 or any weekend works for me if possible. Used to fish Barnum's marsh in March,April for flatties 25-30 yrs ago. Think I left a few for ya!!!! Man I remember our 36' Novi with full displacement hull and box keel nosed into the weeds and mud. Had a 160 Lehman with a dry stack and I'd be hugging the stack jacket to keep from turning BLUE. Lookin' forward to it!

[Alberto]

1 cowkiller
2 Clam I am
3 Off The Hook
4 ANGUS63
5 Alberto
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[Alberto]

Im sure Rich is up for it may be we should put his name in too.

[cowkiller]

The only day I know he cant fish is saturday.Im sure he will come , he loves his flounder fishing. Plus if there aint enough room he can fish off the top of the wheelhouse haha.

[cowkiller]

Would a Sunday be good for you guys, I know its tough for everyone to agree on a day, but I figure a sunday would be best. let me know.

[angus63]

April 6 works for me Joe

[cowkiller]

OK guys, how does April 6 sound.

[OffTheHook13]

:D:D:D:D

Sounds good

[Alberto]

aughhh I'm in classes april 5th, 6th, 12th, and 13th.... If ya going then, Rich can have my spot.

[Clam I am]

Count me in

[Clam I am]

Joe...if you need extra people, let me know. I have a buddy who may be interested.

[OffTheHook13]

I can smell those crushed bank mussels already.

Mmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.....

[Surfmeister]

1 cowkiller
2 Clam I am
3 Off The Hook
4 ANGUS63
5 Alberto (?) RJ (?)
6 Surfmeister
7
8

Date: Sunday, April 6th
Boat: My Joann
Species: Winter Flatties
Time: ?

Experimental, huh? Can we get into some fun kind of trouble? :p

[OffTheHook13]

8 guys on a boat, fishing for the nearly extinct Winter Flounder.

Should be alot of fun.

:D:D:D:D

[cowkiller]

Or we can go on a nature trip and watch the endangered cormorants and harbor seals eat our flounder, Naa Id rather catch them myself. Nobody left me a buffalo. Over the rail into the pail, they know how to swim now teach em how to fly.(old capt al saying). I spoke to some of my commercial clammer guys and they are getting flounders in the rakes every day.

[cowkiller]

For the few hearty souls that are making this trip, what time would you guys like to sail at. How does 8 am till 2 or 3. If 8 sounds good let me know.I see no reason to leave any earlier than that.
Ill bring bagels with butter and cream cheese, plus bait and chum. Someone pick up budweiser, and the other guys bring some stuff for lunch. If we dont catch anything at least we will eat and drink good.

[cowkiller]

1 cowkiller- bait chum, bagels with butter and cream cheese
2 Off the hook- rigs (make sure there good ones haha)
3 add on to who is gonna bring what

[samborges]

Joe sound like a great trip, but I rather go with you blackfish or seabass fishing anyday of the week. Have a great time Joe and the crew. :cool:

[cowkiller]

Sam commercial blackfish opens on april 8. Thats when ill start togging, ill be in touch and make sure you get a front row seat on some spring tog... joe:crazy:

[Clam I am]

Anyone like Banana's?

[OffTheHook13]

:eek::eek::eek::eek:

[samborges]

Sam commercial blackfish opens on april 8. Thats when ill start togging, ill be in touch and make sure you get a front row seat on some spring tog... joe:crazy:

Thanks Joe, Spring is knocking on the door. Its duck season, no its blackfish season, I feel like bugs bunny. :D

[Clam I am]

Case of Buds coming your way...

[Clam I am]

8am departure okay for me....Until whenever, as long as it gets me away from the wife:o

[Surfmeister]

Hey Joe, can you fill in the directions at the bottom of this post?

Is RJ in on this?

Hey guys, I need some suggestions for food...what you all like?

1 cowkiller (bait&chum, bagels)
2 Clam I am (case of budweiser)
3 Off The Hook (rigs)
4 ANGUS63
5 Alberto (?) RJ (?)
6 Surfmeister (food?)
7
8

Date: Sunday, April 6th
Boat: My Joann
Species: Winter Flatties
Time: 8:00am
Directions: 89 california place north, island park ny, 11558

[angus63]

Hey Joe, can you fill in the directions at the bottom of this post?

Is RJ in on this?

Hey guys, I need some suggestions for food...what you all like?

1 cowkiller (bait&chum, bagels)
2 Clam I am (case of budweiser)
3 Off The Hook (rigs)
4 ANGUS63 (The other case of beer)
5 Alberto (?) RJ (?)
6 Surfmeister (food?)
7
8

Date: Sunday, April 6th
Boat: My Joann
Species: Winter Flatties
Time: 8:00am
Directions: ?

One case of beer won't suffice for 8 guys, I'll bring the other case, and some non-alcohol drinks too!!

Hey guys, I need some suggestions for food...what you all like?

Anything that goes with mussels and worms!!!

[Surfmeister]

One case of beer won't suffice for 8 guys...Anything that goes with mussels and worms!!!

I like the way you think-- I planned on bringing other beer also anyway.
For food, I'm thinking of BANANA nut muffins, Peanut butter & BANANA sammies, and BANANA cream pie. :p

But seriously, probably cold cuts and salads, and maybe something DIFFERENT or UNUSUAL?

[OffTheHook13]

:DSorry to say fellas, I don't drink so more for you guys.:D

[OffTheHook13]

I like the way you think-- I planned on bringing other beer also anyway.
For food, I'm thinking of BANANA nut muffins, Peanut butter & BANANA sammies, and BANANA cream pie. :p

But seriously, probably cold cuts and salads, and maybe something DIFFERENT or UNUSUAL?

Have a funny feeling you won't make it:D:D:D

OUT ALIVE.......:D

[Surfmeister]

:DSorry to say fellas, I don't drink so more for you guys.:D

Well.....then being sober you have no excuse for not making some "killer" rigs!!!

[cowkiller]

boat is located at 89 california place north, island park ny, 11558. go to mapquest and it will give you directins from where you are, any problems call me 516-851-4392,,joe:rock:

[cowkiller]

Surf you might as well puke in my boots while your at it.:laugh:

[angus63]

boat is located at 89 california place north, island park ny, 11558. go to mapquest and it will give you directins from where you are, any problems call me 516-851-4392,,joe:rock:

Or, if my new chart is correct

40° 36.0' N
73° 39.2' W

Lookin' forward to some flatty fatties (and I ain't referring to Hillary!!!):D

[Surfmeister]

Or, if my new chart is correct

40° 36.0' N
73° 39.2' W

Lookin' forward to some flatty fatties (and I ain't referring to Hillary!!!):D

Have I told you yet that I like the way you think???? :cool::cool::cool:

[Surfmeister]

Surf you might as well puke in my boots while your at it.:laugh:


Well, if you force me to drink Bud, I'll have to get you to sign a disclaimer protecting me from liability for anything I might do on or in your boots!!! :p

But I will be bringing other beer as insurance... ;)

[Surfmeister]

Or, if my new chart is correct

40° 36.0' N
73° 39.2' W

Lookin' forward to some flatty fatties (and I ain't referring to Hillary!!!):D


It might be easier to just follow the smell of bitter beer. :eyes:

[Clam I am]

1 cowkiller (bait&chum, bagels)
2 Clam I am (case of budweiser)
3 Off The Hook (rigs)
4 ANGUS63
5 Alberto (?) RJ (?)
6 Surfmeister (food?)
7 Chinese Elvis (Clam I am's Buddy - if it's okay with you guys, Food?)
8

[cowkiller]

Rich cant make it , so chinese elvis is in, is he bringing chinese food Ha ha
1 cowkiller (bait&chum, bagels)
2 Clam I am (case of budweiser)
3 Off The Hook (rigs)
4 ANGUS63
5 surfmeister (food)
6 chinese elvis (chinese food?)
Ok guys looks like a trip to me, we are all set. Looking to have a great time out on the water with you guys, lets just hope I can find the flounders for you guys:cool:.

[Surfmeister]

1 cowkiller (bait&chum, bagels)
2 Clam I am (case of budweiser)
3 Off The Hook ( "killer" rigs)
4 ANGUS63 (another case of beer)
5 surfmeister (even more beer, sammies & salads...and prayers to Neptune)
6 chinese elvis (chinese food? "Thank you...thank you very much")

[Surfmeister]

lets just hope I can find the flounders for you guys:cool:.

I'll settle for a mermaid, or enough beer to help me fantasize about one. :p

[steventur]

Can bring beer , soda, what ever

Thanks

Steve

[cowkiller]

1 cowkiller (bait&chum, bagels)
2 Clam I am (case of budweiser)
3 Off The Hook ( "killer" rigs)
4 ANGUS63 (another case of beer)
5 surfmeister (even more beer, sammies & salads...and prayers to Neptune)
6 chinese elvis (chinese food?)
7 steventur( beer, soda, or whatever)
OK its a wrap I got my mate that makes 8.Looks like we got a trip boys.:uzi:
If anyone cant make it please contact me and let me know. DONT BE A NO SHOW.

[Surfmeister]

If anyone who agreed to bring beer is a no-show, they will be summarily drawn and quartered, and then forced to spend a weekend with Chuck and Hillary. :eek:

[steventur]

I dont like people when their not Polite


Talking Heads.:beer:

[Surfmeister]

Exactly....they are fated to a visit from "Psycho Killer." :mad:

[Surfmeister]

I got my mate, that makes 8.
If anyone cant make it please contact me and let me know. DONT BE A NO SHOW.

So you fancy yourself a poet, eh?

[Clam I am]

All in all, I think it will be a fun day on the water and great meeting up with you all.

[Surfmeister]

The feeling is mooootual. ;)

[steventur]

Told the wife and kids , They are happy as they usually shop as I fish


I dont how the water temps are for flounder been years since I fished for them


Looking forward to this event


Steve

[cowkiller]

Well steve I havent flounder fished here in a long time , but I can promise if there are any flounder around we will catch some.:cool:

[Jaye43b]

If anyone who agreed to bring beer is a no-show, they will be summarily drawn and quartered, and then forced to spend a weekend with Chuck and Hillary. :eek:

Hey Surf..........I believe that even a blind squirrel can occasionally find a nut on the forest floor. A weekend with Hillary may not be such a bad thing. She may have some skills that we have not heard about. Don't count those
Wellesley College women out. It could be a phenomenal experience if you are in great shape.

[steventur]

My lite to medium pole . What type of hooks can I get . I usually buy pre tied rigs as I am not the best in tying in matter of fact I suck. Thats why I go on partyboats and let mate doing the trying.

What amount of lead to use.


Ice for the beer I am going to bring and nice maybe some cheese and crackers.

And a smile cause its going to be my first fishing outing this year

:fishhead:

[steventur]

What kind of boat is MY Joann just wondering.

Thanks
Steve

[cowkiller]

steve, as far as hooks go a short shank chestertown hook, ill have rigs on board no need to worry, A lite pole is fine we will be using mostly 2-3oz
The MY JOANN is a 31 foot H&H Osmond Beal(lobster boat design) with a 11 foot beam, very roomy for 6 guys.:beer:

[Alberto]

I am going to bring and nice maybe some cheese and crackers.

And a smile cause its going to be my first fishing outing this year

:fishhead:

cheese and crackers?!?!?!?! you French!!!! :eek::eek::eek:

[Surfmeister]

Hey Surf..........I believe that even a blind squirrel can occasionally find a nut on the forest floor. A weekend with Hillary may not be such a bad thing. She may have some skills that we have not heard about. Don't count those
Wellesley College women out. It could be a phenomenal experience if you are in great shape.

Ewwwwww!!!! I couldn't....I wouldn't....even THINK about it!!! :eek:

Any skills she has that we don't know about surely died along with Vince Foster.

[Surfmeister]

Cheese and beer---that ought to provide enough entertainment in case the fish aren't biting!!!

Boys will be boys!!! ;)

[Surfmeister]

cheese and crackers?!?!?!?! you French!!!! :eek::eek::eek:

HEY!!! What's wrong with being French? It's not their fault that they're smelly, rude, arrogant and cowardly--they're just carrying on tradition. And besides, they make perfectly good whipping boys!!! :D

[Surfmeister]

Hey Joe,
Could you bring along an assortment of custom rigs for a variety of species? I have a hankering for a few fluke balls and such, so sweet and salty, yum!!! For a hamburger today, I'll surely pay you on Thursday.
But seriously (who, me?), I will pay cuz I won't be a charity case for at least another couple of years yet. :rolleyes:

[Clam I am]

F**K the French

[suilleabhain]

Joe, you and Rich should do your rig tying classes on the flounder trip. I'd be there but April is jammed for me with working on the deer camp for next season.

[Jaye43b]

F**K the French


Only their women. I betcha you'll never kick oneof them outta the bed.

[steventur]

I am coming from Holbrook road in centereach,

Will leave at 6:30 am . Hate to be late


NEVER LATE:p

[Surfmeister]

I am coming from Holbrook road in centereach,

Will leave at 6:30 am . Hate to be late


NEVER LATE:p

I'm hailing from Stony Brook, let me know if you want to carpool. Send me a PM or e-mail with phone number.

[Surfmeister]

Only their women. I betcha you'll never kick oneof them outta the bed.

I might...if she didn't shave and talked too much. :p

[steventur]

Tomorrow is opening day . Lets hear how they do. Hope the winds are not blowing to hard Sunday, Plenty of layers to keep warm and beer or 3



Ready for some flounder pounding

[cowkiller]

some of my commercial friends are getting some flounders in the bay as the commercial season is open all year, hope we can find a few on sunday. If anyone has an mp3 player bring it as i have the hookup on the boat we can listen to some tunes while we fish.:beer::band::band::thumb:

[steventur]

I can bring the tunes my friends

[steventur]

Do you have the cable from the ipod to the Stereo

[cowkiller]

Great steve, I have the i pod hookup on the boat. We can listen to some good music while we BAIL the flounders.I know you like the Talking Heads as so do I.Anything but rap.,,,joe

[cowkiller]

yes I have the plug that goes into the stereo.It is that square thing with the prongs on it that slides into the i pod?You squeeze it on both sides and it slides into the bottom of the i pod.Is this correct?,,,joe

[steventur]

I have about 450 songs on the Ipod all different kinds. Should be a blast

[cowkiller]

:beer::beer::beer::beer::beer:,,,joe

[cowkiller]

Clam I Am, please pm me your number along with chinese elvis, as I will call everyone saturday evening to make sure everyone is a go and knows how to get to the boat,,,joe:beer:

[RJ]

This trip really should have been set up under Fishing Trips Planned...it is not following the first flounder question.

In the ask the experts..you ask a SINGLE question..then get responses...if you have mroe questions start a NEW THREAD!

[steventur]

going to respool my c5500 abu for the year i have ice


see u all sunday

[Clam I am]

Joe,

Did you get my pm?

[cowkiller]

Yes Sal Thank You,,,joe

[angus63]

Weather looks nice ... 50-55degrees .. sunny .. 10kt SW winds.. Early morning flood tide, ebb should be starting around noon. Lookin' forward to some fun!!!!!

[steventur]

all me need is fish, I was going to bring a couple of hero's and 12 pack is that fine with everyone , Plus I got a big bag of ice



Steve

[cowkiller]

Thanks Steve, This thread on this trip is closed now, but any flounder questions start a new thread.

[CaptreeDeckhand]

Sam *Corn was and still is a very popular chum. I personally dont use it as the flounders cant digest the corn and it will kill them.They cant pass it through their digestive track.I learned a trick from an old timer who uses cooked rice and dyes it yellow with food coloring.Then he mixes it in with his clam chum.
Painting your sinker yellow works well also* as anything that looks yellow to a flounder resembels a mussell.

That is incorrect... corn out of the can is just fine and they can in fact digest it... what DOES kill them is the hard corn that you used to be able to buy in the bait ships in big bags...