Try These Tactics For Spring Flounder

Springtime on the Texas coast is an overlooked time for catching flounder. The “spring flounder run” is when flounder enter the bays from the Gulf of Mexico. We are on the tail end of that now, meaning flounder are pretty much set up where they will be until falll.

And by using these strategies you have a great chance of scoring when few other anglers are pursuing flatfish.

1. Targeting Concentrations of Menhaden:
   • Menhaden, also known as pogies, serve as a favorite food source for flounder during the spring months.
   • Look for schools of menhaden near estuaries, marshes, and shallow flats, as flounder often congregate in these areas to feed.
   •  I like to use a Sassy Shad from Mr. Twister that perfectly mimics menhaden.
2. Fishing Passes from the Gulf to Bay:
   • Passes serve as natural channels connecting the Gulf of Mexico to bays and estuaries along the coast.
   • During the spring, flounder utilize these passes as they migrate between saltwater and brackish environments.
   • Position yourself near the entrances or exits of passes, casting your line into the moving water to intercept moving flounder.
3. Focusing on Incoming, Rising Tides:
   • Flounder are often more active during incoming and rising tides, as they follow the movement of baitfish into shallow waters.
   • Plan your fishing trips around tide charts, targeting periods of incoming or rising tides for optimal results.
   • Concentrate your efforts along the edges of channels, flats, and structure where flounder lie in wait for passing prey.
4. Looking for Pockets of Clear Water:
   • Spring rains can muddy coastal waters, reducing visibility and making it challenging to locate flounder.
   • Search for pockets of clear water within estuaries, where flounder are more likely to feed in improved visibility.
   • Focus your casts in these clear-water pockets, presenting your bait where flounder have a better chance of spotting it.
5. Fishing the Day Ahead of Small Fronts:
   • Flounder activity can increase in the days leading up to small weather fronts. Those are slowing down in frequency but even super weak cool fronts can make a difference.
   • Monitor weather forecasts for indications of approaching fronts, particularly those accompanied by slight changes in barometric pressure.
   • Take advantage of the pre-frontal conditions by hitting the water a day in advance, as flounder may feed more aggressively before the weather shifts.

Chester Moore