Winter fishing for flounder can be just as productive as the spring and summer months, but only with the right timing and in the right location.

Winter is spawning season for flounder, and anglers might have to go offshore to catch them during this time, but they can also catch flounder while they are still in the inlets, including Sebastian, and one of the best well known fishing locations in the world. 

Fishing for winter flounder offshore might require being in a boat at least 15 to 25 miles offshore. Live bait is often the preferred choice, but there are some lures for catching flounder that are well-known for landing big numbers, such as the D.O.A. Shrimp and Cal Shad Tail. Also, whenever anglers feel a nibble on your bait or lure, it is best to lower the tip of  their rods, then set the hook with a fast stroke. Flounder are ambush predators that live on the bottom, and tend to wait for their food to come to them. So it is best to always keep bait or lures close to the bottom of the water while remaining wary of getting hooks caught in the rocks.

“When I was little, my dad and I used to go to Sebastian Inlet during the winter,” Bryan Schafer (10) said. “Our goal was to catch a couple flounder to take home and eat for dinner, but it was really hard sometimes. Sometimes the bite was not on and would end up not coming home with any fish.”

Zane Korfhage (10) said flounder fishing has been slow.

“Last week I tried using live mullet as bait to catch a flounder,” he said. “I was able to get a few bites, but didn’t have any luck keeping any on the line. I’ve also tried using lures a lot too but I’ve never had any luck with them.” 

By Harry Carcieri