FLOUNDER FISHING Presented by Tom Putnam Owner of Half Hitch Fishing & Gigging For Flounder Hosted by Bob Fowler (850) 708-1317 Marinemax.com halfhitch.com 10/18/2012 1
SIZE & BAG LIMITS 12 in. size limit all species 10 bag limit per person per day all species combined 10/18/2012 2
SOUTHERN FLOUNDER Family: Paralichthys Lethostigma Description: The Southern flounder is left-eyed, and is most readily separated from its close relatives by the lack of prominent ocellated spots on the body. It does possess numerous diffused, dark spots and blotches on the olive-brown side and fins, but these are not conspicuous and tend to disappear in large fish. Similar Fish: Where found: The Southern flounder, as its name implies, is found in the more southerly latitudes of the United States. This fish will prefer estuaries, mud flats and even occaissional freshwater. Size: Florida Record: 20 lb. 9 ounces Nassau Sound, Florida World Record: 20 lb. 9 ounces Nassau Sound, Florida 10/18/2012 3
GULF FLOUNDER Family: Paralichthys Albigutta Description: body color brown, its shade depending on color of bottom, with numerous spots and blotches; 3 prominent eye-like spots forming a triangle; one spot on lateral line, one above, one below; numerous white spots scattered over body and fins (albigutta, white-spotted); strong canine-like teeth; caudal fin in shape of wedge, its tip in the middle. Similar Fish: southern flounder, P. lethostigma (no eye-like spots; color pattern is key to distinguishing the two species). Where found: INSHORE on sandy or mud bottoms, often ranging into tidal creeks; occasionally caught on NEARSHORE rocky reefs. Size: common to 2 pounds, generally smaller than southern flounder. Florida Record: n/a World Record: 20lbs 9 oz. 1983 Larenza Mungin Nassau Sound Remarks: hatches into usual fish form, but right eye migrates over to left side early in life; a bottom dweller; thought to spawn OFFSHORE; feeds on crustaceans and small fishes. 10/18/2012 4
SUMMER FLOUNDER Family: Paralichthys Dentatus Description: Similar Fish: Where found: Size: Florida Record: n/a World Record: 22 lbs. 7 ounces NY 10/18/2012 5
FLOUNDER IDENTIFICATION Gulf Flounder Paralichthys albigutta Note three spots forming a triangle Southern Flounder Paralichthys lethostigma Note absence of spots Summer Flounder Paralichthys dentatus Note five spots on the body near the tail 10/18/2012 6
Super Braid vs. Mono Mono Reasonable priced Able to stretch Multiple colors Has memory Braid Zero Stretch Small Diameter No memory Can not color, coat only not able to die Pricey Very durable 10/18/2012 7
Power Pro Low stretch helps with hook set Keep fish from getting in the bottom Small diameter increased line capacity Less water drag High abrasion 10/18/2012 8
Power Pro Knots with only 2 or 3 twist do not work well with braids most knots with 6 or more twist will work best knots palamar Uni Bimini twist When using Super Braid s most knives and wire cutters will not work scissors, preferable braid scissors work best UNI to UNI KNOT 10/18/2012 9
Fluorocarbon Great Leader High abrasion resistance Stiffer Larger Diameter Same density as water Carbon fleck stops light transmittal Has UV inhibitors last longer in sun Very slick, passes through guides easily 10/18/2012 10
Rod Action Light tip rods are more sensitive but lack backbone for pulling fish off their wreck Long rods are easy to feel bite but very poor leverage 10/18/2012 11
LANDING NETS Tangle free nets allow you to net a fish with lure. The lure will not get tangled in netting. Rubber nets are great to release fish. Doesn t have the rough knotting that would damage the fish and remove it s protective slime. 12
Diurnal Tides www.saltwatertides.com Because of East/West shore line & the effect of our Bay - only have 2 tides daily 1 high 1 low 10/18/2012 13
Chart #11390 10/18/2012 14
Now protected by law Grass Beds Shallow water is marked with signs When fishing shallow water, Pole instead of motoring to avoid damage to sea grass You can be fined for destroying grass beds 10/18/2012 15
Shrimp all fish love Bait Pinfish (Choffer) hardy good bait Finger Mullet hardy good bait Bull Minnows 10/18/2012 16
Best saltwater plastic bait ever made. Although not a true plastic. Available in all popular shapes & sizes. Biodegradable Leeches out scent as used, and when placed back in the container the bait will absorb the scent to regenerate the bait. Gulp 17
Flounder Jubilee Southern flounder move out to the Gulf to spawn in September November while Gulf flounder move into the Bay to spawn 6 types of flounder live in our bay 10/18/2012 18
FLOUNDER GIGGING 3-12 water around docks & structure & sandy patches 10/18/2012 19
GIGS Gigs can be either stainless steel or painted steel Painted steel economical Stainless Steel durable but expensive 10/18/2012 20
SOUTHERN STARGAZER Will bury in the sand and with his fan shaped pectoral fins appear to be a flounder Can produce electrical shock 10/18/2012 21
Night Fishing - Lights Light attracts bait that attract fish Great in summer months when so hot Green light has best light distance 10/18/2012 22
Popular Knots Loop to Loop 10/18/2012 23
Knots 10/18/2012 24
MEETINGS Gulf Of Mexico Fishery Management Council Meeting Schedule 2203 N Lois Avenue, Suite 1100 Tampa, Florida 33607 USA Toll Free: 888-833-1844 Email: info@gulfcouncil.org gulfcouncil.org Next Meeting Scheduled October 29 - November 2, 2012 Marriott Courtyard 1600 E. Beach Blvd. Gulfport, MS 39501 25
MEETINGS Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission Farris Bryant Building 620 S. Meridian St. Tallahassee, FL 32399-1600 (850) 488-4676 Next Meeting: December 5-6, 2012 Apalachicola Saltwater Regulations myfwc.com/fishing/saltwater/ 26
How to Measure Fish regulated by fork length are measured from the tip of the jaw or tip of the snout with closed mouth to the center of the fork in the tail. Fork Length Species Include: Amberjacks, Bluefish, Rudderfish, King Mackerel, Hog Fish, Spanish, Mackerel, Dolphin, Permit, Cobia, Pompano, Mullet, African Pompano 10/18/2012 27
Fishing Newsletter Visit halfhitch.com select Fishing Club and sign up for the Half Hitch Fishing Newsletter By registering your email you will stay informed about what's going on in the fishing industry and receive notification of special buys, seminars and tournament information. Email Address: 10/18/2012 28
Future Classes November 10th Hands on Rigging 10/18/2012 29