Best Baits For Flounder Fishing This Year

Flounder fishing can be tricky. These flat fish are masters of camouflage, blending in with the ocean floor. But with the right bait, you can lure them out of hiding.

Choosing the best bait is key to a successful catch. Different baits work better in different areas. What works in the Northeast might be less effective in the Gulf.

Live bait often outperforms artificial options. The movement and scent of live bait closely mimic a flounder’s natural prey. But artificial lures can be just as effective when used correctly.

The best bait also depends on the fishing location. Estuaries, surf beaches, and deep waters each call for different approaches. Local preferences play a big role too.

This guide will explore the top baits for flounder fishing. We’ll cover both live and artificial options. You’ll learn which baits work best in different situations. By the end, you’ll be ready to choose the perfect bait for your next flounder fishing trip. And if you’re interested in other types of fishing, check out our guides on ice fishing for perch or lake trout ice fishing.

What Types of Baits Work Best for Flounder (and Fluke)?

Flounder and fluke respond well to various baits, both live and artificial. Live bait options include finger mullet, minnows, and shrimp. These natural prey items are highly effective due to their movement and scent, which closely mimic what flounder encounter in their environment.

• Cut bait is another popular choice. Strips of squid or fish belly (like bluefish or flounder) work well. These options provide a strong scent trail and are more durable than live bait, making them ideal for areas with high crab populations.
• Soft plastic lures are a versatile artificial option. Curly tail grubs, paddle tails, and shrimp-shaped lures in light colors like pink or white can be very effective. Scented soft plastics, such as Gulp! baits, add an extra attractant to entice flounder.
• Bucktail jigs are a classic choice for flounder fishing. They can be used alone or tipped with natural bait for added effectiveness. The jig’s movement along the bottom mimics the action of small prey, making it irresistible to flounder.

When selecting bait, it’s crucial to match the local forage and present it close to the bottom. Flounder prefer slow-moving prey, so a slow, twitching retrieve often works best. Combining artificial lures with natural baits, such as tipping a bucktail jig with a strip of squid, can be particularly effective in enticing these bottom-dwelling predators.

Best Baits for Flounder and Fluke

Here are our top baits that you can use for Flounder

Yum Fishing Baits

Yum Fishing Baits offer a range of options for anglers targeting flounder and fluke. The Yum Dinger, in particular, stands out as a versatile choice. This soft plastic bait comes in various sizes and colors, making it adaptable to different fishing conditions.

The Yum Dinger’s durability is noteworthy. Its tougher plastic composition means it can withstand multiple catches without tearing easily. This feature is especially useful when fishing for flounder, which often grab baits with their sandpaper-like teeth.

One unique aspect of the Yum Dinger is its built-in hook slot. This design allows for weedless rigging without compromising the bait’s integrity. For flounder fishing, this can be particularly helpful when working around structure or in grassy areas where these fish often hide.

The scent infused in Yum baits may give anglers an edge. Flounder rely heavily on smell to locate prey, so this added attractant could potentially increase bite frequency and hold time.

When rigged weightless, the Yum Dinger exhibits a gliding, darting action that mimics the movement of small baitfish. This action can be effective for enticing flounder, especially when fished slowly along the bottom.

The Yum Dinger comes in sizes ranging from 3 to 6 inches, with the smaller sizes potentially being more suitable for flounder fishing. The extensive color palette allows anglers to match local baitfish or stand out in murky waters.

While not specifically designed for flounder, the Yum Dinger’s versatility makes it a potential option for anglers looking to experiment with different soft plastic baits. Its effectiveness may vary depending on local conditions and angler technique.

Chompers Fishing Bait

Chompers fishing baits offer a range of options for anglers targeting flounder and fluke. The Chompers Drop Shot Worm, in particular, stands out as a potential choice for these bottom-dwelling fish.

The Chompers Drop Shot Worm measures 4 inches in length, making it a suitable size for flounder and fluke. Its slender, slinky body responds to slight rod movements, mimicking the action of small baitfish that these flatfish prey upon.

One notable feature of Chompers baits is their scent. The Drop Shot Worm comes infused with a salt and garlic combo. This long-lasting scent could prove advantageous when fishing for flounder, as these fish rely heavily on smell to locate their prey.

The super-soft texture of the Chompers Drop Shot Worm allows for a natural presentation in the water. This softness might also make it easier for flounder to hold onto the bait, potentially increasing hook-up rates.

Chompers baits are made in the USA, which may appeal to anglers who prefer domestically produced fishing gear. The company offers same-day shipping on most orders, a convenience for those planning last-minute fishing trips.

While not specifically designed for flounder, the Chompers Drop Shot Worm’s characteristics make it a potential option for flounder and fluke fishing. Its effectiveness may vary depending on local conditions and angler technique.

The Chompers Drop Shot Worm comes in various color patterns, allowing anglers to match local baitfish or stand out in murky waters. However, the limited size options might be a drawback for those who prefer to experiment with different bait sizes.

Liquid Fish Bait

Liquid fish bait offers an interesting option for flounder anglers. Liquid Mayhem, a popular brand in this category, provides a unique approach to attracting fish.

Liquid Mayhem uses real bait fish to create their scents, aiming for a natural appeal. This could be beneficial when targeting flounder, as these fish rely heavily on smell to locate prey. The product’s super sticky formula helps it adhere to lures, potentially extending its effectiveness underwater.

One notable feature of Liquid Mayhem is its mess-free application. Unlike some spray attractants that can leave residue on boats or hands, this product applies cleanly. This convenience factor might appeal to anglers who prefer a tidy fishing experience.

The waterproof nature of Liquid Mayhem means it stays on the bait while submerged. For flounder fishing, where baits often need to stay close to the bottom, this lasting power could be advantageous.

While not specifically designed for flounder, Liquid Mayhem’s versatility allows it to be used on various lures and baits. Anglers can apply it to soft plastics, cut bait, or even live bait to potentially increase their attractiveness to flounder.

Liquid Mayhem, like other liquid fish baits, might be particularly useful in situations where live bait is scarce or prohibited. It could also serve as a supplement to other flounder fishing techniques, potentially giving anglers an edge in tough conditions.

However, it’s important to note that while many anglers swear by liquid attractants, their effectiveness can vary. Factors like water clarity, temperature, and local forage can all influence how well these products work for flounder fishing.

Red Liquid Fishing Bait

Red liquid fishing bait offers an intriguing option for flounder anglers. Products like Pro-Cure’s red-colored attractants aim to enhance the appeal of lures and baits.

These red liquid baits often contain fish oils and amino acids designed to mimic the scent of natural prey. For flounder, which rely heavily on smell to locate food, this added scent could potentially increase the effectiveness of artificial lures or cut bait.

One notable feature of red liquid baits is their color. The red hue may help attract flounder in murky waters or low-light conditions. Some anglers believe the color red mimics blood, triggering a predatory response in fish.

The application of red liquid bait is typically straightforward. Anglers can apply it directly to soft plastics, jigs, or even live bait. The sticky nature of many of these products helps them adhere to lures, potentially extending their effectiveness underwater.

Red liquid baits might be particularly useful when fishing for flounder in areas with a lot of bait competition. The added scent and color could help your offering stand out from natural forage.

While not specifically designed for flounder, red liquid baits can be adapted for flounder fishing. They can be applied to popular flounder baits like Gulp! shrimp or curly tail grubs to increase their attractiveness potentially.

It’s worth noting that the effectiveness of red liquid baits can vary depending on factors like water clarity, temperature, and local forage. Some days, they might seem to make a significant difference, while on others, their impact may be less noticeable.

Booty Bait Fishing Lure

Booty Bait fishing lures offer an interesting option for flounder anglers. While not specifically designed for floundering, these soft plastic baits have characteristics that could make them effective for targeting these bottom-dwelling fish.

The Booty Bait lure typically features a curly tail design, which can create enticing movement in the water. This action might mimic the movement of small baitfish or shrimp, potentially attracting the flounder’s attention.

One notable aspect of Booty Bait lures is their versatility in rigging options. Anglers can rig them on jig heads for a more traditional presentation, or use them in a Texas rig for a weedless setup. This flexibility allows for fishing in various conditions where flounder might be found.

Booty Bait lures come in a range of colors, allowing anglers to match local forage or stand out in murky waters. For flounder fishing, lighter colors like white or chartreuse might be effective, especially in low-visibility conditions.

The soft plastic material of Booty Bait lures provides a natural feel, which could be advantageous when a flounder strikes. This softness might encourage the fish to hold onto the bait longer, potentially increasing hook-up rates.

When fishing Booty Bait lures for flounder, a slow and steady retrieve along the bottom is often effective. Flounders typically ambush their prey from the seafloor, so keeping the lure in their strike zone is crucial.

Booty Bait lures might be particularly useful when fishing around structures like docks, jetties, or near drop-offs where flounder often lurk. Their weedless rigging capability allows for fishing in areas with vegetation or debris without frequent snags.

Nikko Fishing Baits

Nikko fishing baits offer a unique option for anglers targeting flounder. These Japanese-made soft plastic lures are known for their durability and lifelike designs.

Nikko baits are made from a proprietary floating and durable material. This feature could be advantageous when fishing for flounder, as it allows for a more natural presentation near the bottom where these fish often feed.

One standout product for flounder fishing might be the Nikko Winnow 95. This 3.75-inch swimbait has a ribbed body that could create enticing vibrations in the water. Its size and profile might mimic the small baitfish that flounder prey upon.

The Nikko Zaza Leech, at 3.8 inches, could also be effective for flounder. Its versatile design for finesse fishing might work well when targeting these bottom-dwelling fish.

Nikko baits are known for their exceptional durability. This quality could be particularly useful when fishing for flounder, as these fish often have sandpaper-like teeth that can quickly destroy softer plastics.

While not specifically designed for flounder, Nikko baits’ characteristics make them a potential option for flounder fishing. Their durability might be especially appealing in areas with high flounder populations or when fishing around structures.