I don't know how they get the invitations, but every fall flounder get together for a big time hoe-down. The boy flounders and girl flounders all meet up in passes, party like it's 1999, then head for the blue Gulf and get pregnant. (There is no scientific proof that fraternities are involved.)
It takes a lot of stamina to party hearty in flounder-land so they are always hungry. The same flounder that may have turned a lackadaisical eye (or two) away from your offering in the summer will chase your bait out of the water in the fall. These flounders are all Gulf flounder and don't grow very large, but they can be plenty for a meal. Party flounder can be caught consistently beginning this month on sand bottom around structures near East Pass, West Pass, Sikes Cut and Indian Pass. Pilings, rocks, sharply defined edges of oyster bars and sandbars are all likely boogie spots. While it is true that these aggressive party animals will hit a grub or jig, the quickest hits and the best chance of catching one over the 11-inch size limit will come from live bait up to three inches long. Meanwhile, the doormats are stuck in the mud. If someone says they caught a big (or "really big" or "monstrous") flounder it was a Southern flounder. They don't seem to be much for the big party and linger in the bay long after the Gulf flounder are gone, especially the big ones. In fact, this is the best time of year to catch a doormat-sized flatfish in shallow water.
They will be on mud bottom always so the mouths of creeks and run-outs are favorite haunts. St. George Island is a good place to hunt for a doormat. The mud bottom in Nick's Hole, East Slough and Rattlesnake Cove will hold some very big fish. Look for the little creases in the marsh grass where the tidal water and rainfall drain out. You must have a falling tide going to low because even the biggest flounder will move "upstream" with the tidal flow and only back out of the grass grudgingly. Sometimes their backs may be out of the water, but most times you won't see them at all. These flounder will make you think you're blind or batty. Toss a green grub or free-lined minnow as far up the run-out as you can, while staying a respectful distance from the mouth, and work it out. Your first clue that the flounder is there will be when your bait disappears. Try to count "four" after the disappearance before you set the hook because the flounder is holding the bait in its teeth with extraordinary force. When you do set the hook, jerk straight up (not back towards yourself) and hard. This kind of fishing takes some patience because it's a long time between bites. But one doormat will feed the whole party. |
