Best Bait & Hook Size For Flounder

[Stroller]

Can anyone tell me the best bait & hook size for flounder?

 

I have been fishing the local estuary using lobworm and mackerel/sprat strips using size 2 hooks. I have caught a few one of which was a good size but have missed a few fish and think it may be down to too large a hook.

 

I think lug/ragworm would be the best baits but would like to hear of other baits that could be used such as maggot, slug, etc..?

 

Thanks for any responses!

[MJB]

Depends where in the country you are. In Poole Harbour you can use any bait, but if it isn't Ragworm you aren't going to catch anything. The Devon Estuaries I believe fish best with peeler and so on.

[Stroller]

Cheers! I am in the North-West and fishing the Ribble estuary.

[Chris Goddard]

Personally I would say hook size is probably a problem. I personally never used anything bigger than a 4 and then they were a Kirby patter and I used to WHIP them to the hook length to remove the eye and theerfore let the fish suck the hook down. Sounds a little cruel?? BUT I was fishing at that time for the pot!!

[peterthefisherman]

I use size 2 hooks when at the Tay estuary, I catch at times very small fish on them. Would not go smaller as it would be harder to get the hooks out. Ps dont put too much bait on the hook.

Tight lines Peter

[ColinW]

In order of ease of obtaining it might be

Lobworms, boxed rag, lug, dug rag, peeler

unfortunately in order of effectiveness it might be

Peeler, dug rag, lug, boxed rag, lobworms!

Find a place where you can dig maddies and you are laughing.

[Stroller]

Would you apply the same tactics to catching dabs as you would to flounder?

 

Cheers Colin: Where would mackerel/sprat come into this list?

 

[ 09. September 2005, 04:48 PM: Message edited by: Stroller ]

[sultzer]

up here in the tay size 1 & 2

bait here pleer , ragworm , herring mackerel

[chris parker]

I used to use a size 4 Kirby long shank hook with lug or peeler when I used to shore fish up there for all the flatties. I found smelly black lug sorted out the dabs of you wanted them rather than flounder.

[stormbringer]

Iv'e had a Flounder on a three hook 2/0 rig. Two up one down with all three hooks in his gob. poor b****r must have been starving.Back in those days you would get a little nod on the rod tip and think one, a few minutes later the same again and think two, same again and think full house.WRONG!!