Flounder and Fluke Fishing on the Eastern Shore and Delmarva

If you’re looking for superb Flounder or Fluke fishing action, head on down to Virginia’s Eastern Shore and the Delmarva coast. This entire area is known as the “Flounder fishing Capital” for good reason. The seaside inlets from Chesapeake Bay, all the way up to the Delaware Bay are teeming with fish in the warmer months, and the flounder fishing is particularly good. April through summer is peak season for fluke, so if you’re looking to catch some big ones, spring and early summer is the time to go.

There are plenty of good fishing spots for flounder fishing in the Chesapeake Bay. The Cell 36A off Cape Charles, and the Hump are all known for producing large fish. Back River Reef and the channels at the mouth of the bay are also good spots to try your luck. And of course, never rule out the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel – one of the most popular flounder fishing spots in the area.

So whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner just getting started, there’s sure to be a spot that’s perfect for you anywhere on the Delmarva coast. So get out there and start catching some flounder!

Trolling for Flounder or Fluke

Slow trolling is a great way to catch flounder. By going super-slow and hovering over productive areas, you can increase your chances of hooking a flounder. Tapping your main engine in and out of gear when covering areas such as rockpiles or pilings is especially helpful in generating hookups. The change in speed usually creates a natural looking drop that mimics an injured fish, and these lazy flounder are all about getting a quick easy meal. A long leader Carolina rig works well on the slow troll in this particular situation. A 50 pound braid on the mainline is recommended when trolling for flounder. Larger flounder are known for their hard fight on rod and reel, and often challenge your fishing gear, line and terminal tackle.

Best baits for Flounder Fishing

Silversides are a popular flounder bait. These small bait fish are found in great numbers in Virginia and along the entire Delmarva coast. These small fish are an important part of a flounder diet. Silversides can be hooked through the eyes with a small 2/0 hook, and anglers sometimes add several of these baits on a single hook. This will increase their chances of attracting a Trophy flounder. Silversides are readily available at local tackle shops in frozen bags or boxes.

Mummichogs, also known as bull minnows, are probably the most popular flounder bait on the Eastern Shore. These small, hardy fish are easy to catch in a minnow trap, and are found in large numbers in Virginia’s rivers and run off estuaries. They’re also relatively inexpensive at bait shops.

No matter what bait you choose, flounder fishing is a great way to enjoy the beauty of Virginia’s waterways while plying your angling skills in pursuit of these delicious Chesapeake Bay flounder. So get out there and give it a try – you just might be hooked for life!

Other great Flounder baits

• Spot
• Spearing
• Croaker
• Squid
• Finger Mullet

Where to Fish for Flounder or Fluke

The Chesapeake Bay, of course! The entire Eastern Shore and Delmarva coastline offers superb Flounder fishing, but the Chesapeake bay itself is absolutely loaded with Flounder or Fluke, and some fishing spots are REALLY good. Located on Virginia’s Eastern Shore, Wachapreague is a small coastal town known for its excellent flounder fishing. Flounder are a popular sport fish in the Chesapeake Bay region, and Wachapreague is recognized as one of the best places to catch fluke. Also, remember the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel (CBBT) is a renowned fishing location for Flounder, too. Whether you’re an experienced fisherman or just learning the ropes, there are plenty of opportunities to try your hand flounder fishing in these areas. Whether you head out on your own or purchase flounder fishing hot spots, you’re sure to have a blast reeling in flounder from the salty waters of Chesapeake Bay, no matter where you fish the bay!

Anglers should remember, the Delaware Bay Flounder fishing spots are spectacular as well. Fishing for flatties is good all summer long across the Bay. The fishing methods and rigs mentioned here are used throughout the Delmarva coast Bays, Rivers and the ocean.

Popular Rigs for Flounder

For flounder fishing, the most popular setup is a 2 hook flounder rig. There are many variations of this rig, but most feature some combination of plain hooks, teaser hooks, beads, and spinner blades. The fluke fishing rig is also popular and has several important applications. This rig typically includes a single long (36-42″) leader which is attached to a 3 way swivel. The 3-way flounder rig allows for the sinker connection as well as the running line. These rigs usually include a series of beads, a rotating blade, and bucktail hair teaser. The Chesapeake Bay flounder rig is another option that is becoming increasingly popular among anglers. This rig is similar to the fluke fishing rig, but it uses a slightly different type of bait and often includes a second hook. Ultimately, the best rig for catching flounder will depend on the specific situation and the preferences of the angler.

The Carolina rig is another great Flounder rig. This rig boasts a long leader with an inline egg sinker or torpedo sinker that’s set around 3 feet above the bait, these rigs are particularly useful for fluke fishing in the Chesapeake Bay and most other areas along the Eastern Shore. Similar to the traditional single hook rig, anglers can add a teaser and sometimes a spinner blade is added to attract flounder. Whether you’re fishing offshore or flounder fishing in coastal waters, this versatile rig is the perfect tool for landing flounder effectively and consistently. So next time you head out flounder fishing, don’t forget to slip on your favorite Carolina rig and get ready to reel in some flounder!

Using Jigs to catch Flounder

Jigging for Flounder is extremely popular in Virginia and along the Eastern Shore. When flounder fishing, there are a variety of jigs that can be used to help increase one’s odds of success. At the basic level, a bare jig tipped with a live minnow is often a good choice, as flounder tend to be attracted to smaller prey such as baitfish. However, more advanced flounder fishermen may choose more intricate setups such as bucktail jigs combined with live or cut baits. These rigs offer the benefit of natural movement and scent, which flounder can sometimes be particularly sensitive to. Additionally, some fishermen may choose to use only artificial components when flounder fishing in an attempt to maximize their control over the presentation. Regardless of your preferred setup when flounder fishing, there is no doubt that this versatile species has much to offer anglers who have the patience and skill needed to target them successfully.

If you are looking for the best fishing locations on the Eastern Shore Delmarva and the Chesapeake Bay or Delaware Bay, See our top Fishing Spots for Flounder.