Gear & Tackle

Flatfish

Flounder Fishing in New York

Southern and summer flounder lie on sandy bottoms near inlets, docks, and passes. Fall migrations bring the best fishing.

Waters
2
State
New York
Water
Saltwater
Methods
Spin & Bait

Best Months in New York: Apr to May, Sep to Nov

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Flounder
Image: NOAA Fisheries · Public domain

Licenses & Regulations

Most anglers need a New York fishing license; age cutoffs and exemptions are set by the state. Seasons, limits, and tackle rules vary by water, so check current regulations before you go.

New York State DEC

Plan by Month

Best Flies, Lures & Bait for Flounder

Month

3 picks for October.

  • Paddle-Tail Swimbait 3 to 5 in

    Lure

    Soft Plastic

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  • Bucktail Jig 1/4 to 2 oz

    Lure

    Jig

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  • Live Minnows 1 to 3 in

    Bait

    Live Bait · Mud minnows or finger mullet.

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Rod & Reel

Flounder Setup

Spin / Cast

7 ft medium-light spinning rod, 3000 reel, 15 lb braid, Carolina rig or bucktail.

New York

Where to Catch Flounder

2 of 2 waters

Saltwater & Coast · New York

Great South Bay

A shallow bay behind Fire Island on Long Island's south shore, fished for fluke, striped bass, and bluefish.

Flounder · Striped Bass · Bluefish

Saltwater & Coast · New York

Jamaica Bay

A bay of marsh and open water inside New York City, from a few inches to over 60 feet deep, with stripers, bluefish, and fluke off Canarsie Pier and Breezy Point.

Striped Bass · Bluefish · Flounder

New York

Shops to Stock Up

Recommended

Gear for Flounder

Jigs

Spro Bucktail Jigs

Durable hair jigs for stripers, fluke, and anything that eats baitfish.

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Reels

Penn Battle III Spinning Reel

A metal-bodied reel built to survive saltwater and big runs.

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Rods

Penn Battalion II Inshore Spinning Rod

A medium inshore rod for jigs, popping corks, and live bait.

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Line

PowerPro Spectra Braided Line

Thin, strong braid for long casts, sensitivity, and pulling fish from cover.

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Terminal Tackle

Egg Sinkers and Swivels

Egg sinkers, swivels, and beads for slip-sinker and Carolina rigs.

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Soft Plastics

Berkley Gulp! Shrimp

Scented shrimp that out-fish plain plastics on a jighead or under a cork.

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Soft Plastics

Z-Man DieZel MinnowZ

A tough, stretchy paddle tail that survives toothy fish.

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Flounder Fishing by State

Florida (8)Texas (6)North Carolina (3)South Carolina (3)New Jersey (3)Maryland (2)Louisiana (2)New York (2)Virginia (2)Delaware (2)Rhode Island (1)Georgia (1)Mississippi (1)Alabama (1)