Did you know that Flounder Bay is not just a picturesque spot? It is also a window into the fascinating world of flounder fishing. This bay and others like it around New Zealand offer a unique angling experience.
Flounder Bay’s story is intertwined with the habits of the fish that share its name. These flatfish are masters of camouflage. They blend seamlessly with the muddy bottoms and sandy stretches of the bay. Imagine the thrill of spotting one of these elusive creatures.
Fishing for flounder here is an art. It is similar to stalking trout in the wild. You must see the flounder from a distance approach with stealth and cast your lure just right.
According to fishing buddy Albert Liyu the moment he spotted his first flounder, was akin to seeing his first crayfish underwater. He felt a lot of excitement and a raised heartbeat. But in a flash the flounder had spotted them and was gone in a puff of sand.
Albert recommends to crouch low. Wait for it to return. Sure enough the flounder returned within a few mins to within 6 feet of the riverbank. Albert then presented the Powerbait within a metre of the fish. Gently and oh so slowly, the lit-up flounder stalked the lure like a cat. Slowly at first and then as it got near the lure, the fish came in hot and smashed the bait.
For the best chance of success ultra-light tackle is essential. Specialist rods from Japan are best. However a canal fishery rod capable of casting weights in the 1-3 gram range will do the job. Small jig heads and soft baits like Berkley Power baits and Gulp are the key ingredient.
Flounder abound in New Zealand. They are found from Parenga in the North to the Bluff at the bottom of the South. You will find flounder or variants of them on open sand beaches and harbours. They are even far up estuaries.
The yellowbelly flounder is probably the one you are most likely to encounter. These flounder prefer muddy bottoms with ample crab supplies. A grass bank provides the perfect vantage point to stalk and cast. Sight fishing is the name of the game. Spot the flounder in the water, get into a casting position and cast your soft bait within range of the fish. Retrieve it slowly. Albert recommends not even winding, just slowly moving the rod back with the tiniest of twitches to give the soft bait some action.
Forget nighttime flounder missions. This is a daytime activity. No wind is essential. Polarized glasses are a must-have. The incoming tide is what you need as the flounder creep up on the banks. They eat food that pops up out of their holes on a rising tide. The higher the sun the better the water visibility.
Flounder also are caught by spearing or gigging. Summer months are the most prolific for flounder fishing. When the light is shone on the flounder they stay very still and make an easy target.
Flounder Bay offers more than just a scenic view. It offers an opportunity to connect with nature. It is a chance to test your skills and maybe even catch a delicious meal. Remember to respect the environment. Follow fishing regulations. Leave this beautiful spot as you found it. Flounder Bay is a reminder of the simple pleasures in life. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of fishing.