How to Sling a Flounder Net – A Guide for Beginners

Flounder netting is a fun and effective way to catch these delicious fish, but it does require some specialized gear and techniques In this article, I’ll walk through everything you need to know to get started slinging a flounder net

What is a Flounder Net?

A flounder net, also called a drag net or seine net, is a type of fishing net designed specifically for catching flounder. It consists of a net bag with weights along the bottom and floats on top to keep it upright in the water. The netting itself is relatively fine mesh to snare flounders while allowing smaller fish to swim through.

Compared to stationary nets like gillnets, a flounder net is actively dragged through the water to sweep fish into the bag. This makes it ideal for shore fishing in the shallows where flounder live.

Flounder Net Gear

To sling a flounder net, you will need:

• Flounder net – 10-20 feet long, with floats and lead weights. Get the largest mesh size allowed in your area.

• Chest waders – To wade out into deeper water for deploying the net

• Gloves – Protect your hands from jellyfish stings, oyster cuts etc.

• Float rope – Tie one end of the net to a float rope for easier retrieval

• Anchor – A 3-5 lb folding grapnel anchor works well

• Floats – Extra floats to lift areas that dip underwater

• String – For mending net tears

• Bait knife – To quickly dispatch fish

• Fish ruler – To check legal sizes

• Cooler with ice – To keep your catch fresh

Make sure to check your local regulations on approved net mesh sizes, fishing licenses, and flounder size/catch limits.

How to Set a Flounder Net

Setting a flounder net takes some practice, but here are the basic steps:

1. Find a good spot. Look for areas with a firm, sandy or muddy bottom around shallow grassbeds and channels. Flounder prefer 1-6 ft depths. Wade out and feel for hard bottom and obstacles.

2. Anchor one end. Have your partner wade out into deeper water while you stay in the shallows. Have them drop the anchor so the net will be perpendicular to shore.

3. Deploy the net. Unroll the net, handing the floating rope end to your shore partner. The lead line should sink to the bottom.

4. Secure both ends. Your shore partner takes the float rope to land and wraps it around a piling, rock, etc. You drop another anchor out in the deep end.

5. Let fish swim in. Allow at least 20-30 minutes before retrieving. Time depends on tide flow.

6. Pull in the net. Stay in contact with your partner and pull together to keep the net vertical. Remove fish and rebait as needed.

7. Reset the net. Drag back out into position and repeat the process until the tide changes. Move spots if needed.

Tips for Effective Flounder Net Fishing

Here are some tips from experienced flounder netters:

• Fish 2-3 hours before and after high or low tides for best action. Incoming tides are usually most productive.

• Set the net perpendicular to current flow so fish swim into the bag. Angle slightly toward shore.

• Keep the net ends anchored in place. Let fish swim in rather than chasing them with the net.

• Check local tidal currents. Avoid strong rips or eddies that could tangle your net.

• Set and retrieve the net gingerly to avoid spooking fish. Move slowly and quietly.

• Bait the net with live shrimp or small fish to attract flounder. Change bait every 2-3 sets.

• Work as a team with your partner, communicating clearly. Teamwork is key to success.

• Be prepared to make repairs. Bring extra netting, line, floats, and clips.

Dealing with Problems

Despite your best efforts, flounder net fishing often encounters setbacks like:

• Hanging up – Snags on oysters, rocks, logs, etc will happen. Move carefully and deliberately in those cases to free the net.

• Tangles – Strong currents can twist your net into a bird’s nest. Take your time untangling to avoid damaging the net.

• Tears – Oyster shells, crabs, and underwater debris can rip mesh. Carry repair supplies to mend holes and split seams. Avoid overloading the net.

• Bait theft – Crabs and pinfish will steal bait. Re-bait every 10-15 minutes in areas with heavy bait stealers.

• Undersized fish – Use a measuring ruler to check each fish. Gently release any undersized flounder from the net.

• Stingrays – Drag nets can snag large stingrays, which will put up a messy fight. Cut them out carefully to avoid injury.