[sinker man]

Flounder fishing time is here even though the flounder don't seem to realize it. Here are the basics for those who haven't been there and done that yet. anybody that wants to is welcome to take it farther. BASIC EQUIPMENT: Ideally a 8lb-10lb spinning outfit with a 7' or longer rod or if you have one a steelhead/salmon rod rated for up to 11/2 or 2 oz. Rod length in the case of flounder is really not very important but a light weight and sensitve medium or medium-fast action is ideal. A good mid range reel would be a Shimano Spheros 3000 or 4000. You can get by with a cheaper reel just fine for ocasional use but if you buy one make sure it has a smooth drag because a doormat will test it. I've used a SHIMANO FX that size in the salt with no complaints and that is what I'd recommend for occasional use. THE BASIC RIG: An egg sinker on the main line followed by a #7 black swivel then about 20" of 30lb mono attached to a kahle hook or a circle hook. The sinker sizes rang from 3/4oz to 2oz depending on the current. A #2 kahle hook for small mud minnows and micro mullet up to a 2/0 for finger mullet to 4" . circle hooks should range from a 1/0 to a 3/0. BAIT: any minnow is better than no minnow...the top 3...mud minnows (mummichogs) finger mullet and menhaden up to 4". TECHNIQUE: Make your casts reasonably long and quartering up current your sinker should be heavy enough that it will keep the current from grabbing your line and dragging your bait down current from you. if it isn't chang to a heavier one. RETRIEVE: hold your rod at about a 50 degree angle and bring it back to about 80 degrees and reel as you lower it back down keeping tension on your line. Let it rest about 8 seconds between lifts. If you feel a tap tap on your line restart your 8 second count and reel down to about 40 degrees and then gently lift. If you feel weight then lift a little faster and firmer. Do not jerk!!!Just lift and reel.