Flounder

Shelter Island offers a unique setting for flounder fishing, nestled between the Peconic Bay and Gardiners Bay. These waters provide a mix of shallow, sandy flats and deeper channels that flounder thrive in. Spring and fall are prime times, as flounder migrate inshore during warmer months and then offshore as waters cool. Focus your efforts on areas with muddy or sandy bottoms near eelgrass beds, as these are prime feeding grounds. A local tip: the waters around Sag Harbor and Shelter Island's Mashomack Preserve are known flounder hotspots. When fishing, use a simple bottom rig with a small hook baited with sandworms or mussels. Be prepared to adjust your depth frequently, as flounder tend to move with the tide and changing water temperatures. Remember, a slow, subtle presentation is key to enticing these bottom-dwellers.