Flounder

If you're after flounder near Carolina Beach, you'll want to focus on the muddy bottoms and structure around inlets and docks. The Intracoastal Waterway is a great place to start, especially near Snow's Cut. Flounder are ambush predators, so look for areas where they can lie in wait for baitfish. Summer and early fall are traditionally the best times to target them. A Carolina rig with a live mullet or menhaden is a classic choice. Slowly dragging it along the bottom often triggers strikes. Don't overlook jig heads with soft plastic trailers, especially around docks and pilings. A local tip: try fishing at night under dock lights, as flounder are often more active then. Be aware of size and creel limits, and consider using circle hooks to help ensure successful catch-and-release.