Flounder

Targeting flounder around Kure Beach means understanding their seasonal movements in the local waters. These flatfish migrate between the ocean and the backwaters, so your approach needs to shift with the calendar. Spring and fall are prime times as flounder move inshore and offshore, respectively. Focus on areas with good tidal flow near inlets like Carolina Beach Inlet and the mouth of the Cape Fear River. Live baitfish like mullet or mud minnows are hard to beat, presented on a Carolina rig or jig head. Remember to adjust your depth based on the water temperature and current. A local tip: try drifting along the edges of the channels with a live bait rig; flounder often lie in ambush here. Also, be aware that flounder tend to congregate around structure, so docks, piers, and submerged debris are always worth a cast.