Flounder Fishing in Melbourne & Victoria: Where to Catch, Tackle & Tips

Introduction

Flounder are a fascinating species of flatfish found in the coastal waters of Victoria, Australia. They’re characterized by their oval-shaped, flattened bodies and the unusual placement of both eyes on the upper side of their body. This adaptation allows them to lie camouflaged on the ocean floor, blending in with their surroundings.

Flounder typically inhabit sandy or muddy bottoms in estuaries, bays, and coastal waters. They’re often found in depths ranging from very shallow waters to about 200 meters. These fish are masters of camouflage, able to change their coloration to match their surroundings, making them difficult to spot.

In terms of diet, flounder are opportunistic predators. They feed mainly on small fish, crustaceans, and marine worms. Their hunting strategy involves burying themselves in the sand with only their eyes protruding, waiting for prey to pass by.

For anglers, flounder fishing can be rewarding but requires patience and specific techniques. They’re often caught using bottom fishing methods, with anglers targeting areas with sandy or muddy bottoms. Flounder are known for their delicate, mild-flavored flesh, making them a popular target for both recreational and commercial fishers.

What restrictions are in place for Flounder fishing in Melbourne?

When fishing for flounder in Victoria, anglers must adhere to specific regulations. The minimum legal size for flounder is 23cm, measured from the tip of the snout to the end of the tail. There is a combined bag limit of 20 for one or more species of flounder. This means you can catch up to 20 flounder in total, regardless of the specific flounder species. Always check for updates to these regulations before fishing, as rules can change.

How to catch Flounder

To catch flounder in Victoria, focus on sandy or muddy bottoms in estuaries, bays, and coastal waters. Use bottom fishing techniques with a simple rig: a sinker on the end of your line and a hook about 30cm above it. Fish during incoming tides when flounder are more active. Be patient and wait for the subtle bite of a flounder. When you feel a bite, give the fish a moment to take the bait before setting the hook. Flounder have soft mouths, so use a gentle but firm hook set.

What should you fish with for Flounder?

When it comes to fishing for Flounder, your choice of bait or lure can greatly impact your success. Based on the preferred fishing methods for this species, you will have a bit more success with baits when fishing for Flounder, but lure fishing is common too.

For the best chances of success, try using Live Worms as bait or fishing with a Soft Plastics. Remember to always check local regulations and adjust your fishing strategy based on the specific conditions and seasons in your fishing area.

The Top 10 Baits to Use for Flounder

For those who prefer bait fishing, here are the top 10 options that have consistently produced results for Flounder:

• Live Worms
• Scrubworms
• Minnows
• Small Fish
• Shrimp
• Prawns
• Squid
• Whitebait
• Sandworms
• Bass Yabbies

The Top 5 Lures to Use for Flounder

For artificial lure enthusiasts, here are the 5 most effective options that have been proven to work wonders for Flounder:

• Soft Plastics
• Curl Tail Grubs
• Paddle Tail Swimbaits
• Jigs
• Soft Plastic Jigs

Where to catch Flounder in Melbourne

Anglers in Melbourne and Victoria have numerous opportunities to catch Flounder. While we couldn't pinpoint specific hotspots, Flounder can be found throughout Victoria. We recommend consulting local fishing authorities or experienced anglers for the most up-to-date information on prime fishing locations.

When planning your fishing trip for Flounder, consider factors such as seasonality, local regulations, and recent fishing reports to increase your chances of success.

FAQs about Flounder fishing in Melbourne