Flounder Fishing NJ
New Jersey's back bays come alive each spring with winter flounder. These tasty flatfish are a favorite among NJ anglers, and the sight of a doormat flounder at the end of your line never gets old.
Winter flounder are one of New Jersey's most popular inshore targets. These bottom-dwelling flatfish move into the bays each spring to spawn, creating excellent fishing opportunities from March through May. Whether you fish from shore, kayak, or charter boat, flounder fishing is accessible and rewarding.
Book a Flounder Charter
Fish the back bays with captains who know exactly where the flounder are holding. Half-day trips perfect for a spring morning.
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The Spring Flounder Run
Each spring, winter flounder migrate from offshore waters into New Jersey's bays and estuaries to spawn. Water temperature is the key trigger - when bay waters reach 40-50°F, the flounder move in. This typically happens in late March, with peak fishing through April.
March
Early arrivals in warm spots
April
PEAK - Best action!
May
Good fishing continues
Fall
Pre-winter bite
Best Flounder Fishing Spots in NJ
Barnegat Bay
Miles of productive flounder water. Fish the channels, bridge pilings, and grass edges. Drift fishing works well here.
Access: Multiple boat ramps and marinas
Atlantic City Back Bays
The channels and flats behind AC produce excellent flounder. Many charter boats specialize in this fishery.
Access: Gardner's Basin, various marinas
Great Bay
Large bay system with extensive flounder habitat. The deeper channels hold fish throughout the season.
Access: Multiple access points
Shrewsbury River
Northern NJ flounder hot spot. Fish the channels and bridge areas. Spring run-off brings in fresh fish.
Access: Various ramps in Sea Bright area
Nearshore Wrecks
Party boats work the nearshore wrecks for flounder. Structure holds fish and provides easy drift targets.
Access: Party boats from multiple ports
Book a Flounder Charter
Back bay charters specialize in putting you on flounder. Local captains know the channels, structure, and techniques that produce fish.
Atlantic City
Back bay flounder specialists at Gardner's Basin
View charters →Barnegat Light
Access to Barnegat Bay flounder grounds
View charters →Point Pleasant
Party boats and private charters for flounder
View charters →Book a Fishing Charter
Book online through FishingBooker
NJ Winter Flounder Regulations (2026)
Size Limit
12" Minimum
Total length
Bag Limit
2 Fish
Per angler, per day
Season
Mar 1 - Dec 31
Check current dates
Note: Regulations change frequently. Always check the NJ Fish & Wildlife website for current rules before fishing.
Flounder Fishing Techniques
Bait Fishing
The classic approach: bloodworms or sandworms on small hooks, fished on bottom. Use light sinkers - just enough to hold bottom in the current.
- • Bloodworms - Cut in 1-2 inch pieces
- • Sandworms - Smaller pieces work well
- • Small hooks - Size 6-8 bait holder
- • Light tackle - 6-12 lb line, sensitive rod
Drift Fishing
Cover water by drifting with the current. Great for locating fish before anchoring up. Work the channels and edges.
- • Small bucktails tipped with worm
- • Slow drift speed is key
- • Feel for the subtle bite
- • Light jig heads (1/8 - 1/4 oz)
Flounder Trip Budget
Flounder fishing is one of the more affordable saltwater options in NJ:
| Option | Cost | Per Person | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Party Boat (half-day) | $50-75 | $50-75 | Best value, bait often included |
| Back Bay Charter (private, 4 hrs) | $400-600 | $100-150 (split 4) | More personalized, hit the honey holes |
| Bloodworms (dozen) | $8-12 | $8-12 | Premium bait, worth every penny |
| Boat Rental (small skiff) | $150-250 | $75-125 (split 2) | DIY option if you know the bays |
| Rod/Reel Rental (party boat) | $10-15 | $10-15 | Bring your own for better sensitivity |
| NJ Fishing License | $22.50 | $22.50 | Annual resident rate - required |
Flounder Fishing Checklist
🎣Terminal Tackle
- ✓Size 6-8 bait holder hooks
- ✓Bank sinkers 1/2-2 oz
- ✓Flounder rigs (spreader or hi-lo)
- ✓Small bucktails (white, chartreuse)
🪱Bait
- ✓Bloodworms (must-have)
- ✓Sandworms (backup)
- ✓Clam strips (for tipping)
- ✓Small squid strips
🧥Clothing
- ✓Waterproof boots
- ✓Layered clothing (spring mornings are cold)
- ✓Rain jacket
- ✓Polarized sunglasses (see the bottom)
🧊Essentials
- ✓Cooler with ice
- ✓Fish measuring board
- ✓Net or lip grips
- ✓Needle-nose pliers
Common Flounder Fishing Mistakes
Flounder require a different approach than most saltwater fishing. Avoid these:
Using heavy tackle like you would for fluke
Winter flounder have soft, subtle bites. Heavy gear = you never feel the take. You're reeling up empty hooks wondering where the fish are.
✓ Light spinning gear: 6-10 lb line, sensitive rod tip. You need to feel that gentle "thump" when they mouth the bait.
Setting the hook immediately on a bite
Flounder take their time. Set too fast and you pull the bait right out of their mouth. Miss after miss.
✓ Wait for the second tap or slight movement. Then lift firmly - don't snap. "Low and slow" is the flounder mantra.
Fishing in water that's too cold
Flounder don't move into the bays until water hits 40°F. Fishing too early = empty cooler and wasted worms.
✓ Check water temps before heading out. Target late March to April when bays are 42-50°F. That's the sweet spot.
Anchoring in the middle of the channel
Flounder hold along edges and structure, not in open water. You're fishing where they aren't.
✓ Fish the channel edges, drop-offs, bridge pilings, and grass beds. Structure is key - they ambush from cover.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time for flounder fishing in NJ?
Winter flounder season runs from March through May, with peak action in late March and April when water temps reach 40-50°F. The back bays warm up first, making them early-season hot spots. Fall can also produce nice flounder before they head offshore.
What are the NJ flounder regulations?
Current NJ regulations for winter flounder require a 12-inch minimum size with a 2 fish daily bag limit. The season typically runs March 1 - December 31, but check current NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife regulations as dates vary yearly.
Where is the best flounder fishing in New Jersey?
Top spots include Barnegat Bay, the back bays behind Atlantic City, Great Bay, and the Shrewsbury/Navesink Rivers. Flounder love sandy bottoms near channels, bridges, and grass beds. Party boats also target flounder on nearshore wrecks.
What bait works best for winter flounder in NJ?
Bloodworms are the #1 bait for winter flounder - use small pieces on small hooks. Sandworms also work well. Some anglers tip jigs with clam strips. Fish on bottom with light tackle for best results.
How much does a flounder charter cost in NJ?
Party boats running flounder trips cost $50-75 per person. Private back bay charters for flounder run $400-600 for a half-day. Spring trips often book up fast, so reserve 2-3 weeks ahead.
What is a doormat flounder?
A doormat flounder is a large winter flounder, typically over 5 pounds. The name comes from their flat shape resembling a doormat. Doormats are prized catches and more common in NJ waters during peak spring season.
Book Your Flounder Charter
Spring is the time for flounder! Book a back bay charter and get on the water with experienced captains.
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