The summer heat is on, and so is the flounder bite! This week’s Topsail flounder fishing report is all about the doormats. Captain Mike Hoffman says the action is in full throttle, with lots of big flounder moving up onto the shallow oyster beds to feed. Anglers are finding success with both live and artificial baits, making for some exciting inshore trips. The key has been adapting techniques to effectively present baits over the sharp, snag-heavy oyster structure.

Pro Tips for Targeting Oyster Bed Flounder

Captain Mike shares a few key tips that have been crucial for successful Topsail flounder fishing this week. When using live mullet, rigging them on a popping cork is the best way to keep the bait just above the oysters and prevent constant hang-ups. He also recommends clipping the mullet’s tail; this creates more vibration and keeps it from wrapping the leader around oyster clumps. For leader, a 12-14 inch section of 50-pound test is essential to prevent a big fish from cutting the line on the sharp shells.

On the artificial side, a Gulp! Shrimp on a 3/16 oz Blue Water Candy jig head or a white 4-inch Gulp! Swimming Mullet have been getting the job done. With either live bait or artificials, patience is key. “When fishing for flounder with live bait, give him a few seconds to swallow it,” Captain Mike advises. “They are bad about chewing it in three bites before fully committing.”