Mackerel baits on the west coast beaches for flounder

[SIDEWINDER]

I often see reports of flounder caught from the West coast beaches especially from the north West.

Can anyone tell me how its done do you use flapper rigs in close with big strips or small strips with some sort of attractors like beads or sequins.

[bazz]

we have been flounder fishing in the south east and shrimp rigs with small strips of mackeral work fine for us but better again is lug with plenty of attractor beads on the trace

[dingbat]

Frozen mackerel bait will take flounder on West and NW, Beaches. I have often done so. I am hoping to Do it again on Rossnowlagh beach on Thursday night.
A 3 hook flapper in close with pieces of mackerel. Some use bigger bits than others, they all work.

Dingbat

[Bigfoot]

I thought you might like to know we take more flounder here (Thames estuary) by fishing worm behind a 3 or 4 inch white plastic spoon.
Having said that the water is normally very coloured. The spoon doesn't have to be on a trace but just your normal set up. The hook length is a touch longer than the spoon so it follows close behind it. Reel the tackle back using all the usual tricks (stop/start, change of speed) until successful. Try it and see how it goes. You can add fluo beads to the hooklength if it gives you more confidence. I think the fish get excited when they see a small "fish" and find the bait when they investigate.
Bigfoot

[blowin]

Could you describe the flapper rig ? I'm sure it isn't what I would know by that name ( whole mackerel with backbone taken out ) .Many thanks.
Nick

[dillon_the_rabbit]

Hiya Blowin

A flapper rig in shore fishing terms is a two or three hook paternoster without a bait clip or impact shield, ie the snoods are left to 'flap' around when cast. They are only used when short or medium casts are necessary.

I hope this answers your question.

Cheers

Matt

[blowin]

Many thanks . I know you get decent flatties over here but the thought of using whole makerel as bait for one was really getting me going !
N/