When I signed up for my winter flounder MFCC group trip on March 22nd for Memorial Day, May 26th, the wait seemed like an eternity. The unseasonably cold weather of the previous week gave me pause about being out in the open water, but thankfully the weather gods cooperated and gave us a gorgeous day to venture out. Winter flounder is a new species for me. I’m fascinated by the possibility of catching this abundant fish and learning the tips and tactics.
Early Morning Departure
Aboard Bad Dog Sportfishing charters, with fellow MFCC members, we introduced ourselves and quickly headed out of Sesuit Harbor at 6:00 a.m.
There’s always something special for me about the early morning starts—it’s an especially beautiful time of day. Memories of the previous week’s stormy weather faded quickly.
Preparation and Pro Tips
Captain Mike Fowler and his mate Bobby were hard at work preparing gear and bait. Mussels and clams were the day’s fare, chopped and separated into piles: one pile of the tougher pieces and a second pile of softer parts. I had already learned something.
Captain Mike says that he salts the clams ahead of time to toughen them up. Nice tip! Before we knew it, and with a bit of instruction, we were at our first destination and on the fish.
The Art of Winter Flounder Fishing
My limited experience is that winter flounder fishing requires a light touch. After dropping a 4 oz weight rigged with two small hooks, each carrying a separate bit of clam, it becomes a waiting game. We drifted over slightly bumpy surfaces, at times mistaking those bumps for hits.
The difference between those nudges and an actual take by the winter flounder was dispelled after the first catch. On light tackle, it became “person against fish.” Mike’s preferred method of landing the fish is a swing over the side—no net. He and Bobby are well practiced at avoiding getting hit in the head by ducking just in time.
Expert Fish Care
The flounders were dispatched to a large bucket. Another excellent tip: Mike fills his ice bucket with cold ocean water, in effect lowering the temperature of the water and brining the fish.
Success for All
Everyone—all members of MFCC—had success, and our limit was obtained in short order. Watching 12-year-old Conor catch his first winter flounder was a bonus for all of us.
Memorial Day Reflections
Aside from the memory I was creating on this Memorial Day, I was reminded of the person who introduced me to fishing with similar charters as a child: my dad, father of four girls, World War II veteran, enthusiastic fisherman, and kindred spirit.
In Conclusion
What a great experience! We limited out quickly, catching many keeper-size winter flounder. The boat was immaculate, the language was clean , and the atmosphere was totally welcoming, even as the only woman on the trip!
Jane,
You neglected to say that of the 46 fish limit for the boat, you caught over 20. This was reported to me by another person who was on the trip. “Jane’s got another one!”
Urban Legend me thinks😃😃!
Jane – What a fabulous flounder trip! Fun to read all about your new adventure and to hear that you felt so welcomed as the only woman on board. I am ready to sign up for one of these trips next year.
Let’s coordinate so we’re both on the same trip next year!
Great recap! And I know just what you mean about the early morning departures. It’s a combination of the excitement and anticipation of the fishing itself, and the beauty of a sunrise on Cape Cod Bay (if you’re lucky! 🍀). Well done.