In the Southern NJ area (our Great Bay/Tuckerton Bay area in particular), the Winter Flounder fishing generally starts to pick up around March 10. They are definitely what you would call a "fair weather" fish; best fishing days are clear and sunny. Preferred water temp is around 45 degrees. You are looking for about 6-10' water depth muddy bottomed areas with holes where the fish hang out. This can be a matter of time, trial and error to find.
Small pieces of bloodworms and strips of clam are the choice of bait. You can also used sand worms, grass shrimp, or very small minnows. Chum is often used to lure the fish in, clam being the most popular and sold in most bait shops. Another tip when chumming for these fish: a toilet bowl plunger on a long pole will help stir up the bottom and add to the chum effect. Some folks make their own clam chum mixed with corn. Winter flounder for some reason react favorable to the color yellow. Just tossing some corn overboard can lure them in sometimes. You'll often see corn colored beads on winter flounder rigs. Long shank hooks with narrow gap are best, as the fish have a very tiny mouth and the long shanks are less likely to be completely swallowed.
FISHING BY BOAT
Successful Winter Flounder fishing is usually done in the southern end of Barnegat Bay, locally known as Tuckerton Bay. There are three islands called East, Middle and West Sedge Islands that are near the edge of a natural channel where the water depth drops from about 3 to 7 foot. This is approximately one mile northwest of 108 marker buoy in the inland waterway, in the area is also commonly referred to as the Middle Grounds. Begin fishing with the boat anchored and throw clam chum and canned corn to attract flounder. It is best to use 2 anchors so that the lines stay in the same place that the chum is working. Use small hook Winter Flounder rigs with 1 � ounce weights. Jigging the rig occasionally will put some fish in the fish box. In the past years, the best time to fish was last few hours of the slower moving outgoing tide.
SHORE ANGLING
Graveling Point on Great Bay at the end of Radio Road occasionally produces some winter flounder for the folks out there chasing striped bass, but it is not a hot spot for the flounder.
One popular spot is the Route 9 bridge at the Forked River power plant. When the flounder are running the anglers can be just about shoulder to shoulder. Anglers beware, a fresh water fishing license is required when fishing the West side of the white line on that bridge. No License is required for fishing on the East side of the bridge. Go figure? Best to have one with you.
Another location is the causeway area going to L.B.I. (Long Beach Island). Go up Rt. 72 to the island, turn around and come back to park westbound near the bridges.