Ever felt that frustrating tug on your line, only to reel in… nothing? You know the flounder are down there, hiding on the sandy bottom, but they just aren’t biting. Choosing the perfect fishing lure for flounder can feel like a guessing game. The sheer number of colors, shapes, and sizes available is enough to make any angler scratch their head. You want that satisfying fight, that flatfish flapping on the deck, but the wrong lure just means wasted time and empty coolers.
Stop guessing and start catching! This guide cuts through the confusion. We break down exactly which lures work best for flounder, whether you are fishing inshore bays or nearshore wrecks. You will learn the secrets to matching your lure to the water conditions and the fish’s mood.
By the end of this post, you will have a clear, actionable tackle box plan. Get ready to replace those frustrating blanks with exciting flounder action. Let’s dive into the best fishing lures that make flounder strike!
Top Fishing Lures For Flounder Recommendations
- √ Glow in The Dark - The Luminous Shrimp Lure set is good for night fishing, Luminous material put on the inner hook.
- √ Premium Quality - Shrimp Lures are made of top quality silicone material,This makes lure soft and durable, life-like swimming actions.
- √ Lifelike Looking - High-quality forged shrimp, vivid and lifelike looking, easy to catch fish.
- √ Easy to Use - The Shrimp Lures are very easy to use.Just need to connect the fishing line,hook it up and use to lure the best fish you ever could.
- √ Good for - Catfish, Bass, Perch, Whiting, Snapper, Snakehead, Flounder, Jewfish, Kingfish, Mandarin Fish, Trout.
- WARNING - Do not mix any truscend shrimp lures with other traditional plastics. Store in a separate tray, bag or box.
- REALISTIC ACTION - TRUSCEND shrimp features a segmented body that creates lifelike swimming movements in the water that will have any catch convinced. The special tail creates a kicking action, while the lively moving legs, antenna perform lifelike actions on the retrieve and the drop, which adds more attraction.
- RESISTANT TPE MATERIAL - Ready to take on multiple hits, the extreme strength and supple flexibility of TPE material will last for many, many bites and put other baits to shame. Please do not allow this TPE lures to touch other non-TPE products.
- PREMIUM DESIGN - Featuring a precisely engineered shape, the soft body swimbaits has a realistic swimming action at both ultra-slow speeds and moderately fast speeds. Pre-rigged with ultra-sharp back hook , the jigging Minnow also features ultra-realistic patterns, holographic flash foil and 3D eyes.The weedless jigs fishing lures are the magic baits you win on the battlefield.
- WIDELY FISHING SPECIES - Whether you are fishing reefs, estuaries, rivers, fresh or saltwater, this TRUSCEND Fishing Jigs Lures rigs will become your essential paddle tail lure to target bass, trout, Walleye, pike snook, salmon, redfish and many more.
- Xquisite topwater fishing lure, Simulated squid design, 3D holographic eyes, lifelike skin and beautiful colors，so attractive at all times.
- Built-in Multicolored Blocks，excellent swimming stroke, streamlined baits, help to raise the threw distance.
- Fish mouth hitting water design, Impact water produces vibration to attract fish.
- 2 sharp Treble hooks, degree tin enhancement durability and high flexibility, easy to puncture the fishes.
- Widely targeting at predator fishes, such as bass, yellow perch, walleye, pike, muskie, trout, tuna，etc. Suitable for saltwater and freshwater fishing, wonderful baits for anglers.
- WEIGHT: 1.45 OZ
- LENGTH: 5 INCHES WITH A TAIL
- LEAD FISH HEAD WITH 3D LIFELIKE EYES
- HOOK SIZE: 1/0
- DIVING DEPTH: 50 FEET
- ULTRA-SHARP OWNER HOOKS - Equipped with sharp high quality OWNER high carbon steel hooks and built-in magnet, the innovative design of these soft lures can help ensure increased fish hook ups in all situations while Reduce the odds getting hung up when fishing, thus saving your bait for future use.
- HANDMADE - WINNING QUALITY - The TRUSCEND Fishing Lures made of environmental friendly quality soft plastic and able to withstand the strong bite of aggressive fish. Hand spraying makes the appearance and touch of the bait more realistic and plump.
- UNIQUE DESIGN - 3D t-shaped soft tail with 360° spinner blade can kicks and thumps even at slow speeds. A super-lifelike soft jerkbait whose lively design perfectly emulates erratic baitfish action.
- LONG CASTING JIGHEAD - Having an ideal weight for long casting and slow sinking, Truscend Jig lures can achieve a slow, flutter presentation. Featuring a precisely engineered shape, the soft body swimbaits has a great kicking action at both ultra-slow speeds and moderately fast speeds.
- WIDELY FISHING SPECIES - Whether you are fishing reefs, estuaries, rivers, fresh or saltwater, this Truscend Soft bait will become your essential paddle tail lure to target bass, trout, Walleye, pike snook, salmon, redfish and many more.
- 【Vivid Soft Lures】The soft bait has a vivid body shape. The arched back of the shrimp is almost 100% the same as that of the live shrimp. It is difficult for the fish to distinguish the live from the plastic one.
- 【Just Alive】Soft shrimp lure baits set has very detailed shape which give it the look and feel of a real life like shrimp with a realistic design and makes it hard to resist. When we take it in hand, it just likes the real shrimp with extraordinary colors making it hard to resist for fish.
- 【Luminous】Transparent bait has better luminous effect - the body, tail and bean will glow. Yellow shrimp and brown shrimp have a slightly weaker luminous ability, but their beans are also luminous. Tips: if you want them to shine better, you can put them in the sun.
- 【Easy to Use】Soft shrimp lure baits set are very easy to use. Only need to connect the fishing line.It can catch a variety of fishes like Trout,Bass, Salmon etc. Just hook it up and use to lure the best fish you ever could. Silicone shrimp simple to use, sit well on the hook.
- 【Target Fishes】Bass, Perch, Whiting, Snapper, Snakehead, Flounder, Jewfish, Kingfish, TroutBream, Trevally, Hairtail, Golden, Perch, Trout, Redfin, Salmon, Tailor, Bonito, Small, Tuna, Yellowtail and any speices in freshwater and saltwater.
- READY-TO-FISH PRE-RIGGED DESIGN: CASTSTRIKE shrimp lures come fully rigged with sharp jig hooks and weighted hook system for instant use. No extra rigging needed, perfect for quick setups in saltwater or freshwater fishing.
- ULTRA-REALISTIC SWIMMING ACTION WITH LIFELIKE DETAIL: Segmented body and flexible limbs create smooth, natural motion at both slow and fast retrieves. Textured surface and leg movement mimic real shrimp to trigger predator strikes.
- DURABLE SILICONE BODY FOR MULTIPLE STRIKES: Made of ultra-tough soft silicone, this lure resists tearing and holds up to repeated bites from bass, trout, redfish, flounder, crappie, snook, and walleye.
- GLOWING EYES ATTRACT FISH IN DARK WATERS: Integrated glow-in-the-dark eyes simulate real shrimp and trigger strikes in low-light or muddy water. Excellent for night fishing or early morning casts when visibility is low.
- IDEAL GIFT FOR ANGLERS: A versatile fishing accessory that makes a practical and appreciated gift for fishing enthusiasts in any season.
- 🐋 Glow in the Dark - Glow colors attract fish while the thick design ensures the hook is hidden and helps you land more fish.
- 🦀 Attractive - This highly detailed soft plastic lure is one of the most realistic looking glow shrimps.Wonderful Fishing Lure for Angler.
- 🐠 Lifelike - This highly detailed soft plastic is one of the most realistic looking on the market. Glow shrimps with double realistic eyes design make the grubs more attractive.
- 🦑 Versatile - The shrimps can be used for bass, crappie, walleye fishing.The glow soft lures are very versatile and can be used while ice fishing, early night fishing.
- 🎣 Widely Used - Suitable for both fresh or saltwater, ideal for sea fishing, rivers and lakes, perfect both for classic spinning and trolling, boat fishing. These soft baits are great for sea bass, pollock, cod, salmon and also for pike and perch.
Your Guide to Catching More Flounder: Choosing the Right Lure
Flounder are tricky fish. They hide on the bottom, waiting for a meal. Picking the right fishing lure makes all the difference. This guide helps you choose the best lure for your next flounder trip.
Key Features to Look For in Flounder Lures
Good flounder lures share a few important traits. These features help fool the flatfish into striking.
1. Realistic Action and Profile
- Swimming Motion: Lures must move naturally in the water. A jerky or unnatural swim scares flounder away. Look for soft plastics that wiggle or hard baits that wobble just right.
- Size Matters: Flounder eat small baitfish. Most successful lures are between 2 and 5 inches long. Too big, and the flounder might ignore it.
2. Vibration and Sound
Flounder rely heavily on their lateral line to sense movement. Lures that create vibration often attract strikes.
- Rattles: Some jigs and plugs have internal rattles. These sounds mimic distressed baitfish, drawing attention.
- Thump: Spoons or spinnerbaits create a distinct thump as they move. This vibration travels well through murky bottom water.
3. Color Selection
Color choice depends on the water clarity and light conditions.
- Bright Colors (Chartreuse, Pink): Use these on cloudy days or in dark, stained water. They stand out easily.
- Natural Colors (White, Glimmer, Sand): These mimic common flounder snacks like shrimp or small silversides. They work best in clear water.
Important Materials for Durability and Performance
The material of your lure affects how long it lasts and how well it fishes.
Soft Plastics
Most flounder anglers favor soft plastic baits. They feel realistic to the fish.
- Durable Plastics: Look for high-quality, thick plastic bodies. Thin plastics tear easily when a flounder bites down hard.
- Scent Infusion: Many great soft plastics come pre-loaded with fish attractant scents (like anise or salt). This keeps the fish holding on longer.
Hard Baits and Jigs
Jigs are essential tools for bottom fishing.
- Lead Heads: Jigs usually have lead heads. Ensure the paint or finish on the head is durable so it does not chip off quickly when dragged on sand or rocks.
- High-Quality Hooks: Sharp, corrosion-resistant hooks are crucial. You need strong hooks to pull a flounder out of the mud. Stainless steel or high-carbon steel hooks are best.
Factors That Improve or Reduce Lure Quality
Not all lures are made equally. A few details separate the great lures from the junk.
Quality Boosters:
- Secure Attachments: Split rings and swivels must be strong. Weak hardware breaks under pressure.
- Paint Adhesion: High-quality lures keep their paint job even after many fish catches and encounters with rocks.
Quality Reducers:
- Soft Plastic Brittleness: Cheap plastics dry out or become too stiff over time. This ruins the natural swimming action.
- Frayed Skirts: If you use lures with fiber or hair skirts, poor stitching causes them to fray immediately, reducing their appeal.
User Experience and Use Cases
How you fish the lure matters as much as what you choose. Flounder live near the bottom.
Bottom Bouncing (The Flounder Standard)
This technique requires a jig head. You cast out, let the lure sink to the bottom, and then slowly retrieve it by hopping or “bouncing” it just above the sand or mud. This mimics a crab or small bottom-dwelling fish.
Slow Retrieve
Flounder are not fast chasers. A very slow, steady retrieve works best for most soft plastics and swimbaits. Let the lure work for you.
Trolling/Drifting
When drifting over flats, use weighted spoons or plugs that stay near the bottom without snagging constantly. The movement of the boat provides the necessary action.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Flounder Lures
Q: What is the single best color lure for flounder?
A: Chartreuse is often cited as the most dependable color, especially when you are unsure about the water conditions.
Q: Should I use scented or unscented lures?
A: Scented lures definitely help. If a flounder mouths the bait before committing, the scent encourages it to hold on longer, giving you time to set the hook.
Q: Are topwater lures good for flounder?
A: Generally, no. Flounder feed close to the bottom. Topwater lures are usually too high in the water column to attract them effectively.
Q: How heavy should my jig head be?
A: The weight depends on the depth and current. You need a weight heavy enough to keep your lure dragging the bottom without being swept away.
Q: Do I need to use a leader when fishing for flounder?
A: Yes, use a clear fluorocarbon leader. It is nearly invisible underwater, and it protects your main line from abrasive sand and shells.
Q: Are saltwater lures better than freshwater lures for flounder?
A: Always choose saltwater-rated lures. They use hardware (hooks and split rings) built to resist rust in the corrosive ocean environment.
Q: What is “bucktailing” for flounder?
A: Bucktailing involves using a jig dressed with natural hair or synthetic fibers. This dressing pulses and breathes in the water, creating great movement.
Q: How often should I change my lure while fishing?
A: If you have not had a bite after 10 to 15 casts in a productive area, try switching colors or changing the style of the plastic body.
Q: Can I use crankbaits for flounder?
A: Some lipped crankbaits can work, but they often run too deep or too fast. Jigs and paddle-tail swimbaits are much more consistent for flounder.
Q: Do I need to add an extra hook?
A: Most anglers rig a jig with one hook. However, some rig a “stinger hook” slightly above the jig head if they notice the flounder are just nipping at the tail.