Fishing for flounder can be one of the most exciting experiences for anglers. These flatfish are not only fun to catch but also taste delicious, making them a favorite target for both beginners and experienced fishermen. One of the most effective setups for catching flounder is using jigheads with curly tail grubs. This combination is simple, affordable, and highly productive in both saltwater and brackish water environments.
Why Jigheads Work for Flounder
A jighead is a fishing hook with a weighted head, usually made of lead. The weight helps the bait sink quickly and stay near the bottom of the water, which is where flounder like to hide. Flounders are ambush predators; they lie flat on the ocean floor, blending with sand or mud, and wait for prey to pass by.
With a jighead, you can bounce your bait along the bottom, right where the flounder are waiting. This makes jigheads one of the most reliable options for targeting them.
Are Jigheads all built the same?
Not even close. “THE UPGRADE” by EBB N FLOW OUTDOORS is in a league of its own engineered for anglers who crave performance, durability, and creative control. Whether you’re fishing freshwater bass or chasing saltwater giants, this jighead adapts effortlessly to soft plastics or live bait. Its needlepoint tip, sharpened with Mustad’s 4.3 UltraPoint® technology, delivers rapid, reliable hooksets, while the 2x strong wire construction stands up to punishing strikes without bending. But what truly sets “THE UPGRADE” apart is its Bucktail flange a DIY dream that lets you customize with feathers, fibers, or flash to match your target species and fishing style. Add in the bait keeper-belly weight, which locks soft plastics in place for multiple strikes and extended use, and you’ve got a jighead that’s as smart as it is strong. With a sleek black nickel finish for corrosion resistance and optimized weight distribution for longer casts and better bait presentation, this jighead doesn’t just perform it transforms your entire approach. Whether flipping, pitching, jigging, dead sticking, or trolling, “THE UPGRADE” is built to elevate your game.
Why Curly Tail Grubs Attract Flounder?
Curly tail grubs are soft plastic lures with a curly tail that wiggles naturally when retrieved through the water. This tail movement creates vibrations and flashes that mimic small baitfish or shrimp. Flounder find this action irresistible because it looks like an easy meal moving right in front of them.
The best part about curly tail grubs is that they are simple to use. Whether you are casting, jigging, or drifting, they do most of the work for you with their natural motion.
Setting Up Jigheads and Curly Tail Grubs
Choose the Right Jighead Weight
In shallow water (3–6 feet), use lighter jigheads around 1/8 oz to 1/4 oz.
In deeper water or strong currents, go for heavier jigheads like 3/8 oz or 1 oz.
Pick the Right Curly Tail Grub Colour
White, pearl, or chartreuse are great in clear water.
Pink or glow colours work well in low light.
Brown or natural shades are effective in muddy water.
Rigging the Grub
Thread the curly tail grub straight onto the hook of the jighead. Make sure the grub sits snug and the tail is facing outward so it moves freely.
How to Fish Jigheads with Curly Tail Grubs for Flounder
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Slow Retrieve: Cast out your jighead and let it sink to the bottom. Slowly reel it in with short pauses, allowing the grub to hop and wiggle. Flounder often strike when the lure pauses.
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Vertical Jigging: If fishing from a boat, drop the jighead straight down and bounce it off the bottom. The up-and-down motion with the curly tail is very effective.
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Drifting Technique: Let your boat drift with the current while dragging the jighead along the bottom. This covers more area and increases your chances of finding hungry flounder.
Tips for Catching More Flounder
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Stay Near Structures
Flounder love to hide near rocks, bridge pilings, jetties, and drop-offs. Cast close to these areas. -
Fish with the Tide
Incoming and outgoing tides move baitfish around. This makes flounder more active and likely to bite. -
Be Patient
Sometimes flounder will grab the grub but hold it in their mouth before swallowing. If you feel a small tug, wait a second before setting the hook. -
Mix Natural and Artificial Bait
You can add a small piece of shrimp or fish to the jighead for extra scent, making the grub even more appealing.
Advantages of Jigheads with Curly Tail Grubs
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Easy to use for beginners.
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Affordable compared to live bait.
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Effective in shallow and deep waters.
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Mimics the natural prey of flounder.
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Versatile—you can use them in different fishing conditions.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
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Using the wrong jighead weight – Too light, and the lure won’t reach the bottom. Too heavy, and it will look unnatural.
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Retrieving too fast – Flounder prefer a slow-moving bait close to the bottom.
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Not checking your lure – Make sure the grub is straight on the hook. A twisted rig reduces the tail action.
FAQs
1. What size jighead is best for flounder fishing
A 1/4 oz to 3/8 oz jighead is usually best for most flounder fishing situations, but adjust the size depending on depth and current.
2. What is the best colour curly tail grub for flounder?
White and chartreuse are the most popular colors, but sometimes pink, glow, or natural brown shades work better depending on water clarity.
3. Can I use live bait with jigheads for flounder?
Yes! You can tip your jighead with a piece of shrimp, squid, or small baitfish to add scent and increase strikes.
4. Do flounder bite more during high tide or low tide?
Flounder bite best during moving tides, either incoming or outgoing, because baitfish are more active.
5. Can beginners catch flounder using curly tail grubs?
Absolutely! This setup is one of the easiest and most effective methods for beginners learning how to fish for flounder.
Conclusion
Fishing for flounder with jigheads and curly tail grubs is simple, fun, and effective. The weighted jighead keeps your bait near the bottom, where flounder wait to ambush their prey, while the curly tail grub provides lifelike action that attracts bites. By choosing the right weight, color, and technique, you can improve your chances of landing these tasty flatfish.
Whether you’re fishing from shore, a pier, or a boat, this setup is reliable for all skill levels. If you want to increase your flounder catch, grab a few jigheads and curly tail grubs you’ll be surprised how well they work.