Winter flounder move in when the summers are moving out. They remain active in the back bays until the water drops into the lower 40's.
Some will stay in the back in a semi dorment state hunkered down in the mud until the water starts to warm in March. Short warming periods like we have now will get them active but since their systems have been on auto pilot they don't need much in the way of food.
When the water warms in spring they will become very active into their spawning time. They spawn at around 46 degree water temp (I can't even find it in 46 degrees)
There have been some decent catches in the Wildwood area last year. It's just that they turn on at about the same time stripers do.
Hmmm, winter flounder about 12 inches long or stripers over 30. Tough choice.
Watch for the return of the red wing blackbirds in March. That was always the indicator that it was time to fish.
