All round our coast we have a huge amount of bays, estuaries and river mouths where flounder live. Being too lazy to wander around mudflats with a light and a spear, I prefer to use a net - perfect for catching those crafty critters.
Using the net is one thing
the family can participate in but first read the fisheries rules on how and where you can use it, as well as size and bag limits of flounder species.
Safety is key with water-related activities. Don't wear a watch or clothing with buttons that'll get caught. A fish bin is the best thing to use a net from and, when laid out properly, is easy to set from.
Laying the net in the bin prior to use is best done by three people: one on the float line, one on the lead line, with the third in the middle pulling the belly of the net into the bin.
Dragging a net from the beach or an estuary is best done on a rising tide. With one person in ankle-deep water, the other walks out to waist depth with the fish bin quickly letting out the net, then dragging a long arc back towards the beach - drag low and slow.
Once you've reached the end of the beach or estuary, go back and start again in clear water. Don't let the flounder bounce around as they'll die slowly. A poke with a knife behind the eyes will dispatch them humanely.
- HERALD ON SUNDAY
