Some hints?

[gbBeginner]

Saturday evening, we took a trip down to Mantaloking bridge to see what it was like.  I've been practicing making up a variety of rigs, and I was reading up on the Winter Flounder post on here, with the recommendation on what to use, I couldn't figure out how to do the dropper loop properly just yet, so was rigging it the way I've been shown how with a three way swivel, 2 1/2oz sinker and (i think) size 6 hook, not entirely sure what sort. 

We later went down to the canal, and I cast out there a few times (I'm good at pulling up seaweed now). As I was leaving, there was an older guy, so I figured I would try and ask a few questions, I don't think he understood my accent (British), so I wandered away questioning what I was doing wrong.

Winter flounder need smaller hooks, that's what I keep hearing. And I got asked what I was fishing for, and I said "anything, nothing specific", because I'm not sure how I should be rigged and what I'm fishing for. 

Any clues?

[IrishAyes]

First, I don't think you will need a dropper loop for winter flounder fishing but at any rate, here is an illustration of how it is tied.
http://www.leadertec.com/tipsandtechniques/fishing_knots/knots_dropper_loop.html

For winter flounder fishing, I personally, would just go to a bait and tackle shop and purchase a winter flounder rig. They are cheap enough that you won't break the bank. Attach said rig via one of the eyes on the three way swivel to your running line, attach a bank sinker to the second eye of the three way, the third eye of the three way will have the rig tied to it already. Put on your bait and you are ready to start fishing. I am not familiar with the area you fished but I would try to determine if there are any holes where the fish would hang out. Check with the locals, watch anyone else who if fishing there, etc. Toss a chum pot on a long line into the water if possible.

Good luck and let us know how you do next time out. 

[Capt. Mike]

Below is a dropper loop image and an link that should help:
http://marinews.com/Dropper-Loop-419.php

[Bucktail]

GB,

The reason for the dropper loop is to attach one snelled hook to the other to make up your two-hook rig.  The illustrations  posted are good ones.  Here's another link if you need it.  http://www.animatedknots.com/dropperloop/index.php?LogoImage=LogoGrog.jpg&Website=www.animatedknots.com  It's fairly simple to tie once you learn it.

As far as hook size, I would go with size 9 or 10 chestertown style hooks.  They have a long shank which makes it easier to remove them from a flounder that takes it deep.

As Joe said you can always buy a pre-made rig at a B&T for flounder (or really any species). But you can save a few bucks by tying your own.

[gbBeginner]

Thanks for the stuff guys, appreciate the replies! In terms of bait, what should I go for? Someone said bloodworm was good, we had gulp, so we tried using that, but wasn't sure. 

[Bucktail]

Bloods, sands, or small strips of clam work well.  Wish I could go today, but I'm off to work again now.  Good luck!

[IrishAyes]

Bloodworm, sandworm and clam are all good baits. Guys have posted that they have absolutely no luck at all with gulp for winter flounder.

Bob, I understand the reason for the dropper loop in your homemade rig. And I like your rig a lot. It looks much better than the store bought ones.
But my reasoning is, new-to-fishing people would be better off just purchasing a pre-tied rig, thus making it easier on themselves. Don't want to give them too many things to think about all at once. Just attach the rig to the running line and you're good to go. That's my thoughts anyway.

[gbBeginner]

I'm doing ok tying knots at the moment, I'm enjoying the challenge of learning (at the moment unfortunately, I have spare time), so I've been tying the rigs myself. 

I think I'll have to go into the local B&T and ask some questions, so far my experience of asking others face to face about fishing has not been a good one, they're either rude or unhelpful.

[Hotrod]

so far my experience of asking others face to face about fishing has not been a good one, they're either rude or unhelpful.

Hahha..  Welcome to NJ.  And the reason for this site

[brickken]

so far my experience of asking others face to face about fishing has not been a good one, they're either rude or unhelpful.

Hahha..  Welcome to NJ.  And the reason for this site

The reason for this site is to be rude or unhelpful?  j/k

GB- if you are fishing by the Mantoloking bridge I've found Jersey Coast Bait and Tackle to be extremely helpful with what baits are producing as well as what spots are producing. They are located on Mantoloking Road just South of Church...Their prices are reasonable and the info priceless... good luck...(I assume you are land locked and not in a boat. I haven't heard of much action from the shore, though I have seen a few people bringing up some flounder at the mouth of the canal (Pt. Pleasant Side).
Good Luck 

[blynch]

ok, dropper loops can be used for tying your own Hi-Lo rigs (explained above) but considering your seemingly "beginner" status, store-coight is the way to go.  Don't feel bad abput seaweed... I've been fishing for quite some time, and the past few weeks in the upper barnegat and manasquan river has been pretty bad, lots of "salad" as we call it.  1.5 to 2 oz. will be ample in the bay.  Also, give it some time... winter flounder are a relatively difficult fish to dupe (at least for me), you wont get fish every time out.

BTW, 3-way swivel rigs, though not optimal, do work alright   

[Hotrod]

so far my experience of asking others face to face about fishing has not been a good one, they're either rude or unhelpful.

Hahha..  Welcome to NJ.  And the reason for this site

The reason for this site is to be rude or unhelpful?  j/k

Hahah  That would be fun..  but we woudn't last to long

[Bucktail]

...new-to-fishing people would be better off just purchasing a pre-tied rig, thus making it easier on themselves.

I agree Joe. Good advice.

Hey GB,

If you're ever down by the seawall at the Manasquan Inlet, head over to Gates B&T. It's on the left just before you go into the parking lot.  Stop in and see my friend Chuck who works there.  He's a great fisherman and really nice guy.    He will help you out with any questions you might have.  Tell him Bob M. from Forked River sent you.

-Bob 

[ped579]

Then duck...Only kidding...

[wink_man]

Thanks for the stuff guys, appreciate the replies! In terms of bait, what should I go for? Someone said bloodworm was good, we had gulp, so we tried using that, but wasn't sure. 

GB,
     While I don't fish winter flounder, the kids do. They have done ok over by the Mantaloking bridge, off land, nothing spectacular, but a few keepers making for a nice dinner, and some throwbacks. The kids have said so far, that sandworms have been whats preferrred by the flounder.

     Fishing over by the Point Pleasant canal looking for weakfish, I have been talking to the guys fishing for flounder, and they seem to echo the same sentiment as the kids, that sandworms are the bait of choice. Over by the Canal, they are also picking up blackfish on the sandworms, while fishing for flounder.
Garry

[Bucktail]

...Tell him Bob M. from Forked River sent you.

Then duck...

Quickly!