Fishing for flatfish off the dock

[Oregon]

Hello everyone. I am a fishing newbie and still learning the basics of this great hobby. I recently moved to the Sunshine Coast and now live right across the street from the ocean! I've been using my fortunate location to my advantage and have been pulling my crab trap every day at the dock near my house. The other day I saw a gentleman on the dock who was reeling in flatfish from the dock using a smaller pole. I believe they were a small flounder of sorts but he didn't speak a lick of English so I couldn't ask him about the fish or how to catch them. I read a couple posts about fishing for flatfish but the descriptions and language didn't click since I'm such a newb. I have a small trout pole with a spinning reel that was about the size that the fisherman was using. I wanted suggestions on bait and tackle. Do I just attach a weight and leader? What type of weight? How long a leader? What type of hook? The depth is about 20-25 feet and the bottom is sandy. Any recommendations on what test of line to use? Most of the info I found seemed to relate to fishing from boats at deeper depths. I appreciate your help and look forward to hearing from you. God bless.

[LastChance]

A small number 4 or 2 hook and a small hunk of herring should do the trick. Chuck it out and wait, or slowly bounce it along the bottom. I used to get sole doing this in Cowichan Bay. Stick your weight about 16 inches above your bait. Use just enough weight to get it out there.

[NautiGirl]

Those fish are likely "sole". I think you can catch 8/day. Almost any small hook with a small piece of bait should catch them. You could cast out and let your line sit with a little bait or cast and retrieve a small lead head jig with or without a small piece of bait such as a small strip of anchovy, bacon, or they love a bit of clam . If you use 5 to 10lb test line and just a small drop or twist sinker with a small hook or two on a piece of bait you will have some fun. Just make sure to take a small cooler with ice to put the sole in because their flesh goes all mushy if they are not put on ice immediately after catching them. Pan fry or microwave them for a few minutes and you have a tasty snack.

[Shermanater]

Worms work great for bait also. I used a spinning rod with 10lb test line which allowed for long casts from shore. For leader line i would use 15-20lb test. Had lots of fun as a kid doing that. Good luck.

[fshnfnatic]

You can also jig for them as well. A small 2.5in. crome buzzbomb, or 1/2 oz. stingzilda with a small #2-#4 treble hook
will work just fine. Remember to pinch your barbs on the hook as all tidal waters require barbless hooks. Good luck!!

[spring fever]

FF What are you talking about-all tidal water does not require barbless hooks-only when fishing for salmon or specifically noted. Barbs are fine for flounder or sole=shouldn't have any problem-quite obvious he's flounder or sole fishing.

[fshnfnatic]

Your absolutely right,spring fever. Exept for halibut circle hooks,I always use barbless hooks. Even when fishing
freshwater lakes where they aren't required. Makes releasing so much easier if your getting just small ones. But you are
right,that is perfectly legal when fishing for bottom fish.

[Dogbreath]

Does a person need to use a sliding hook setup with bait for Sole-does it matter at all?

[Cuba Libre]

Does a person need to use a sliding hook setup with bait for Sole-does it matter at all?

Nope-- if you are just dunking bait, put the weight on the bottom and run a dropper line about a foot up the mainline with your bait. Berkly Gulp works good too

[falcon1]

Where can I do this from shore around Victoria?