Good electronics are extremely helpful in finding deep-water structure, as well as for marking productive locations and depths after fish are found. Flounder will usually hold at the same depths throughout the day, even at different locations, so the odds are in your favor if you continue to work the same depths where you caught a good fish. By the same token, a spot that harbors good-sized flounder one day is likely to hold others the next day.

If you're not accustomed to catching big flounder, it's easy to underestimate the size of the net needed for trophy fishing. These are not flounder that you swing over the transom or try to stuff into a net meant for panfish. Many anglers discover the inadequacy of their nets the hard way, futilely trying to envelop would-be trophies with nets more suitable for scooping bait out of the livewell. A net that looks huge on the wall of a tackle shop appears much smaller in the heat of battle with a double-digit doormat.

FOR YOUR INFORMATION
Tackle shops in the area you are fishing can provide valuable information on the latest fishing conditions and the best baits, rigs and methods for catching big flounder. They also carry maps and charts to help you locate the deep-water structure that holds the bay's largest trophies.

Anglers are allowed to keep six flounder per day measuring a minimum 16 1/2 inches. Regulations are subject to change at any time, however, so it's best to check before you go. For information on current regulations, details of the Virginia Saltwater Fishing Tournament, boat ramp locations and weekly fishing reports, visit the Virginia Marine Resources Commission's Web site at www.state. va.us/mrc.

For fishing information or charters in the Middle Peninsula area, call Captain Rob Wilhoite at (804) 730-6448, or visit his Web site at www.triplefcharters.com.

For fishing information or charters out of Virginia Beach, contact Captain Steve Wray at (757) 481-7517 or www.vbsf.net/captainsteve.