High-definition electronics are critical

Despite the mundane appearance of the ocean’s surface, the sea floor can be lively, especially around places with yellow buoys marked with “A.R.”

Artificial reefs, shipwrecks and natural underwater ledges covered with coral are interesting places. Fisherman hunting flounder hot spots need to know the exact locations of submerged structure, and a high-definition depth sounder is required equipment.

Around reefs, flounder seek out first-rate spots where they can grab passing food. Many artificial reefs will have hundreds, if now thousands, of elements scattered over several acres. Anglers must know exactly where these are located so they can anchor and fish live bait.

Marine electronics technology has matched the technology revolution over the past decade. The picture quality of what lies beneath the surface is unlike any visual representation from before. Anglers can pinpoint exactly where the structure is and quite often can discern what type of structure it is. Additionally, the picture is clear enough to discriminate between fish, suspended debris and structure.

Every major manufacturer offers high- definition technology for anglers who want to find and investigate submerged obstructions. Anglers looking for an edge in the ocean to find flounder hot spots will directly benefit from the units available today.

Capt. J Baisch of Fishfull Thinking Guide Service relies heavily on his fish-finder when fishing around the reefs for flounder, sheepshead or other bottomfish. When I am flounder fishing in ocean, I use my fish-finder to locate the structure just like we do for sheepshead,” he said. “I try to anchor right on top of the structure and fish to the boat.”