An autumn evening by the sea, a cup of hot tea, two rods on their rests and an eager eye on the rod tips. Flounder fishing has its own rhythm: prepare your bait, find the right distance and wait for a fish to interrupt the steady movement of the waves.
A successful trip starts with thoughtful preparation. This NGT guide covers how to choose a spot, which baits to try and specific equipment from the NGT.LV range — from rods to shelters and fishing trolleys.
When should you go flounder fishing?
Late summer and autumn are a good starting point for a flounder trip. Latvian anglers often highlight August to November, although fishing is possible in other months too. Water temperature, wind and the underwater contours of each beach affect how accessible the fish are from shore.
For your first trip, choose a day when the sea is safe to fish and your rig can hold the bottom. Arrive in daylight: it is easier to inspect the shore, find access to the water and set up your spot. If possible, stay into the evening and compare the activity.
No particular hour guarantees a good catch. Systematically changing your casting distance and bait will help you discover what works that day.
Where can you catch flounder in Latvia?
For your first trips, consider the open Baltic Sea coast of Kurzeme in western Latvia. A place name is only a starting point — deeper troughs, sandbanks and washed-up debris can vary considerably along the same beach.
| Coastal area |
Planning your trip |
| Jūrkalne |
A popular flounder fishing destination. Use the designated access paths and steps; before unloading your gear, check both the descent and the return route. |
| The Pāvilosta area |
Look for a publicly accessible stretch of beach outside the fishing exclusion zone around the river mouth. A convenient base for a trip with an overnight stay nearby. |
| Ziemupe |
Consider this area if access and recreation facilities matter to you. Check current parking and overnight accommodation options before travelling. |
| The open coast around Užava and Ventspils |
Choose a specific access point and check the wind direction and restrictions around river mouths. |
| The Ovīši, Sīkrags and Mazirbe area |
Options for a trip to northern Kurzeme. Allow for the walk to the water and check protected-area and camping rules. |
Jūrkalne and northern Kurzeme feature in anglers’ accounts, while regional tourism information describes the facilities around Ziemupe and Pāvilosta. These are starting points for choosing a spot, rather than promises of a catch.
Can you catch flounder in the Gulf of Riga? Yes, although for a first dedicated flounder trip we would favour the open-sea coast. Do not try to make up for a poor choice of spot by wading dangerously far into the sea.
How do you choose a spot on the beach?
Look at where the waves break and where there may be a trough between shallower areas. If conditions make the bottom difficult to read, explore with your casts: fish one rod closer in and the other farther out. If bites come at one distance, gradually move the second rig towards it.
A moderate surf can provide suitable fishing conditions, but strong lateral currents and weed on the line make fishing much harder. Judge the wind direction in relation to the particular stretch of coast.
NGT tip: if weed quickly builds up on the line and the lead keeps moving, try another stretch of shore. A heavier lead does not always solve a location problem.
What equipment do you need for flounder fishing?
Rod: choose for the conditions and casting load
A practical choice for regular fishing from an open beach is a 4.2–4.5 m sea rod with a casting weight of 100–250 g. A longer rod helps keep the line above the nearest band of waves and allows you to use a heavier rig.
In calmer conditions and at shorter distances, a 3.6 m rod can also be useful. The key is to stay within its casting rating. The total casting load includes the rig and bait, as well as the lead.
From the NGT.LV range, we recommend:
For a ready-made setup with a longer rod, take a look at the Mistrall Nautilio Tele 4.5 m 100–250 g + NGT Oceancast 90 set.
Reel: line capacity and practical care
For beach fishing with a bottom rig, look for suitable line capacity, a reliable drag and comfortable retrieval. Reel size markings vary between manufacturers, so no single number is a universal standard.
The NGT Oceancast 90 is a large sea reel with a front drag and aluminium spool. Its listed capacity is 380 m of 0.45 mm line. When using a thinner main line, you may need backing to fill the spool properly.
Keep your reel out of the sand. After fishing, wipe away salt and sand residue and follow the manufacturer’s cleaning instructions, avoiding a strong jet of water into the mechanism.
Main line, shock leader and finger protection
For a straightforward starting setup, consider a monofilament main line of around 0.30–0.35 mm. Braid is an alternative for more experienced anglers, but choose it by its stated strength, knot performance and casting load, rather than the printed diameter alone.
The NGT.LV range includes Trabucco TF XPS Surf FP 300 m, 0.355 mm. When casting heavier leads, add a suitably rated shock leader, such as Shimano Speedmaster Surf Tapered Leader, with an appropriate diameter transition. When preparing to cast, its thick end should reach the reel with several turns around the spool.
A casting finger protector is useful with monofilament too, especially with heavy leads. Consider the Delphin WRAP casting finger protector. Before casting, check your knots, the line near the reel and that nobody is behind you.
Flounder rigs and hooks
For a first trip, a ready-tied rig with two or three single hooks is convenient. Take at least two rigs for each rod you use: spares help when snoods twist or a hook loses its sharpness.
The Mistrall flounder rig is a ready-tied three-hook option. Another choice is the three-hook flounder rig with stand-off booms. It lets you try different baits at the same time. Before each cast, check that the snoods are untangled and the hooks are clear. Try rigs with attractor beads as well as simpler setups. No single colour is essential for every session.
For spare hooks, consider Kujira 101 flounder rig hooks or BKK Surf Baitholder-R. Match hook size to the bait; size numbers are not directly comparable across different hook ranges. Leave the hook point exposed.
Leads: a simple weight and a grip option
The lead needs to deliver your bait to the chosen spot and hold the bottom sufficiently well.
Adapt the lead’s shape and weight to the conditions. If it continues to drift along the shore, consider moving or using a more powerful rod with a suitable rig. Do not overload a lighter rod simply to hold the bottom.
Rod supports and bite visibility
Your rod should stand securely with the reel above the sand. The Delphin ENERGY rod holder is a metal support with a pointed ground spike, a step for pushing it into the ground and an adjustable rod rest. It is 100 cm long and weighs 1.26 kg. Insert it sufficiently deeply and check its stability in the actual ground, particularly in loose sand.
If you prefer a tripod, consider the NGT Oceancast Tripod. In windy conditions, check the stability of the stand and its fixings.
At night, you can use Delphin NEON light sticks on the rod tip with a suitable attachment. Make sure nothing interferes with the line or damages the tip.
Which baits should you use for flounder?
For a first trip, we recommend prawns and sprats. They let you compare different baits without bringing too many supplies. You can also take squid strips in a separate container.
Prawns — a good starting point
Try fresh or thawed raw prawns, as well as plain cooked prawns without marinade or other additions. Cut larger prawns into pieces that suit the hook.
Thread the bait so it stays on during the cast while leaving the hook point exposed. If it falls off, use fine bait elastic, wrapping it lightly around the piece a few times. There is no need for a tightly bound layer.
Sprat — a fish bait option
Cut sprat into small strips with the skin on. The skin helps the bait stay on the hook. Avoid large, thick pieces: they are harder to cast and can conceal the hook.
Keep the bulk of your bait chilled. Take only a small portion out beside the rods for immediate use.
Squid and earthworms — alternatives to try
A thin squid strip holds more firmly than a very soft piece of prawn. Try it on its own or combined with a small piece of prawn.
Earthworms are another natural bait worth taking as an experiment if you already have them. However, for a first trip we would concentrate on prawns and sprats.
What about garlic and Baltic herring?
You can prepare a small amount of bait with garlic and compare it with the natural scent. Treat this as an experiment, rather than a proven method that always improves catches.
Check the rules before using Baltic herring. It is often mentioned in older flounder fishing accounts. However, section 15.3 of Latvia’s Cabinet Regulation No. 800 restricts using the fish species listed in section 16 as bait, and Baltic herring is on that list. We therefore do not include it among the recommended baits in this guide; clarify any uncertainty about particular fish products with Latvia’s State Environmental Service (VVD) before fishing.
How should you compare baits?
Start with prawn on one rod and sprat on the other. Compare the results at similar distances, then change one factor — either the bait or the casting distance.
As an initial routine, check your bait roughly every 10–15 minutes. If it is quickly eaten, check more often. If it remains untouched and there are no bites, change the distance or the size of the bait.
NGT tents and shelters for longer trips
A few hours in the wind soon show the value of somewhere to change clothes and protect your belongings from rain.
The NGT Camo Brolly 180 cm is a simpler umbrella option for short sessions in suitable conditions. If you also need protection from the side, look at the NGT 45″ Camo Brolly with Sides — it comes with an attachable side sheet, pegs and guy ropes.
For a longer trip or an overnight stay, choose a bivvy:
Consider transport when choosing a bivvy. A 13 kg shelter, plus a chair, leads and a bag, is a very different load from a compact day-fishing kit.
A waterproof rating is not a guarantee of wind resistance. Do not assume ordinary pegs will provide sufficient anchoring in loose sand. Use ground-appropriate anchors and guy ropes; take the shelter down if the wind becomes dangerous.
Pitch a tent only where permitted, and check local camping rules before your trip.
NGT trolleys: fewer trips between the car and the sea
We recommend looking first at the NGT Quickfish Trolley for moving a day’s fishing equipment. For a larger load, an alternative is the NGT Dynamic Trolley, with adjustable sides and a platform for a rod bag. Its listed own weight is 10.7 kg.
Place heavier items low down and secure them with straps. A trolley helps more on firm paths and compact beach sand than in deep, dry sand. If beach access involves a long flight of steps, first consider how to carry the equipment down safely and bring it back up after fishing.
NGT chairs: comfort while waiting for the next bite
The NGT Profiler Plus is our first choice for longer periods of sitting: padding, adjustable legs and broad feet help you get comfortable on uneven ground.
If compactness matters more, consider the NGT Nomadic Chair. The NGT XPR Chair is an alternative with armrests. Even broad chair feet can sink into soft sand — choose a firm spot and check the chair’s position before sitting down.
What else is useful on a flounder trip?
- A head torch. The NGT Headlight helps you bait hooks, retie rigs and find your way. Take spare power or a second torch.
- Lighting for your shelter. The NGT 21 LED light with a 10,400 mAh battery can be useful on longer trips.
- A box for small tackle. The NGT Quick-Fish Tackle Box helps keep hooks, swivels and clips organised.
- A lead bag. The NGT Lead Bag keeps heavy leads together and away from more fragile items.
- A bucket for your catch and transport. The NGT Green Rectangular Bucket 10 l. Keep retained fish cool and handle them according to the rules.
- A cool bag. The NGT Brew Kit Bag suits smaller loads; the NGT Cooler Bag 43 × 28 × 21 cm is a roomier alternative. Keep bait and food in separate sealed containers and use ice packs.
- Line scissors. NGT Braid Scissors; also take a separate knife and cutting board for bait preparation.
- Warmth for your feet. Haago Foot Insole Warmers supplement warm footwear. Choose the right size and follow the instructions.
- Dry spare clothing, gloves, a hat, a towel, a hook remover, a measuring tape, scales and a rubbish bag. Small items you quickly miss when they are absent.
For overnight trips, also plan for a bed, a season-appropriate sleeping bag and insulation from the ground. The NGT range includes the NGT XPR Bed Chair with six legs. Do not use a gas stove or any other combustion appliance inside an enclosed tent.
A simple plan for your first flounder trip
- Choose a publicly accessible spot and check the forecast, access and local restrictions.
- Take two suitable rods, spare rigs and several types of lead.
- Prepare prawns and sprats in separate containers.
- Arrive in daylight, inspect the shore and set up the rods securely.
- Start at two distances; adjust the casting range and bait according to the bites.
- Do not leave your tackle unattended. Pack up if conditions deteriorate.
- Before leaving, collect loose line and bait packaging too.
What can you keep?
Regulations checked on 30 October 2026.
- On the Baltic Sea and Gulf of Riga coast, one person may use three fishing outfits, each with no more than three hooks.
- The flounder limit is 10 kg per person. No general minimum length applies, but we recommend releasing small fish.
- Turbot have separate rules: no more than five, at least 30 cm long; retention is prohibited from 1 June to 31 July.
- Recreational cod fishing is prohibited in Latvia’s Baltic coastal waters in 2026. Any cod caught accidentally must be released.
- Carry a fishing card unless you qualify for an exemption, and a document that identifies you. Check specific restrictions around river mouths and in protected areas.
Handle fish for release carefully. If removing a hook would cause serious injury, cut the snood and release the fish immediately. Handle and store retained fish according to the regulations.
How to catch flounder? Getting ready for a flounder trip? Visit NGT.LV or our shop at Duntes iela 5, Riga. We can help you choose a compatible rod, reel, line and rigs, plus equipment for a more comfortable time by the sea.
Tight lines with NGT.LV!
Useful sources
Latvian fishing regulations · Current information from Latvia’s Ministry of Agriculture · LSM: how to catch flounder
