In this case, tides piled mud onto a shelf along the backside of the curve. The main channel cut next to the shelf, forming a definite drop-off. On the muddy shelf, baitfish scattered as a predator erupted from the mud. A flounder snatched at a school of minnows hugging the shoreline for protection. Quickly vanishing swirls marred by a whipping cool breeze briefly telegraphed its presence.
Anglers frequently see flounders popping the surface as they attack prey along shorelines.
Unlike redfish, which make brutish wakes when herding baitfish, flounders slash at prey and sink back to the bottom almost unnoticed. Untrained eyes can easily overlook these misty spouts, but observant fishermen zero in on feeding flounders by watching for subtle shoreline disruptions. The bowed rod pointed to a flat brown fish slashing at the surface. Rue fought it to boatside. A lot of people lose flounders right at the boat.