Misunderstood Fred. I know they swim as regular fish pre adult stage. What I was referring to was the lie on the bottom. Each specie will turn to the same side all the time. You won't find two fish of the same specie with eyes on opposite sides. Nice pic of that early flatfish.
Its not the way they lie on the ocean floor. Its got to do with the specie. All your blacks have eyes on the same side==same with flounder only they are on the opposite side.
Henry--you taught me something of which I had no idea. Did some research to prove you correct in that winter flounder are right eyed. Makes me wonder if somewhere along the evolutionary path there was some interbreeding done or if it is a species unto itself. Same genus but different specie. Thank you for the info Henry
Heard you I did. Look at fish again. Halibut are a right eyed fish yet all other flatfish--flounder, sole etc--are left eyed.
Also, in regard to your trolling anchor I have done the same thing both on land and on the water. Messed it up pretty good dragging it behind the car about1/4 mile before somebody brought it to my attention. Then it popped off the transom again and into the water. Thankfully the wiring saved the day as it was truly a TROLLING motor. I have now rigged a bracket composed of a piece of aluminum square stock and a couple pieces of 1/2 inch thick wood attached to it so that the retention screws of the motor clamp down to the metal and have to fit between the two pieces of wood before it does. This way there is no slippage of the screws on the transom. Wear your lifevest, I have found it very helpful when the thing inflates when you hit the water. Good luck. If you need any help reach out as people here are always willing to express their views, techniques and general BS. Tight lines !!
Lake in question has big bass many over 6# I prefer to throw 3/0 weighted hook with soft plastic darker colorred worm--purple speed worm, black, blue w/ flakes, pumpkin--any kind of worm with a tail that can entice the fish. In the early morning and evening try Heddon Jr. Spook or Jitterbug in frog ( black one at night, especially under any kind of moon ). I fish in my 13' Gheenoe and have a great time in Lake Hernando
Stop in any tackle store and ask around. They will not only provide you with the "how to" but also sell you what you need to begin your endeavor with fish. Worms are always good whether real or plastic.
I remember reading when I was a teenager that browns could live in 80 degree water as was proven out of Knoxville TN. Pretty sure you didn't catch it in Florida as the lakes are 84 and the Gulf is 87, so it must have been in NJ. Good going on these two. Now that you have thrown them back maybe you can catch them again as breeders. God bless
I guess that might depend on what you had for dinner.
Let me know if you need an old retired deckhand. I can go anywhere at any time. Good cook too.
Edit your profile to show what town and state you are in. This way we can help if we can.
More info. Lingcod go from carnivore to vegetarian. Yours in in the carnivore stage. The vegetarian is a greenish color with green meat that cooks up whiter than the canrivore does
eh DC--yes that can be calssified as a rock cod but the actual name is lingcod. There are 57 varieties of rock cod--just for your knowledge.
i HAD ONE 38# OUT OF HMB. i WOULD BET YOURS IS BIGGER. GOOD JOB