Flounder Fish: Everything You Need To Know

Flounder fish is one of the most popular targets for anglers all over the United States. While not much to look at — one might even say they look terrifying — they can be fun to catch and make for excellent table fare, too. There are plenty of them all over the country’s coasts, so you never have to look too hard to find them. No matter where you are in the US, look up “flounder fishing near me,” and you’ll surely find one in your area.

Curious to find out more about this fascinating flatfish? In this article, we’ll learn the basics about the most common types of flounder fish found in the country. We’ll also give you tips on where to find these fish species and how to catch them.

Flounder Fish

Flounder are flatfish species belonging to the Pleuronectoidei suborder; they are demersal fish or bottom-dwellers. They live near coastal areas all over the world. Like other flatfish species, halibut and sole, flounder are known for their particular body shape and their eyes on just one side of their head. One way to distinguish one flounder fish from another is to categorize them based on where their eyes are. However, you can only do this once the flounder have reached maturity, as larval flounder have an eye on each side of the head. When they mature through a metamorphosis, their eyes migrate to the side where they’re supposed to be.

Flounder fish are known as master camouflagers. They lie on the bottom of the ocean floor and match the colors of their immediate surroundings, and they use camouflage to hide from their predators and ambush their prey.

Common Types of Flounder Fish

Summer Flounder

Summer flounder are more commonly referred to as fluke in some parts of the United States. They are left-eyed flounder species typically brown, dark grey, or muddy green in coloring with white bellies and black ocellated spots all over their bodies. They’re found in much of the western regions of the Atlantic Ocean — from Maine, Florida, to South Carolina. They are partial to sandy and muddy bottoms and can often be seen in creeks, estuaries, and harbors. Female fluke grow bigger than their male counterparts.

Southern Flounder

Southern flounder are left-eyed flounder species like summer flounder. They live in the Western Atlantic region, particularly the Gulf of Mexico; they have a rich brown coloring with dark, irregularly shaped splotches all over their bodies. Like the summer flounder, female southern flounder grow bigger — though they’re much bigger, growing almost twice in length compared to males. 

Winter Flounder

Winter flounder are right-eyed flounder species. They’re commonly black, though some can have red, olive, and brown hues. They’re common in New England but can be found anywhere on the Atlantic Ocean’s east coast, from North Carolina to some parts of Canada. Unlike fluke and southern flounder, male and female winter flounder can grow to the same size at about 2 feet long. They’re most often mistaken for the summer flounder. One way to distinguish both is that winter flounder have smaller mouths and teeth. 

Starry Flounder

Starry flounder are technically right-eyed flounder species, though, in reality, they can be either right-eyed or left-eyed. They’re found on the Pacific Coast from the Aleutian Islands to the LA harbor. They come in pretty hefty sizes, growing as big as 20 pounds. Their name comes from their unique star-shaped scales. Black stripes on their fins and tails distinguish them from other flounder species. 

How to Catch Flounder

Fishing for flounder in Massachusetts and other places is fairly easy, which is why most beginners are advised to target them. The only challenge with flounder is that they are extremely sensitive and quick. They can easily spot danger and flee at the first sign. The best way to target them is by using a light tackle with a 20-pound fluorocarbon leader. Make sure it’s attached to a line that can hold up to 12 pounds. It will also help if your rod is light enough to pick up on the slightest hint of a bite. Flounder are known to take nibbles of bait instead of swallowing it whole. It’s important to focus and pay close attention to any movement on your bait. A slight tap can be your flounder taking a bite of your offer. Once you feel it, wait a while. Take a few seconds before setting the hook so as not to scare your flounder.

Flounder Fishing Charters Near Me

If you’re a beginner hoping to learn how to bottom fish for flounder, your best course would be to find flounder charters near me online and start in your vicinity. If you’re going on a trip to Maryland, Ocean City flounder fishing charters are some of the best in the area. Other experts you can tap include Storm Busters Charter in Massachusetts, which specialize in winter flounder;  South Shore Guide Services in Texas, which catch summer flounder; Old North State Fishing in North Carolina; and MoonDog Fishing in New Jersey for southern flounder. Just purchase the proper fishing license on your trip and leave the rest of your worries to your charter guide.