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Flounder

Flounder

Alabama's coastal waters host two flounder species: Southern Flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) and Gulf Flounder (Paralichthys albigutta).

After a decade-long population decline starting around 2008, Alabama's flounder population has made a remarkable recovery thanks to strict conservation measures implemented in 2019.

Scientific Name: Paralichthys lethostigma (Southern Flounder), Paralichthys albigutta (Gulf Flounder)

Physical Characteristics:

Southern Flounder are larger and more common, with females reaching up to 25 inches, while males rarely exceed 12 inches.

Gulf Flounder are smaller, with females reaching 18 inches and males 10-14 inches, distinguished by three large dark eye-spots in a triangular pattern. Southern Flounder have more diffuse spots that fade with age.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

They inhabit a wide salinity range from shallow estuaries to 200-foot depths offshore, preferring soft bottoms around jetties, piers, pilings, seagrass beds, and drop-offs.

Key Locations

In winter target the eastern end of Dauphin Island, Fort Morgan area, gas rigs in Mobile Bay, and jetties. Spring fishing focuses on East Fowl River, Dog River, Mobile River, and Theodore Industrial Canal. Summer finds flounder around Dauphin Island Bridge, Gaillard Island, and Point Clear. Specific productive locations include Fort Morgan ledges, Sand Island in upper Mobile River, Perdido Pass jetties, Causeway seawall, and Theodore Industrial Canal.

Specific Spots

Target structure like pilings, jetties, drop-offs, shell beds, and grass bed edges. In winter target jetties in 6-8 feet of water. Spring fishing in 3-8 foot depths at river and creek mouths. Summer around open-water structure.

Flounder FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Flounder in Alabama?

Top lures are Berkeley Gulp Swimming Mullet and 3-inch Gulp Shrimp in white/chartreuse on 1/4-3/8 ounce jig heads, DOA CAL shad with paddle tail, and Z-Man EZ ShrimpZ. Live bull minnows are extremely effective, rigged on Kahle hooks with minimal weight.

When is the best time to fish for Flounder in Alabama?

Prime flounder fishing occurs during fall migration (October-December). In winter (January-March), target when temperatures exceed 58-60°F. Spring fishing (March-April) focuses on river and creek mouths. Summer finds flounder around open-water structure.

How do you catch Flounder in Alabama?

Retrieve lures extremely slowly along bottom, maintaining contact throughout. Cast upcurrent and work back with tide. Set hook immediately with jigs, wait 8-15 seconds with live bait.

What do Flounder eat?

Juveniles feed primarily on crustaceans, transitioning to fish as they mature. Adult diet includes mullet, bull minnows, shrimp, and crabs.

Where do Flounder live in Alabama?

They inhabit a wide salinity range from shallow estuaries to 200-foot depths offshore, preferring soft bottoms around jetties, piers, pilings, seagrass beds, and drop-offs.

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