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Southern Flounder

Southern Flounder

Southern Flounder is Alabama's larger and more common flounder species, distinguished from Gulf Flounder by its darker, more mottled appearance without distinctive eye-spots. These ambush predators can reach impressive sizes.

Scientific Name: Paralichthys lethostigma

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished from Gulf Flounder by its darker, more mottled appearance without distinctive eye-spots.
  • Alabama's state record stands at 13 pounds, 3 ounces, caught in 1975.
  • Females grow significantly larger than males, often reaching 25 inches, while males seldom exceed 12 inches.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Southern Flounder inhabit Alabama's estuaries, bays, coastal rivers, and brackish streams, preferring soft sediment bottoms around structure like jetties, piers, bulkheads, and pilings.
  • Some individuals enter freshwater rivers and bayous.

Key Locations

  • Key locations include the Gulf State Park Pier, Perdido Pass jetties and seawall areas, Mobile Bay Causeway seawall, Theodore Industrial Canal area, Sand Island in upper Mobile River at Pinto Pass, and shell banks with good drop-offs.
  • They're found throughout Mobile Bay, Mississippi Sound, and coastal rivers like Dog River and Fowl River.

Specific Spots

  • Target them around structure like jetties, piers, bulkheads, pilings, and choke points where currents concentrate baitfish.
  • Fish the down-current side of structures where flounder hold out of main current.
  • Target depths of 4-8 feet around structure.

Southern Flounder FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Live bull minnows are considered the most effective bait - fish them on light tackle with small lead sinkers above a swivel and 2 feet of leader using Kahle hooks sized appropriately for flounder's small mouths.

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

The prime time for Southern Flounder fishing in Alabama is during their fall migration from October to December (excluding November closure), with excellent fishing also occurring from March through July.

How do you catch Southern Flounder in Alabama?

Slowly drag baits along the bottom near structure. Keep baits in constant bottom contact. Target depths of 4-8 feet around structure.

What do Southern Flounder eat?

Juvenile flounder primarily feed on crustaceans, but as they grow, fish become increasingly important in their diet. Larger specimens over 20 inches feed heavily on croakers and finger mullet, with some containing 4-6 inch baitfish.

Where do Southern Flounder live in Alabama?

Southern Flounder inhabit Alabama's estuaries, bays, coastal rivers, and brackish streams, preferring soft sediment bottoms around structure like jetties, piers, bulkheads, and pilings. Some individuals enter freshwater rivers and bayous.

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