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Summer Flounder

Summer Flounder

Summer Flounder (Paralichthys dentatus), while primarily associated with Atlantic waters, is actually found alongside Southern Flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) and Gulf Flounder (Paralichthys albigutta) in Alabama's coastal waters.

The Southern Flounder dominates Alabama catches, growing larger than Gulf Flounder with females reaching up to 25 inches and the state record weighing 13 pounds, 3 ounces.

Scientific Name: Paralichthys dentatus

Physical Characteristics:
  • These flatfish with females reaching up to 25 inches and the state record weighing 13 pounds, 3 ounces.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • These flatfish inhabit Alabama's extensive saltwater systems from shallow estuaries to offshore waters up to 200 feet deep, including Mobile Bay, Mississippi Sound, and coastal rivers like Dog River, East Fowl River, Theodore Industrial Canal, and the Mobile River system.

Key Locations

  • Key locations include jetties at Dauphin Island and Fort Morgan, Mobile Bay gas rigs (12-22 feet deep), Theodore Industrial Canal drop-offs, Perdido Pass seawalls, Gulf State Park Pier, and creek mouths throughout Mobile Bay system including Dog River, East Fowl River, and areas around Gaillard Island.

Specific Spots

  • They prefer soft sediment bottoms around structure like jetties, piers, pilings, oyster bars, and grass beds.
  • Target depths of 3-8 feet around ledges, pilings, and current breaks where bait concentrates.

Summer Flounder FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Use live bull minnows as the most effective bait, nose-hooked. For artificials, use Berkley Gulp Swimming Mullet (4-inch white) or 3-inch Gulp Shrimp, DOA CAL paddle tail shads, Z-Man EZ ShrimpZ, and shrimp-tipped feather jigs in white and chartreuse.

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

Year-round except November (closed for spawning), with peak action during fall migration (October, December) and spring through summer. Adults spawn offshore in the Gulf during fall and winter (October-December).

How do you catch Summer Flounder in Alabama?

Employ slow bottom-crawling retrieves, bouncing lures every few feet within 18 inches of the bottom. Cast upcurrent and work baits back with the flow. Set hooks immediately with jigs but wait 8-15 seconds with live bait. Always use a landing net as flounder commonly come off at the boat.

What do Summer Flounder eat?

Flounder are ambush predators that bury in sand or mud, feeding primarily on fish (mullet, bull minnows, threadfin herring) while juveniles consume more crustaceans like shrimp and crabs.

Where do Summer Flounder live in Alabama?

These flatfish inhabit Alabama's extensive saltwater systems from shallow estuaries to offshore waters up to 200 feet deep, including Mobile Bay, Mississippi Sound, and coastal rivers like Dog River, East Fowl River, Theodore Industrial Canal, and the Mobile River system.

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