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Southern Flounder

Southern Flounder

Southern Flounder are iconic flatfish found throughout Florida's coastal waters, ranging from the Atlantic coast to Tampa Bay on the Gulf side, with a discontinuous distribution around the southern tip of Florida.

These ambush predators are bottom-dwelling predators that inhabit diverse environments from fully saltwater to brackish conditions.

Scientific Name: Paralichthys lethostigma

Physical Characteristics:

These ambush predators are easily identified by their asymmetrical appearance with both eyes on the left side, multiple dark spots covering their dorsal surface, and remarkable camouflage abilities that allow them to bury in sand and mud bottoms.

Southern flounder are larger than Gulf flounder, typically reaching 20 inches compared to Gulf flounder's 14 inches, and can grow up to 92cm with a maximum weight of 9. 3kg.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

Found throughout Florida's coastal waters, ranging from the Atlantic coast to Tampa Bay on the Gulf side, with a discontinuous distribution around the southern tip of Florida. They inhabit diverse environments from fully saltwater to brackish conditions, with adults captured in salinities ranging from 0-36 ppt.

Key Locations

Key locations include Northeast Florida hotspots like the St. Johns River, Fernandina Beach, Nassau Sound, and George Crady fishing pier, plus productive areas around Tampa Bay, Charlotte Harbor, and the Indian River system. Can even be found far up coastal rivers like the St. Johns River near the Buckman Bridge.

Specific Spots

Southern flounder are structure-oriented, typically found along sandy transitions near docks, bridges, oyster bars, jetties, inlets, tidal creeks, grass flat potholes, and nearshore reefs. Focus on structure transitions where sand meets hard bottom, dock pilings with marine growth, tidal creek mouths during outgoing tides, sandy potholes in grass flats, inlet boulder fields, and bridge structures.

Southern Flounder FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Top artificial lures include 4-inch Berkeley Gulp shrimp and swimming mullet on 1/4 to 1/2 ounce jig heads (white and chartreuse are most productive), DOA CAL 3-inch paddle tails, and shrimp-tipped feather jigs.

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

The best time to target Southern Flounder in Florida is during their fall migration (late August through early October before the October 15 closure) and spring return (March through early summer), with fall being particularly productive.

How do you catch Southern Flounder in Florida?

The most effective technique is bottom fishing with a slow, methodical presentation since flounder rarely chase fast-moving baits. Fish within 12 inches of the bottom, using a slow retrieve with long pauses.

What do Southern Flounder eat?

These bottom-dwelling predators feed primarily on small fish including finger mullet, mud minnows, pilchards, croakers, grunts, and pinfish, along with crustaceans like shrimp and crabs.

Where do Southern Flounder live in Florida?

Found throughout Florida's coastal waters, ranging from the Atlantic coast to Tampa Bay on the Gulf side, with a discontinuous distribution around the southern tip of Florida. They inhabit diverse environments from fully saltwater to brackish conditions, with adults captured in salinities ranging from 0-36 ppt.

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