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Southern Flounder

Southern Flounder

Southern Flounder are among the most important inshore species in North Carolina waters.

They're remarkably adaptable, tolerating salinity ranges from freshwater to full saltwater (0-36 ppt), and can be found far upriver in the Cape Fear River system as far as the Buckman Bridge area.

Scientific Name: Paralichthys lethostigma

Physical Characteristics:

Southern Flounder are left-eyed flatfish that are distinguished from other flounder by their lack of ocellated spots, instead displaying a mottled brown pattern on their upper side.

Females grow significantly larger than males, reaching up to 60-80cm total length, while males rarely exceed 35-45cm.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

The species ranges from Albemarle Sound south to the Cape Fear River, inhabiting estuaries, rivers, shallow coastal waters, tidal creeks, and salt marshes.

Key Locations

Productive locations include the Cape Fear River system, Pamlico Sound, Core Sound, tidal creeks throughout the Outer Banks, Crystal Coast marshes from Cape Lookout to New River, and inshore waters around Wilmington, Morehead City, Beaufort, and Manteo.

Specific Spots

Work grass edges within the first 5-8 feet, around docks, oyster beds, and channel drop-offs. They're ambush predators that camouflage against sandy or muddy bottoms near structure like dock pilings, oyster beds, grass edges, and drop-offs.

Southern Flounder FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Live baits include finger mullet, mud minnows, live shrimp, and small menhaden. Artificial lures include bucktail jigs with scented trailers (DOA or Gulp baits), paddle-tail soft plastics on jig heads, and jerk baits. White patterns work in clear water; chartreuse or dark colors in stained water.

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

The best fishing occurs during summer and fall months leading up to their offshore migration.

How do you catch Southern Flounder in North Carolina?

Carolina rigs with light egg sinkers work best, allowing natural bait presentation while maintaining bottom contact. When fishing live bait, wait at least a full minute after feeling the initial bite before setting the hook, as flounder need time to properly position and swallow the bait.

What do Southern Flounder eat?

Southern Flounder are aggressive predators that feed primarily on small fish including striped mullet, spot, mummichog, white mullet, and anchovy, plus crustaceans like grass shrimp, penaeid shrimp, and blue crabs. Juveniles start with zooplankton and mysids before transitioning to small fish.

Where do Southern Flounder live in North Carolina?

The species ranges from Albemarle Sound south to the Cape Fear River, inhabiting estuaries, rivers, shallow coastal waters, tidal creeks, and salt marshes.

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