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Summer Flounder

Summer Flounder

Summer flounder are less abundant in South Carolina waters than southern flounder but are still present, particularly in estuarine and nearshore environments.

Scientific Name: Paralichthys dentatus

Physical Characteristics:
  • These flatfish have distinctive characteristics including a dorsoventrally flattened body with both eyes on the left side, and five prominent ocellated spots on the posterior portion of their body forming two triangles - a key identifier separating them from southern flounder which lack these distinct spots.
  • Summer flounder average 14.7 inches and 1.5 pounds, with the South Carolina state record at 3 pounds, 8 ounces from 1982.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit lower to middle reaches of estuaries, coastal bays, and shallow nearshore shelf waters, typically burrowing into sandy to slightly muddy bottoms.
  • Adults prefer higher salinity waters (≥28 ppt) compared to southern flounder.
  • In South Carolina, they may overwinter in estuaries or deeper nearshore waters, with seasonal distribution primarily regulated by temperature.

Specific Spots

  • Found around tidal creeks, submerged vegetation, inlets, jetties, beaches, and nearshore reefs.
  • Target creek mouths, oyster bed edges, marsh drains, and dock pilings where bait funnels through.

Summer Flounder FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Live bait: finger mullet or mud minnows on Carolina rigs. Effective artificial lures include soft plastics on 1/8 to 3/8 oz jigheads depending on current and depth. White and natural color combinations with red or chartreuse jig heads are productive.

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

Summer flounder fishing is best during spring through fall when they return to inshore habitats after spawning. They spawn along the continental shelf during seasonal migrations to offshore overwintering grounds from November through February - a period when fishing for them should be avoided.

How do you catch Summer Flounder in South Carolina?

For live bait, rig finger mullet or mud minnows on Carolina rigs with just enough weight to maintain bottom contact. Work soft plastics slowly with pauses between hops to trigger strikes. Berkeley Gulp baits should be bounced slowly along the bottom.

What do Summer Flounder eat?

Summer flounder are predatory ambush feeders using camouflage to blend into surrounding habitats, foraging during daylight hours. Adults consume anchovy, menhaden, bluefish, weakfish, mummichog, penaeid shrimp, crabs, squid, bivalve mollusks, and worms, while juveniles feed on mysids, polychaete worms, and grass...

Where do Summer Flounder live in South Carolina?

They inhabit lower to middle reaches of estuaries, coastal bays, and shallow nearshore shelf waters, typically burrowing into sandy to slightly muddy bottoms. Adults prefer higher salinity waters (≥28 ppt) compared to southern flounder.

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