WikiCatch
Southern flounder

Southern flounder

Paralichthys lethostigma

Family
Paralichthyidae
Max Length
83 cm
Max Weight
9.3 kg
IUCN Status
NT
Water Type
saltwater, mixed
Fishing Spots
362

Overview

Paralichthys lethostigma, the southern flounder, is a species of large-tooth flounder native to the East Coast of the United States and the northern Gulf of Mexico. It is a popular sport fish and is the largest and most commercially valuable flounder in the western North Atlantic Ocean and Gulf of Mexico. It is a "left-eyed flounder", meaning the left side is pigmented and is the "up side".

Best Baits & Lures

Live Baits

  • Live Mud Minnows

    Excellent for dragging on the bottom.

  • Live Shrimp

    A very common and effective bait.

  • Finger Mullet

    Best when flounder are chasing larger bait.

  • Small Croaker

    Another good option when bigger fish are feeding.

Artificial Lures

  • Gulp! Swimming MulletSoft Plastic

    Effective when jigged near structure.

    Buy
  • DOA CAL Shad TailSoft Plastic

    Great for covering water quickly.

    Buy
  • Savage Gear 3D ShrimpSoft Plastic

    Realistic shrimp imitation, bounces well.

    Buy
  • Johnson Silver MinnowSpoon

    Classic spoon, great for muddy waters.

    Buy
  • Z-Man MinnowZSoft Plastic

    Durable ElaZtech material, long lasting.

    Buy

Techniques

Target flounder near structure like docks, oyster beds, and inlets, and slow your retrieve to keep the bait near the bottom where flounder ambush their prey.

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Where to Find Southern flounder

Louisiana, United States78 spotsTexas, United States72 spotsFlorida, United States45 spotsAlabama, United States39 spotsMississippi, United States25 spotsSouth Carolina, United States22 spotsNorth Carolina, United States20 spotsGeorgia, United States12 spotsVirginia, United States4 spotsNew Jersey, United States2 spots
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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best bait for Southern flounder?+

Popular baits for Southern flounder include Live Mud Minnows, Live Shrimp, Finger Mullet, Small Croaker, Gulp! Swimming Mullet. Tip: Target flounder near structure like docks, oyster beds, and inlets, and slow your retrieve to keep the bait near the bottom where flounder ambush their prey.

Where can I catch Southern flounder?+

Southern flounder can be found in many locations worldwide. Top regions include Louisiana, United States; Texas, United States; Florida, United States. WikiCatch lists 362 fishing spots where this species is found.

How big do Southern flounder get?+

Southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) can reach up to 82.99999833106995 cm in length and 9.3 kg in weight. Their IUCN conservation status is NT.

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