Southern Flounder
Paralichthys lethostigma
FR Flet du sud · ES Platija sureña
Also known as: Lenguado LimpioCardeau de FloridePlatija sureñaFlet du sud
BenthicShoreBoat
FlatfishGamefish
Score
—
Prime time
Autumn migration; low light
Depth
0–15m
Platform
Shore & boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak Sep–NovGood Apr–May
Depth range
0–15mShallow
Best fishing techniques
Bottom Fishing / Ledgering80%
Trolling60%
Preferred seabed
SandMud
Findr bio
I bury into muddy estuary bottoms across the Gulf and Atlantic coast, ambushing anything that swims past — work a jig or mud minnow slow along the bottom.
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
EstuaryPier harborShallow water
Recommended baits
PrawnsSoft plasticsFish baits
Diet
Small fishCrabShrimpZooplankton
Effective techniques
Bottom FishingTrolling
Gear
Best times
Ebbing tideDawnDusk
I start out symmetrical, but by adulthood both my eyes have migrated to my left side — classic left-eyed flatfish.
Field notes
Where to find them
Gulf and southeast Atlantic marshes, flats, surf
Where they hang out
Flats and channel edges, shallow water
Prime time
Autumn migration; low light
Tide game
Moderate; fish structure harder on moving current
What they're into
Live shrimp, small baitfish, soft plastics
Temperature vibe
Broadly warm-water tolerant
Fave weather
Overcast, moving water improves the bite
Fun fact about me
Colour-matcher of the flats — my topside shifts to whatever I'm lying on.
Dinner material?
8/10Solid dinner choice
Play by the rules
Bag/size limits common — check state rulesState fisheries agency (e.g. FWC, TPWD)
Looking after them
Least Concern
Other regions where you can target Southern Flounder