Gulf Flounder

Season by region

Where to find them

Inshore sand and mud bottoms and tidal creeks; occasionally nearshore rocky reefs (FWC).

On the bottom right on top of nearshore reefs and wrecks.

What to look for

Three dark eyespots in a triangle on the eyed side.

What to throw

Bucktail or jighead with a 4 to 5 in paddle tail1/2 to 1 oz, 4 to 5 in tail. Slow hops along the bottom: lift, drop, let it touch, repeat.

Bait

Live mud minnows, Small live mullet. Carolina rig: 1/2 to 3/4 oz egg sinker, 12 to 16 in of 20 to 30 lb mono leader; or a jighead.

Leader

20 to 30 lb mono, 12 to 16 in.

Common mistakes

• Drifting off the reef instead of staying on top of it

Landing

Net it.

Handling

• Strong canine-like teeth

Use pliers to unhook.

Keep or release

Florida flounder rules apply; see the regulations file.

Recipes for gulf flounder

Typical: About 14 in, 2 lb. Large: About 5 lb. SC record 6 lb 4.8 oz (Murrells Inlet, 2021).

Limits

FishOS has not checked the FL limits yet. Check the size, bag and season rules with the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission before you keep a fish.

Sources

• Florida FWC: Gulf flounder profile (Official source)
• NC Division of Marine Fisheries: flounder (Gulf, southern, summer) (Official source)
• Carolina Sportsman: Gulf flounder on nearshore reefs, Murrells Inlet (Angler knowledge)
• SCDNR saltwater game fish records (Official source)

All the fish of Tampa Bay