Species guide
How to catch Southern flounder
Paralichthys lethostigma
The Southern flounder is a flatfish known for its ability to blend into muddy estuary bottoms. It primarily preys on smaller fish but also eats crabs and shrimp. This species is prized by anglers for its fighting ability and tasty flesh.
Where they live
Found in brackish and saltwater environments, the Southern flounder inhabits estuaries and coastal waters up to 40 meters deep across the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico regions. It often lives over mud bottoms and tolerates low salinity, sometimes entering fresh waters.
Typical size
Up to about 83 cm
What they eat
- small fish
- crabs
- shrimps
- bottom-living invertebrates
Best baits
- live fish
- shrimp
- crabs
- cut bait
Best lures
- soft plastic jigs
- bucktail jigs
- paddle tail swimbaits
- bucktail jigs with trailer
How to fish for them
- bottom fishing
- drift fishing
- casting near mud bottoms
- using a slow retrieve
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