Paralichthys lethostigma
How to identify a Southern Flounder
Southern Flounder are found in beaches, jetties, marshes, inlets, kelp lines; tide/current edges. Use these features as a starting point and compare with a full identification guide before relying on any identification.
EnvironmentSaltwater
SeasonYear-round in many areas; spring–fall peaks; dawn/dusk
Habitat and range
Beaches, jetties, marshes, inlets, kelp lines; tide/current edges
Where to catch Southern Flounder
- Galveston + Sabine (TX)
- Mobile Bay (AL)
- Pamlico Sound (NC)
- Charleston area (SC)
Southern Flounder by state
State season calendars that list Southern Flounder — each shows the months it is in season and the official licence source:
- Alabama — seasons, best months and licence info
- North Carolina — seasons, best months and licence info
- South Carolina — seasons, best months and licence info
- Texas — seasons, best months and licence info
Baits and lures
Shrimp · crabs · small baitfish · spoons · jigs · soft plastics
Detailed identification guides
Related species
Often caught in the same waters or confused with Southern Flounder:
- Arrowtooth Flounder — identification & profile (Saltwater)
- Starry Flounder — identification & profile (Saltwater)
- Winter Flounder — identification & profile (Saltwater)
- Witch Flounder — identification & profile (Saltwater)
- Yellowtail Flounder — identification & profile (Saltwater)
- Small-Eyed Ray — identification & profile (Saltwater)
Monthly bite brief
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Do not rely on a photo alone for legal or food-safety decisions. Location, season, life stage and local regulations matter. Confirm any identification that affects possession limits or consumption with the responsible wildlife agency.
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