Caught a Southern Flounder Inshore in Oriental

Southern Flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) is a distinctive flatfish belonging to the family Paralichthyidae and order Pleuronectiformes. This oval-shaped fish is easily recognized by having both eyes positioned on the left side of its head, an adaptation that allows it to lie flat on sandy or muddy bottoms while watching for prey above. In Oriental waters this May, these ambush predators position themselves along channel edges and creek mouths where tidal flow brings abundant baitfish and crustaceans within striking distance.

Southern Flounder Overview

Southern Flounder are prized by inshore anglers for their excellent table fare and challenging fight when hooked. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, changing color to match their surroundings while waiting motionless for unsuspecting prey. They inhabit coastal waters from North Carolina to Texas, with North Carolina's Pamlico Sound and Neuse River system providing ideal habitat for both juvenile and adult fish.

Southern Flounder Habitat and Distribution

These flatfish prefer shallow inshore waters including bays, estuaries, channels, and river mouths where salinity levels fluctuate with tides. Around Oriental, Southern Flounder move between deeper channels and shallow flats following baitfish schools and favorable water temperatures. They seek out sandy or muddy bottoms near structure like oyster bars, creek mouths, and channel drop-offs where they can ambush prey effectively.

Southern Flounder Size and Weight

Southern Flounder typically range from 12 to 33 inches in length, weighing between 1 to 4 pounds at maturity. The 15-inch fish recently caught in Oriental represents a solid keeper-sized flounder, while larger specimens over 20 inches provide excellent table fare and memorable fights on light tackle.

Southern Flounder Diet and Behavior

These ambush predators feed primarily on small fish, shrimp, crabs, and marine worms. They bury themselves in sand or mud with only their eyes exposed, waiting for prey to swim within striking distance. Southern Flounder are most active during moving tides when baitfish and crustaceans are displaced by current flow, making them vulnerable to attack.

Southern Flounder Spawning Season

Southern Flounder spawn in offshore waters during fall and winter months when water temperatures drop below 68°F. Adult fish migrate from inshore areas to deeper coastal waters for spawning, then juveniles return to shallow estuarine waters the following spring to mature in protective nursery habitat.

Southern Flounder Fishing Techniques

Successful flounder fishing requires presenting baits or lures near the bottom where these flatfish wait in ambush. Live or fresh dead shrimp, finger mullet, and mud minnows work exceptionally well when fished on light jig heads or Carolina rigs. Soft plastic baits like gulp shrimp and curly tail grubs also produce consistent results when worked slowly along sandy bottoms. In May around Oriental, anglers find success working creek mouths and channel edges during moving tides when flounder actively feed.

Southern Flounder Is It Good to Eat?

Southern Flounder ranks among the finest table fare available to inshore anglers. The white, flaky meat has a mild, sweet flavor with firm texture that holds up well to various cooking methods. These fish are excellent pan-fried, baked, or grilled, and their high protein content and low mercury levels make them a healthy seafood choice for families.

Southern Flounder Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best bait for Southern Flounder?

A: Live or fresh dead shrimp, finger mullet, and mud minnows are top choices. Soft plastic baits like gulp shrimp and curly tail grubs also work well when fished slowly along the bottom.

Q: Where can I find Southern Flounder near Oriental?

A: Target creek mouths, channel edges, and shallow flats in the Neuse River and Pamlico Sound. Look for sandy or muddy bottoms near structure where these flatfish ambush prey.

Q: Is Southern Flounder good to eat?

A: Yes, Southern Flounder provides excellent table fare with mild, sweet white meat that's perfect for pan-frying, baking, or grilling. The meat is firm, flaky, and low in mercury.

Q: When is the best time to catch Southern Flounder?

A: Moving tides during spring and fall months produce the best flounder fishing. Early morning and late afternoon often provide peak feeding activity when these flatfish actively hunt for prey.