World of the Flounder
Many species of Flounder thrive throughout much of America's Coastline... all the way up and down the Atlantic, and eventually being very comon in the shallows of the Gulf of Mexico. Flounder are a flatfish that stay hidden and hunt on the floor of the water column. Unlike their massive Pacific cousins, the Halibut, most species of your common Flounder average just several pounds at most. They are all identifiable by their noticiable eyes both residing on one side of the fish's flat body. While mainly found in coastal shallows, lagoons and estuaries, these masters of camouflage may venture offshore in upwards of 100' of water.
What makes the Flounder a desired target for Anglers? Flounder are highly prized for their tasty white flesh, often found in seafood resturants around the world. However, tablefare isn't the only thing that interest us to these amazing flat-fished creatures. They are masters of stealth and waiting. They let their food come to them then instantly ambush them from below. Anlgers seek out Flounder not just for food, but for the challenge. Unlike most other fish where they will come find you, the Flounder may remain still for hours on end waiting for something (a lure perhaps) to swim by to grab.
Below: A hefty Flounder is taken via jerk bait...
Night Gigging for Flounder
Unlike angling, there is another way to encounter your Flounder. At night time in many areas, often by nearby channels or passes, people will wade at night with underwater lights for their chance to 'gig' Flounder. There are even 'flounder' boats equipped with an array of high powered spotlights that allow you to spot the fish from above in the shallows. Not only is gigging often efficient, but also can help you see and choose the size of the fish you want to seek. Gigging is always done when you are trying to harvest fish for consumption, because unlike angling it is not healthy to release a Flounder after it's been stabbed through the body.
Flounder ambush their prey, feeding at soft muddy and sandy areas in coastal channels and flats. This allows them to stay still in the current which makes them a relatively easy target at night. True gigging (ie on foot and not boat) is about as raw and rewarding as it gets. You may wade 5 miles a night and gig a limit or you may gig nothing. The physical effort you put in pursue these tasty creatures makes the rewards that much sweeter. There are optimal times to gig. The water is not always clear as you need it. Factors regarding this could be tide, rain, debris, or many other factors. One thing you may want to try is observe the water quality patterns. Often on a strong incoming tide, it will bring in the clearer water.
Below: An example of what to look for when gigging at night with underwater lights...
Southern Flounder
One of the most common types of Flounder encountered in particularly in the Gulf States from Texas to Florida is the Southern Flounder .
Most adult Southern Flounder disperse from the bays during the fall (October-November) for spawning in the Gulf of Mexico. These flounder begin spawning for the first time when two years old at depths up to 100 feet. The eggs are buoyant and drift in with the current. After hatching, the larval flounder swim in an upright position and at the time the eyes are located on opposite sides of the head. One of the most interesting transformations in the marine world is with the eyes of flounder. As the young fish grows, the right eye begins to "migrate" to the left side of the head. When body length of about one-half inch has been attained, the eye migration is complete and the fish assumes its left-side-up position for life.
Below: A large Flounder is taken via Kayak...
Flounder Fishery and their Future
Over the past couple decades, Flounder have been hit hard by commercial fisheries. There have been some recent regulations put forth in place for both commercial and recreational fishermen to help prevent the drastic decrease of flounder populations. However, with laws in effect and conservational education for the species, more and more people are becoming more keen on the status of the fishery and in return becoming more responsible themselves. Remember, keep only what you want to eat and what WILL be utilized, otherwise release the fish for future generations to enjoy!
Click banner below to view complete Issue's Contents...
