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FISH SPECIES
Back To The Fish Species Directory Index
Fish Species brought to you in association with
Wickstrom Publishers Inc.
Excerpts from the book Sport
Fish of Florida a must for every tackle box and boat in
and around Florida waters!!! Get your copy now!! Other great titles
include Baits, Rigs & Tackle!
1
SOUTHERN FLOUNDER
(Paralichthys
lethostigma)
RANGE: Occurs statewide, except in extreme South Florida and Keys. The
Southern is the common Flounder of virtually the entire Florida Atlantic Coast.
HABITAT: Most of the year, this fish is found in relatively shallow
areas, preferring soft bottom near such cover as bars or rubble. Also holes in grass beds
and edges of channels.
DESCRIPTION: Brown or olive background, liberally marked with both dark
blotches and white spots; however, the prominent eye-like spots (ocelli) of the Gulf
Flounder are missing.
SIZE: This is the larger of Florida's two widely caught Flounders. It
averages 2-4 pounds, but fish running 8-12 pounds are caught each yearŠmostly in the fall
around major inlets from the Georgia line to Sebastian. World and Florida records 20
pounds, 9 ounces.
FOOD VALUE: One of the best.
GAME QUALITIES: Large fish get off some fair runs, but the outcome is
seldom in doubt.
TACKLE AND BAITS: For most Flounder fishing,
ordinary light spinning or baitcasting tackle is more than adequate. When targeting
doormats around the inlets with live bait, the same types of gear, but with stouter rods
and perhaps stronger lines should be used. Light saltwater boat tackle also does the job.
Big Flounder are taken mostly with live fish as bait. Finger Mullet are favorites
everywhere. Smaller fish and big ones at times will also hit live or dead shrimp and cut
baits. While most fish-imitating lures will take Flounder, jigs are the most productive.
FISHING SYSTEMS: Casting; Drifting; Still Fishing.
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2
GULF FLOUNDER
(Paralichthys albigutta)
DESCRIPTION: Similar coloration to the Southern Flounder. Gulf Flounder's
spots are three distinctive ocelliŠeye-like spots.
SIZE: Averages 1-3 pounds, tops is 5 or 6. World record 6 pounds, 4
ounces.
FOOD VALUE: Among the best.
GAME QUALITIES: Moderate runs. Fun on light gear.
TACKLE AND BAITS: Light spinning, baitcasting.
FISHING SYSTEMS: Casting; Drifting; Still Fishing.
RANGE: Statewide, but is the more common Flounder of the Gulf. Also, the
few fair-sized Flounders that are caught in South Florida and the Keys are almost
certainly this species.
HABITAT: Because giggers go after Gulf Flounder on shallow, sandy flats
at night, many people think this is the top habitat. Anglers, however, are best advised to
look for them near rocks or rubble.
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3
SUMMER FLOUNDER
"FLUKE"
(Paralichthys dentatus)
RANGE: Extreme Northeast Florida. That's about the southernmost extent of
its wonderings.
HABITAT: Same as Southern Flounder.
DESCRIPTION: Brownish or olive and heavily marked with spots of various
colors.
SIZE: The largest of the three species, reaching 20 pounds, or even more.
World record 22 pounds, 7 ounces.
FOOD VALUE: Excellent.
GAME QUALITIES: Fairly strong fighter on light line.
TACKLE AND BAITS: Same as for other
flounders.
FISHING SYSTEMS: Drift Fishing; Inshore Fishing.
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