Saltwater · Late spring through early fall inshore; migrates offshore in winter
Summer Flounder
Paralichthys dentatus
Called fluke in New England, this left-eyed flatfish lies buried in sand along channels and inlets and ambushes bait drifting overhead. Drift fishing with bait or bucktails is the standard game.
Seasons · Peak
Identifying features
- A flatfish with BOTH eyes on the LEFT side of the head
- Brown-olive top side with scattered eye-like spots (ocelli) that change with the bottom
- White underside and a mouth full of sharp, visible teeth
- Diamond-shaped body, thinner and more active than most flatfish
- Look-alike: Pacific halibut has both eyes on the RIGHT side and grows far larger
Habits
- Lies buried in sand and ambushes prey passing above
- Feeds by day, moving with the tide along channel edges
- Migrates inshore in spring and offshore to deep water in winter
- Aggressive for a flatfish — will chase a jig several feet off bottom
Distribution
Where to find them
- Channel edges and drop-offs in bays, drifted by boat
- Inlet mouths and jetty bases on a moving tide
- Sandy humps and mussel beds in 10-40 ft
- Pier and beach troughs where sand meets deeper water
Where they live
How to catch them
Drifting bait rigs
Rig: Three-way or fluke rig with a wide-gap hook, drifted with the tide
Bait/lure: Squid and spearing combo, or a long strip bait
Key tip: Keep the rig moving and near bottom. Set after a count of three.
Bucktail jigging
Rig: 1-3 oz bucktail with a teaser hook 12 in above it
Bait/lure: Bucktails tipped with strip bait or soft scented grubs
Key tip: Short, sharp hops. Fluke hit on the drop as the jig falls back.
Best baits & lures
Baseline setup
- Rod: 7 ft medium boat or spinning rod
- Line: 20 lb braid, 30 lb fluorocarbon leader
- Terminal: Bucktails 1-3 oz, fluke rigs, wide-gap hooks
Recommended gear for this species
Rod · Best value
9' 5-weight fly rod outfit
≈ US$180-260
Covers chironomid lakes and small rivers with one setup.
Flies · Budget
Chironomid assortment (30 patterns)
≈ US$25-40
Chironomids are 60% of a lake rainbow's diet in spring.
Picks come from our rule library — never paid placements. Prices are guides; affiliate links may earn us a commission.
Typical size
Common 14-22 in, 1-4 lb; doormats 10 lb+
On the table
Excellent — mild, flaky white flesh; a prized fillet fish.
Similar species
Regulations vary by area and can change in-season — always check the official rules for your area before you fish. Regulations guide →
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