Saltwater Β· Spring and autumn in warm mud water; still active in summer
Tongue Sole
Cynoglossus semilaevis
The tongue-shaped flatfish of the west-coast mudflats β λ°λ. A signature fish of the tidal flats around Gunsan and Mokpo and a highly prized food fish. Half-buried in mud, it is taken on worm baits from boats and at piers. Widely farmed in China, but the Korean wild fish is a local specialty.
Seasons Β· Peak
Identifying features
- Long, tongue-shaped flatfish body β unmistakably a tongue sole
- Both eyes on the left side of the head
- Brownish upper side with fine dark speckles
- No pectoral fins β a tongue sole trademark
- Slimy, slippery skin with tiny scales
Habits
- Lies half-buried in mud waiting for prey
- A tongue sole lying with the blind side down
- Eats worms, small shrimp and clams on the bottom
- An icon fish of west-coast estuaries
- Soft-fleshed β handle gently in the net
Distribution
Regional coverage expanding
Where to find them
- Gunsan mudflats, west coast
- Mokpo channels
- Incheon tidal banks
Where they live
How to catch them
Boat fishing over mud channels Boat
Rig: Flat bottom rig with sandworm drifted from a boat over 20-60 ft mud channels
Bait/lure: Sandworm
Key tip: Let the rig drag in the mud β soles respond to puffs of silt and movement.
Pier fishing over mud banks Shore
Rig: Light bottom rig with shrimp cast from piers over tidal mud banks
Bait/lure: Shrimp pieces
Key tip: Fish the incoming tide when soles move onto the banks to feed.
Best baits & lures
Baseline setup
- Rod: Light 7 ft boat or pier rod
- Line: 8-12 lb monofilament
- Terminal: Small hooks size 4-6 on a flat bottom rig
Recommended gear for this species
Rod Β· Best value
9' 5-weight fly rod outfit
β US$180-260
Covers chironomid lakes and small rivers with one setup.
Flies Β· Budget
Chironomid assortment (30 patterns)
β US$25-40
Chironomids are 60% of a lake rainbow's diet in spring.
Picks come from our rule library β never paid placements. Prices are guides; affiliate links may earn us a commission.
Typical size
Common 10-16 in (25-40 cm); large fish about 20 in (50 cm)
On the table
One of Korea's finest flatfish β firm, sweet flesh; a signature of the west-coast mudflats, popular steamed and in soups.
Similar species
Regulations vary by area and can change in-season β always check the official rules for your area before you fish. Regulations guide β
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