Flounder, Fluke ( Paralichthys dentatus )

Flounder is a flatfish and member of the left-eyed flounder family Brothidae. They are found in the western Atlantic from Maine to South Carolina, possibly further south. They are most common to the coastal and shelf waters off of the northeast U.S. where they are commonly called Fluke. In the summer, fluke leave their winter stay in the deep ocean waters to move into the inshore waters along beaches, inlets, bays, estuaries, canals, and creeks.

Adult Flounder are highly predatory and often lay buried with only their head exposed to ambush their prey. They are rapid swimmers over short distances and can become very aggressive. They are very popular with anglers and considered excellent eating.

Click the link to see my Flounder Gyotaku rubbings for sale:

Flounder Fishing - flounder art
Click on any of the images below to open a larger version

Flounder usually average a few pounds and fish above 10 pounds are not commonly caught but the IGFA world record Summer Flounder weighed an amazing 22 pounds 7 ounces. It was caught in Montauk, NY on September 15, 1975 by Charles Nappi.

Flounder fishing is very popular in the Chesapeake Bay. Each season local anglers like Steve Kendall and Beth (classicrockfish) (photo top left) try to catch their limit of these tasty flat fish. I started the 2009 flounder season off great fishing with Steve Kendall on Capt. Mike's (southpaw) center console Trinity along the Chesapeake Bay Bridge Tunnel. (photo top right) Flounder are one of my favorite fish to catch from a kayak using light tackle.

Resources

Fishbase dot org

Wikipedia - Flounder Information



Gyotaku Art and Fish Photos by Species