(Platichthys Flesus)

The flounder is a dull brown fish but will take on other hues dependent upon the environment from grey through to dull green and will occasionally sport pale orange spots. Although primarily a salt water fish the flounder favours estuary mouths and it is quite common for them to travel up the estuary into fresh water rivers. Normally averaging around 1lb in weight it is not uncommon for flounders to grow up to 2lb and occasionally more. It has a large head and mouth, the skin texture along the back being smooth, apart from the knobbly bumps along the lateral line. Flounders are native to practically all areas of the UK but are less easily caught over the summer months. Flounders prefer to eat crab but will also eat mussels, razorfish and shrimps dependent upon what is available.

Where To Find Them

Common throughout the British Isles in creeks and estuaries. They are very much at home over a muddy, sandy bottom and can be located in the many gullies or troughs ploughed out by the ebbing tide in estuaries and creeks around the coast.

When To Find Them

It can be caught all year round, but the better sport is to be had in winter. They will often feed when all other species will not, particularly when the weather is really cold. During the summer months they leave the estuaries in order to return to the sea to spawn. Of particular note for production of good flounder fishing are the estuary areas of the rivers Teign, Plym, Yealm and Exe in South Devon and also the River Tyne.

Natural Food and Best Baits

Crustaceans, worms, cockles and small crabs.

Tips and Tactics

A good bait for flounder fishing is without doubt the peeler crab. The addition of a flounder spoon about 6 in (15 cm) up the trace from the hook will help attract the flounder to your bait. Some big flounders have been caught from storm beaches on peeler crab intended for bass.

UK Records

Shore: 5lb 7oz

Boat: 5lb 11oz