Southern Flounder Fishing Success in Port Orange

The Southern Flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) is a distinctive flatfish belonging to the order Pleuronectiformes and family Paralichthyidae. This oval-shaped fish is easily recognized by its unique anatomy, with both eyes positioned on the left side of its head—a characteristic adaptation that allows it to lie flat on sandy bottoms while maintaining full vision. In Port Orange waters this June, Southern Flounder are active feeders around nearshore structure and provide excellent sport for anglers.

Southern Flounder Overview

Southern Flounder are prized gamefish that combine excellent table quality with surprising fighting ability. These ambush predators inhabit coastal waters from North Carolina to Texas, with Florida's east coast providing ideal habitat. Anglers value them for their willingness to bite, strong initial runs when hooked, and delicate, flaky white meat that rivals any coastal species.

Southern Flounder Habitat and Distribution

These flatfish thrive in shallow coastal waters, estuaries, channels, and river mouths where they can ambush prey from sandy or muddy bottoms. Around Port Orange, Southern Flounder frequent nearshore wrecks, reefs, and structure where current brings baitfish within striking distance. They prefer areas with good water flow and nearby cover, making the productive waters off Florida's east coast ideal habitat.

Southern Flounder Size and Weight

Southern Flounder typically range from 12 to 33 inches in length, with weights between 1 and 4 pounds for most fish caught by anglers. Larger specimens can exceed these averages, particularly in deeper nearshore waters where they have access to abundant forage and less fishing pressure.

Southern Flounder Diet and Behavior

As ambush predators, Southern Flounder bury themselves in sand or mud with only their eyes exposed, waiting for small fish, shrimp, crabs, and worms to pass within striking distance. They feed most actively during moving tides when current brings prey past their hiding spots. This behavior makes them excellent targets for bottom fishing with live or cut bait near structure.

Southern Flounder Spawning Season

Southern Flounder spawn in offshore waters during fall and winter months, with larvae eventually settling in shallow coastal areas as juveniles. During summer months like June, adult fish are actively feeding in nearshore waters to build energy reserves, making them more aggressive and easier to catch.

Southern Flounder Fishing Techniques

Successful Southern Flounder fishing requires presenting bait near the bottom around structure. Live shrimp, finger mullet, and mud minnows work exceptionally well, as do cut baits like squid strips. Jigs tipped with soft plastics or live bait can be effective when worked slowly along bottom contours. In June, anglers around Port Orange find them concentrated near wrecks and reefs where current and structure create ideal ambush points.

Southern Flounder Is It Good to Eat?

Southern Flounder rank among the finest eating fish in coastal waters, with firm, white, flaky meat that has a mild, sweet flavor. The fillets are excellent prepared simply—pan-fried, baked, or grilled with minimal seasoning to highlight their natural taste. They're high in protein and low in fat, making them a healthy choice for seafood lovers.

Southern Flounder Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the best bait for Southern Flounder?

A: Live shrimp, finger mullet, and mud minnows are top choices, along with cut squid strips and soft plastic jigs worked slowly along the bottom.

Q: Where can I find Southern Flounder near Port Orange?

A: Target nearshore wrecks, reefs, channel edges, and areas where current flows over sandy bottom structure within a few miles of shore.

Q: Is Southern Flounder good to eat?

A: Absolutely—Southern Flounder have firm, white, flaky meat with excellent flavor and are considered among the best eating fish in coastal waters.

Q: When is the best time to catch Southern Flounder?

A: Moving tides during summer months provide excellent action, with early morning and late afternoon often producing the most consistent bites around structure.