Also Called: Flatfish, Summer Flounder, Sand Flounder, and the big ones are called Doormats
The Gulf Flounder is an odd, and aggressive flat fish with ferocious teeth and an aggravated personality. It swims along the bottom of inshore waters on its eyeless right side, both eyes on the left watching for its prey. Mud brown in color, the Flounder is a fairly unattractive yet very tasty fish.
Flounder are a favorite among Hilton Head anglers because they offer a fun and rewarding inshore fishing experience. Known for their ambush-style feeding habits and hard strikes, Flounder create exciting action when fishing around creek mouths, docks, oyster beds, and other productive structure. Their ability to hide along the bottom and strike with surprising force makes them a highly sought-after species on Hilton Head fishing charters.
Another reason anglers love catching Flounder is the challenge they bring to every trip. Targeting Flounder often requires patience, good presentation, and fishing the right structure at the right time, which adds to the satisfaction of landing one. Because they are commonly found in Hilton Head’s inshore waters, Flounder provide excellent opportunities for anglers of all skill levels to enjoy steady action while exploring the area’s creeks, estuaries, and shallow coastal waters.
Flounder also add variety to a day on the water by giving anglers the chance to target a species with a unique look, distinct behavior, and exciting bite. Whether you are fishing with live bait or artificial lures, hooking into a Flounder brings a different kind of thrill than many other local game fish. For families, beginners, and experienced anglers alike, Flounder remain one of the most enjoyable species to catch around Hilton Head.
Flounders are coldwater fish that tolerate the low salinity (amount of salt in the water) of the rainier season. This makes them most abundant in Hilton Head from September to April.
Look for adults throughout Hilton Head's inshore waters. They like to feed along the oyster beds and around natural and manmade structures such as rocks, docks and bridges.
Bait: Small croaker, mullet and other small fish are good options for live bait, but strips of meat from bluefish, squid and Trout meat can also work well. Approach: Cast a line just as you would when going after other popular catch like Redfish and Trout. If you’re in the shallows with your bait near the bottom, there’s a good chance you’ll pick up a surprise Flounder as well. Tackle: All you need is a standard rod and reel with a weighted circle hook or fly lure when Flounder fishing, though fly fishing for bottom feeders like this is challenging.
Private Hilton Head fishing charters for families, friends, and anglers of all skill levels.
Tell us a little about your trip, and we will help you plan the right charter for your group. Submit the form below or call 843-806-2424 to get started.
