February 13, 2009 by Beach Chair Scientist 2 Comments. Anglers catch summer flounder from the shore, piers, and boats with hook and line. February 13, 2009 by Beach Chair Scientist 2 Comments. Catching Flounder Near the Oyster Reefs. Four of the five flounder species are found in the Atlantic: summer flounder (left-side up flukes), winter flounder, southern flounder and European flounder. They are not predatory in the way that fluke are. Paralichthys lethostigma AKA: flounder Description: A flat, oval-shaped fish found throughout North Carolina’s estuaries. Winter flounder are more closely related to dabs and soles, and eat worms, annelids and small crustaceans. Fluke vs. The summer flounder has a range in the western Atlantic from Nova Scotia to Florida, possibly farther south where the summer flounder may mix and be confused with its close relative the southern flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma) which lacks the eye-like spots of the summer flounder. If you’re confused about the nation’s favorite Flatfish, fear not! This is about SOUTHERN flounder, not summer flounder. A summer flounder will have their eyes swiveled to the top of their heads and their mouth will be under their eyes. Their mouth will actually also extend behind their eyes. I've never caught a southern flounder around Long Island, but they do occur into New Jersey waters (they apparently like a diet heavy on deceased mobsters, and union bosses). From 1980 through 2004, recreational landings varied widely from a high of 38 million pounds in 1980 to a low of three million pounds in 1989. Both gulf and southern flounder remain on the small side when compared to summer flounder, but some 10 to 12-pound southern flounder show up in anglers’ catches each year. I would suggest laying it flat on a surface with the head facing your left hand. Southern flounder are brown on their left side with numerous dark and light spots and blotches, but they are not ringed or ocellated as are other flounder species. What is the difference between a summer and winter flounder? Right now flounder is THE big topic in North Carolina fisheries. Southern flounder is one of three main species of flounder landed on the North Carolina coast. It is perfect when deep-fried or braised. They are the fluke and flounder, both of which look similar at a glance. Paralichthys lethostigma AKA: flounder Description: A flat, oval-shaped fish found throughout North Carolina’s estuaries. A summer flounder will have their eyes swiveled to the top of … Aside from its delicious meat, the winter flounder is also coveted for its roe (eggs). It’s a Flounder, but which one? Cast alongside the reef in deeper water … The original Information on Southern Flounder Amendment page is still operational when the division’s website is available. Though the majority of fish are easy to recognize, fish from two distantly related flounder families may cause confusion. Summer flounder is found in inshore and offshore waters from Nova Scotia, Canada, to the east coast of Florida. Fluke generally have spots, southern flounder don't. Southern Flounder. The Feds don't have much, if anything, to do with these regulations. Online Comments will be accepted until midnight June 3. At first glance, sole and flounder may appear to be the same kind of fish. Fluke and southern flounder overlap from the Chesapeake to just below the Outer Banks. Southern Flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma)Other Names Flounder Description Regulated nongame species - see bag & size limits All flatfishes, including the southern flounder, are compressed laterally and spend most of their life lying and swimming along the bottom on their side. Online Comments will be accepted until midnight June 3. AnimalSake gives you a few pointers that will help you differentiate between a fluke fish and flounder. What is the difference between a summer and winter flounder? Typically, the summer flounder is the most- abundant and, consequently, is the largest of the species. Southern flounder are brown on their left side with numerous dark and light spots and blotches, but they are not ringed or ocellated as are other flounder species. The market for summer flounder is … With a vast variety of fish in the oceans, it is always a curiosity among fishermen regarding what they will catch next. Southern Flounder fish identification, Habitats, Fishing methods, fish characteristics The southern (or armless) flounders, also known as Flounder, mud flounder, doormat, and halibut are a small family of flounders found in Antarctic and sub-Antarctic waters.