Petrale Sole

Oceans & Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean — from the Bering Sea south to Baja California. Most abundant from Washington State south to Central California. Found on sandy and muddy bottom in 60–1,500 feet — one of the deeper-dwelling of California's flatfish. The premier commercial sole species on the West Coast — coveted for its large size and excellent eating quality.

Preferred Water Temperature: 34°F–50°F. A deep, cold-water flatfish found at moderate to considerable depths over sandy and muddy bottom. Moves into shallower water to spawn in winter in California. A right-eyed flounder.

Size & Weight: Typically 2–5 lbs and 16–24 inches. Maximum approximately 12 lbs. World record: 7 lbs 8 oz. The largest sole species caught in California — highly prized for its large, thick fillets. The finest-eating of all California sole species — sweet, firm, white meat. Very popular in restaurants.

Best Lures: Rarely taken on artificial lures due to deep habitat. Small jigs occasionally produce at depth.

Best Baits: Fresh whole squid are the top bait dropped to deeper sandy bottom. Fresh shrimp work consistently. Small whole anchovies on a slider rig produce catches. Deep bottom rigs in 100–400 feet of water over sandy bottom with fresh squid or shrimp are the standard approach.

Eastern Pacific Ocean — from the Bering Sea south to Baja California. Most abundant from Washington State south to Central California. Found on sandy and muddy bottom in 60–1,500 feet — one of the deeper-dwelling of California's flatfish. The premier commercial sole species on the West Coast — coveted for its large size and excellent eating quality.

34°F–50°F. A deep, cold-water flatfish found at moderate to considerable depths over sandy and muddy bottom. Moves into shallower water to spawn in winter in California. A right-eyed flounder.

Best Lures: Rarely taken on artificial lures due to deep habitat. Small jigs occasionally produce at depth. Best Baits: Fresh whole squid are the top bait dropped to deeper sandy bottom. Fresh shrimp work consistently. Small whole anchovies on a slider rig produce catches. Deep bottom rigs in 100–400 feet of water over sandy bottom with fresh squid or shrimp are the standard approach.

Typically 2–5 lbs and 16–24 inches. Maximum approximately 12 lbs. World record: 7 lbs 8 oz. The largest sole species caught in California — highly prized for its large, thick fillets. The finest-eating of all California sole species — sweet, firm, white meat. Very popular in restaurants.