Sand Sole

Oceans & Range: Eastern Pacific Ocean — from the Bering Sea south to Southern California. Found on sandy bottom in bays, estuaries, and coastal waters in 3–600 feet. A very common flatfish in Pacific Northwest bays and Sandy California coastal areas. Right-eyed flatfish that buries in sand waiting for prey.

Preferred Water Temperature: 46°F–58°F. A cold-water Pacific flatfish found on sandy bottom in a wide range of depths. Very common in Pacific Northwest waters and in Northern California coastal bays.

Size & Weight: Typically 0.5–2 lbs and 10–14 inches. Maximum approximately 4 lbs. World record: 3 lbs 9 oz. Distinctive parallel rows of darker spots on sandy-colored eyed side. The first dorsal ray is elongated — distinctive identification feature. Good eating — mild, delicate white meat.

Best Lures: Small swimbaits dragged on sandy bottom produce catches. Small jigs work near deeper sandy areas.

Best Baits: Fresh shrimp are effective. Ghost shrimp work very well in bays. Fresh squid produces results. Small pieces of clam are good baits. Pile worms are excellent. Sliding sinker rigs with fresh bait on sandy bottom are standard.

Eastern Pacific Ocean — from the Bering Sea south to Southern California. Found on sandy bottom in bays, estuaries, and coastal waters in 3–600 feet. A very common flatfish in Pacific Northwest bays and Sandy California coastal areas. Right-eyed flatfish that buries in sand waiting for prey.

46°F–58°F. A cold-water Pacific flatfish found on sandy bottom in a wide range of depths. Very common in Pacific Northwest waters and in Northern California coastal bays.

Best Lures: Small swimbaits dragged on sandy bottom produce catches. Small jigs work near deeper sandy areas. Best Baits: Fresh shrimp are effective. Ghost shrimp work very well in bays. Fresh squid produces results. Small pieces of clam are good baits. Pile worms are excellent. Sliding sinker rigs with fresh bait on sandy bottom are standard.

Typically 0.5–2 lbs and 10–14 inches. Maximum approximately 4 lbs. World record: 3 lbs 9 oz. Distinctive parallel rows of darker spots on sandy-colored eyed side. The first dorsal ray is elongated — distinctive identification feature. Good eating — mild, delicate white meat.