Summer Flounder

Western Atlantic Ocean — from Maine south to Florida. The most popular nearshore flatfish of the Mid-Atlantic — found in bays, estuaries, and nearshore coastal waters from New York to North Carolina. Also called "Fluke" throughout its range. Migrates offshore in winter and returns to nearshore and inshore areas in summer. A left-eyed flounder. Strictly managed — size and bag limits apply in all states.

60°F–72°F. Most active in summer in Mid-Atlantic bays, estuaries, and nearshore ocean. An aggressive ambush predator unlike most flatfish — actively chases baitfish and attacks lures aggressively.

Best Lures: Bucktail jigs (1/2–2 oz) with a soft plastic trailer are the definitive Summer Flounder lure — bounced along sandy bottom in currents produces aggressive strikes. Gulp! shrimp and Gulp! grubs on bucktail jigs are outstanding. Best Baits: Live killies (mummichogs) are the top live bait — rigged on a three-way swivel rig drifted along channel edges. Live squid produce excellent results. Fresh-dead squid strips on a bucktail jig are very effective. Drift fishing with live or fresh-dead bait over sandy bottom in bay channels is the standard approach.

Typical "doormat" flounder run 3–6 lbs. Trophy fish exceed 10–15 lbs. World record: 22 lbs 7 oz from Virginia. One of the finest-eating fish in the Mid-Atlantic — sweet, firm, white fillets.