inshore

Southern Flounder

Paralichthys lethostigma

Ambush predator on sandy bottom. Live finger mullet or mud minnow on a Carolina rig, fall flounder run is the prime window.

Preferred water temp60–75°F

Preferred depth5–100 ft

Peak monthsSep, Oct, Nov

Holds onsand bottom near drop-offs, channel edges, inlet mouths

In our regions

Northeast Florida — AtlanticCentral/Southeast Florida — AtlanticMiami & Keys — Atlantic sideSouthwest Florida — GulfFlorida Panhandle — GulfBig Bend — GulfNorth Carolina (Outer Banks + Cape Lookout)South Carolina CoastGeorgia CoastAlabama GulfMississippi GulfLouisiana GulfTexas Gulf

Regulations

⚠️ BETA: best-effort current as of May 26, 2026. Confirm with the linked FWC / NOAA source before keeping a fish.

Showing 2 of 10 regulations for FL Gulf

STATE

All Florida — State + Federal

Currently CLOSED (seasonal)Seasonal

Bag limit

5 / angler / day

Minimum

14″ TL (total length)

Season

Dec 1, 2026 → Oct 14, 2026Open most of the year; closed Oct 15 – Nov 30 for spawning

Closed Oct 15 – Nov 30 statewide (spawning). 5/person, 14" min. Combined flounder species (Southern + Gulf + Summer).

STATE

FL Gulf — State waters (0–9 nm)

Currently OPENOpen year-round

Bag limit

5 / angler / day

Minimum

14″ TL (total length)

Season

Invalid Date → Invalid Date

Closed Oct 15 - Nov 30. Spears, gigs, hook/line, seine, cast net.

FL Gulf flounder: 5/day, 14" TL, Oct-Nov closure.