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 1 of 10 regulations for North Carolina

NC_ATLANTIC

North Carolina — State waters (0–3 nm) · NCDMF

Currently CLOSED (seasonal)Seasonal

Bag limit: 1 / angler / day
Minimum: 15″ TL (total length)

Season set annually via NC DMF proclamation — typically a 2-3 week opening in late Aug/early Sept. 1/person/day, 15" TL min. Closed remainder of year. Verify current proclamation.

NC DMF. Southern flounder stock under rebuilding plan — heavily restricted.