Southern Flounder
The southern flounder,
(Paralichthys lethostigma), is highly prized as both a food and game fish in the state.
All flatfishes, including the southern flounder, are compressed laterally and spend most
of their life lying and swimming along the bottom on their side. In the case of southern
flounder, the left side is always the "up" side.
Adult southern flounder leave the bays during the fall for spawning
in the Gulf of Mexico. The young fish along with the adults in the Gulf will re-enter the
bays in the spring. The spring influx is gradual and does not occur with large
concentrations that characterize the fall migration.
Juvenile flounder feed mainly on crustaceans, but as they grow fish
become more important in their diet. Adult flounder enter shallow water at night where
they lie, often partially buried, and wait for prey. Empty depressions where flounder have
lain are called "beds."
Both artificial lures and natural bait can be used. Over barren
bottoms, worm jigs are often very effective. In heavily vegetated areas, shallow-running
spoons are best. Flounder prefer live to dead bait. Live shrimp and mud minnows retrieved
slowly along the bottom often produce excellent results. Gigging is another method for
taking flounder. Lanterns are used in searching for flounder at night. The angler wades
quietly along the shallows looking for flounder. Once the flounder is within the light
from the lantern, normally it will not move, affording the fisherman a chance to
"gig" the fish. Stingrays also frequent the shallows at night, so be carefull.
Texas Gulf Coast
Fishing
