The flounder has an unusual appearance that is an adaptation to it's habitat. Young flounder appear more or less normal as free swimmers, but as they age, the right eye migrates to the left side of the body and the body flattens out allowing the flounder to rest inconspicuously on the bottom. Best method for catching flounder is drift fishing the bottom with live bait or bucktail lures. Significant pressure is applied to flounder populations by commercial trawling and netting in the Sounds, which may result in tighter controls. Currently out of print.
Northern species is near the limit of it's range in our region and consequently fewer.
The Southern species is the most common. Bottom feeders found on sandy or mud bottoms in fairly shallow water, including the surf zone. Seasonal movements from estuarine and nearshore waters to deeper offshore as water temps cool. Currently out of print. Open ocean near the coast, but usually a mile or more offshore.