Species guide

Flounder Fishing

Gulf flounder live inshore on sandy or mud bottoms, often ranging into tidal creeks, with both eyes on the left side. Florida's rules cover gulf, southern, summer and fringed flounder together, and harvest is closed every year from October 15 through November 30.

Find flounder charters Explore destinations

Flounder

Every charter here names flounder on its own website, checked on the captain's own site

Check before you keep a fish. Seasons and limits change, sometimes in the middle of a season, and a court or an agency can change them overnight. Seasons and limits are set state by state. The ones on this page are Florida's, copied from FWC in Sep 2026 and listed with their source at the foot of the page. We are not a regulatory authority. Confirm the rule for the water you will fish with your captain or with that state's wildlife agency.

Where to fish for flounder

438 charters name flounder on their own website, across 147 towns in 2 states.

About the fish

SizeGulf flounder common to 14 inches and 2 pounds
Where it livesInshore over sand and mud, often up tidal creeks
What it eatsCrustaceans and small fish

FWC says the gulf flounder carries both eyes on its left side.

From FWC's species profile, checked Sep 2026.

Which rules apply to your trip

  • One rule set for both coasts, with special regulations in Biscayne National Park, and one closure: October 15 through November 30 every year.

Harvest rules

When can you keep one in Florida?

Seasons and limits are set state by state, and these are Florida's. Flounder is caught by charters in 2 states on this page; ask your captain which rules apply where you are fishing.

Statewide

Gulf and Atlantic state and federal waters off Florida (special regulations in Biscayne National Park).

  • All anglersHarvest closed October 15 to November 30FWC: closed annually from October 15 through November 30.
14 inches total length minimumSize limit
5 per person per dayDaily limit. FWC lists no vessel limit.

Gear rules

Spears, gigs, hook and line, seine and cast net. Multiple hooks with natural bait are prohibited, and so is snatching.

Questions about flounder

What is the flounder size limit?

A: 14 inches total length minimum.

How many can we keep?

A: Five per person per day. FWC lists no vessel limit.

When is flounder closed?

October 15 to November 30, every year, statewide.

Can we gig them?

Yes, FWC lists gigs and spears as legal gear, along with hook and line, seine and cast net.

Seasons, sizes and bag limits on this page were copied from FWC, flounder regulations and FWC, gulf flounder profile in Sep 2026. Rules change, sometimes mid-season. Check the current rule with your captain or FWC before you keep a fish.