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Flounder

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This lens has information on summer flounder, an important fish to recreational and commercial fishing along much of the USA east coast.

Summer Flounder 

Summer flounder (P. dentatis) are primarily found around inlets, jetties and dropoffs. Summer flounder feed on a variety of small fish and crustaceans.

Flounder Up Close

 

Flounder are not born with both eyes on one side. During growth, the "bottom" eye migrates to the upward-facing side of its body.

This allows the flounder to lie on one side, burying in the sand where it can ambush its prey.

photo credit: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration/Department of Commerce

Flounder Fishing in Virginia USA 

Flounder fishing is extremely popular in Virginia. Towns like Chincoteague, Wachapreague and Quimby are well known for their access to flounder hotspots. Some anglers specialize in catching this fish almost exclusively while other choose to target them only at certain times. While no single location, technique or angler is a guarantee of success, there are a few tricks to the fishery.

On the coast of Virginia, especially, the Delmarva Peninsula, flounder fishing is a spring ritual for many anglers. Locals and transient fishermen alike converge on the inshore waterways each spring for the opening weeks of flounder fishing.

The action typically begins around Machipongo, Quimby and Wachapreague and within days spreads north to Chincoteague and eventually into Maryland and Delaware. The first fish may come in March but April sees the main thrust of fish. The surge of incoming fish can continue into May.

The early spring action involves several key factors that can make or break the anglers success. Water temperature seems to play a critical role in influencing the fish to become active. My rule of thumb is to look for water temps around 55 degrees. This is only a guide and many fish have been caught in colder water. Water temperature is very complicated and surface temperature is not always an indicator of the situation at other depths. Tide is also a big factor and the tide-water temperature relationship is a key factor.

Read this article in full here:

Fishing For Flounder
in Maryland and Virginia Waters

Flounder Recipes 

Flounder is low in fat and a source of B vitamins and niacin. For more on nutrition values of seafood, see USDA Nutrition Facts.

For flounder and other seafood recipes see Fresh Seafood Recipes.

The Summer Flounder Rebuilding Plan 

Since 1993, summer flounder has been under a rebuilding plan that seeks to reduce fishing mortality (the amount of fish landed) and continue rebuilding the stock. A 10-year rebuilding plan began in 2000 and would have ended January 1, 2010; however, the recent Reauthorization of the Magnuson-Stevens Act extended the summer flounder rebuilding plan to January 1, 2013.

In a 2007 letter to W. Peter Jensen, chairman of the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission, then head of NMFS William T. Hogarth wrote "I urge you to consider new approaches for 2008 that will better ensure that the recreational targets will not be exceeded."

Hogarth noted that the Marine Recreational Fishery Statistics Survey indicated that all but two East Coast states exceeded their 2007 targets by the end of August.

He went on to warn that "if the measures implemented by the states to manage the 2008 recreational fishery are not effective to constraining harvest within the recreational harvest limit, NMFS is prepared to close the summer flounder recreational fishery in the Exclusive Economic Zone."

Flounder Links 

Fresh Seafood

seafood news, events, recipes and information0 points

Flounder Fishing Charters and Guides

Worldwide charter boat, guide and outdoor adventur more...0 points

Chincoteague Island .Net

Chincoteague Island Virginia, a flounder fishing h more...0 points

Commercial Fishing - Home

Commercial Fishing - a resource for the commercial more...0 points

Maryland-Virginia Saltwater Fishing

Information about flounder fishing.0 points

Flounder Fishing Reports

Flounder fishing reports, tips and techniques0 points

Chincoteague Island Flounder Fishing

Chincoteague Island Flounder Fishing0 points

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Winter Flounder 

Winter flounder are an important commercial and recreational fish throughout New England and the Mid-Atlantic. Inshore habitat degradation and overfishing have contributed to serious stock declines throughout the species' range, leaving both fisheries at a fraction of their historical numbers.

source: ASMFC

More Saltwater Fishing Lenses 

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Flounder Fishing 

See this lens for specific information on flounder fishing.

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daybreak

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I enjoy fishing, boating and outdoor fun in Virginia. I own and maintain several sites including Fresh Seafood, Maryland-Virginia Saltwater Fishing and Charter Boats and Guides

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