Flounder fishing in Florida: the fall run, baits and charters
Inshore flounder fishing around inlets, docks and jetties with local captains.
Flounder are ambush hunters that hide on the bottom around inlets and docks, and one of Florida’s best-tasting inshore fish. Here’s when they bite, how to catch them and where to book a trip.
When is flounder season in Florida?
You can catch flounder in Florida all year, and the best fishing is the fall run, when flounder gather at inlets and passes on their way offshore to spawn. FWC closes flounder harvest in the fall (mid-October through November in recent years), but catch and release is still allowed. Check the FWC flounder rules for current dates and size limits.
Paralichthys lethostigma (southern flounder)Meet the flounder
Also called: Southern flounder, Gulf flounder, flatfish, doormat (big ones)
- Typical size
- 14–20 in and 1–5 lb; “doormats” top 10 lb
- World record
- Southern flounder: 20 lb 9 oz (IGFA, Nassau Sound, Florida, 1983)
- Where it lives
- Sandy and muddy bottom near inlets, jetties, docks, bridges and oyster bars
- How to spot it
- Flat body lying on its side, both eyes on top (left side), brown with spots; it changes color to match the bottom
- What it eats
- Mullet, mud minnows, shrimp and small crabs, ambushed from the bottom
- Can you keep it?
- Above the minimum size and outside the fall closed season (FWC flounder rules)
Flounder are born upright; as they grow, one eye migrates across the head to the other side.
Where to find flounder
Flounder hold tight to the bottom near structure:
| Inlets & jetties | Docks & bridges | Sandy flats & drop-offs | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best time | Fall run, moving tides | Year-round | Spring and summer |
| Best bait | Finger mullet, mud minnows | Live shrimp, mud minnows | Soft plastics, shrimp |
| Rig | Carolina rig | Jig head with live bait | Jig bounced slowly |
| Tip | Fish the edges of the current | Fish the shady side | Work drop-off edges |
Flounder fishing charters
Inshore trips that catch flounder:
How to catch flounder
Tips from our inshore captains:
Go slow
Flounder ambush bait from the bottom. Drag your bait slowly and keep it in contact with the sand.
Wait for it
When you feel a tap, count to three before setting the hook so the flounder can turn the bait.
Best spots
Inlets, jetties, docks, bridge pilings and sandy holes near oyster bars, especially on a moving tide.
Rules
Size, bag limits and the fall closed season are set by FWC: FWC flounder rules.
A fun fish for everyone
Flounder are not among the hardest catching fish, which makes them great for families. See all Florida Fishing trips.
Before you go
Read our sea sickness tips, bring sunscreen, a hat and drinks. Tackle, bait and the license are included.
Best places to go flounder fishing in Florida
Pick a town (lowest inshore trip price on its page, or call to book):
Northeast Florida
Panhandle & Nature Coast
Fish you catch on a flounder trip
Flounder share the water with:
Seasons, size and bag limits apply: see the FWC saltwater fishing regulations.
Flounder fishing by season
Winter Dec–Feb
- Fewer fish inshore
- Deeper holes and docks
- Sheepshead time
Spring Mar–May
- Flounder move back inshore
- Docks and flats
- Live shrimp
Summer Jun–Aug
- Steady action at docks and jetties
- Early mornings
- Finger mullet
Fall Sep–Nov
- Fall run at inlets
- Harvest closed mid-Oct to Nov (check FWC)
- Catch and release
What guests say about our inshore trips
5.04 reviews
Capt Brad was great for both of our fishing trips. He took great care to make my husbands birthday fishing experience amazing and taught me how to use a bait caster. His boat was immaculate and most importantly, he put us on fish.
Ashley Eubanks · April 2026 · Google
Loved fishing
I have to say, this was one of the most professional organizations I have experienced. Booking was easy and customer support answered all my questions. Even when I remembered them and called back hours later! :) What was recommended was an afternoon trip with Capt Brad. I chose the 6 hour trip…
Tim S · January 2019
Best Birthday Gift Ever !!!
I booked this trip for my Dad's Birthday he loves to fish but rarely catches anything. We went with Capt Brad Kayholm and he delivered an awesome trip he was on time ,very friendly ,knowledgeable and put us on the fish !!! I would definitely recommend booking a trip with him!!!
flhomesbyrich · October 2018
Best Birthday Gift Ever !!!
I booked this trip for my Dad's Birthday he loves to fish but rarely catches anything. We went with Capt Brad Kayholm and he delivered an awesome trip he was on time ,very friendly ,knowledgeable and put us on the fish !!! I would definitely recommend booking a trip with him!!!
flhomesbyrich · October 2018 · TripAdvisor
Book a flounder fishing charter
Pick a town and date, or let us match you with a captain.
Not sure where flounder are biting? Call or text and we’ll help.
Saltwater license covered by the captain on saltwater trips. Free cancellation up to 72 hours before. Full refund or free reschedule if the captain cancels for weather. Questions? Call (407) 392-4593, 9 am – 6 pm.
Flounder fishing FAQ
When is flounder season in Florida?
Flounder bite all year, with the best fishing during the fall run as they move to inlets and passes to spawn offshore. FWC closes flounder harvest in the fall (mid-October through November in recent years) to protect spawning fish; catch and release is allowed. Check the FWC flounder rules for current dates and limits.
Where is the best flounder fishing in Florida?
Northeast Florida (Amelia Island, Jacksonville, St. Augustine), the Volusia and Space Coast inlets, the Panhandle and Tampa Bay. Look around inlets, jetties, docks, bridges and sandy drop-offs.
What is the best bait for flounder?
Live finger mullet, mud minnows, shrimp and small pinfish on a Carolina rig, or soft plastic swim baits and jigs bounced slowly along the bottom.
How do you catch flounder?
Drag bait slowly along sandy bottom near structure. When you feel a bite, wait a few seconds for the flounder to turn the bait before setting the hook.
What kinds of flounder live in Florida?
Southern flounder (the biggest) and Gulf flounder are the main targets; summer flounder show up in Northeast Florida. All are flat, with both eyes on the left side.
Is flounder good to eat?
Yes, flounder is a favorite eating fish with mild, delicate white fillets. Keep only fish above the minimum size and outside the closed season.
How much is a flounder fishing charter?
Flounder trips are inshore charters. On iOutdoors, inshore trips start from $500 in Amelia Island, St. Augustine, Daytona Beach and New Smyrna Beach, priced per boat with tackle, bait and the license included.