The boat glides silently through the calm waters. Moonlight dances on the surface. A gentle breeze carries the scent of salt. The fisherman stands ready with his gig. Suddenly a shape appears in the shallows. It's a flounder. Perfectly camouflaged against the sandy bottom. The fisherman strikes. The water erupts. A struggle ensues. Victory. The flounder is pulled aboard. Another successful night on the flats.
Set out on an exciting fishing adventure in the historic waters of St. Augustine, Florida, targeting the elusive Southern Flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma). As you navigate the calm inshore waters, feel the anticipation build with each cast. These masters of camouflage lie in wait on sandy or muddy bottoms, perfectly blending with their surroundings. Keep your eyes peeled for subtle movements or slight disturbances in the sediment, telltale signs of a flounder's presence. Use light tackle and present your bait slowly along the bottom, mimicking the natural movement of their prey. Live bait such as mud minnows or finger mullet can be particularly effective. As you work the shallows near oyster beds, docks, and grass flats, be prepared for the distinctive thump of a flounder strike. When you feel the bite, resist the urge to set the hook immediately; instead, give the flounder a moment to fully engulf the bait before reeling in your catch. The challenge of outwitting these flat fish, combined with their delectable taste, makes for a rewarding experience. As the sun sets over the ancient city's skyline, reflect on your day spent pursuing one of Florida's most prized inshore species, creating lasting memories of your St. Augustine fishing expedition.
The tranquil coastal waters of St. Augustine, Florida provide an idyllic setting for anglers seeking the elusive Southern Flounder. With its pristine sandy shores and gentle waves lapping at the shoreline, this picturesque location offers the perfect backdrop for a day of fishing. The clear blue skies and calm seas create optimal conditions for spotting these well-camouflaged flatfish as they blend seamlessly with the ocean floor.
Paralichthys lethostigma, commonly known as Southern Flounder, thrives in the shallow, brackish waters near St. Augustine's coastline. These masters of disguise prefer areas with sandy or muddy bottoms where they can easily bury themselves, leaving only their eyes visible. Anglers often find success targeting areas near jetties, tidal creeks, and estuaries where flounder lie in wait for unsuspecting prey to pass by.
To catch Southern Flounder in St. Augustine, anglers employ a variety of techniques. Bottom fishing with live bait such as mullet or shrimp is highly effective, as is using artificial lures that mimic small fish or crustaceans. Patience is key when fishing for flounder, as these ambush predators often require a slow and methodical approach. The rewards of landing a Southern Flounder make the wait worthwhile, offering both a challenging catch and a delicious meal for those lucky enough to hook one.
Summer Flounder