Summer flounder grow fast and have a relatively short life, about 12 to 14 years. Males grow to more than 2 feet in length and females grow up to 3 feet. They are able to reproduce when they reach age 2 or 3.

When you fillet the fish, the ovaries are a long orange colored organ on the belly edge about as long as you little finger. There is no extrenal way to tell males from females. If it’s big enough to keep it’s probably a female.

Therefore, a fluke is a flounder, but not all flounders are flukes. In terms of appearance, a fluke’s eyes are on the left side of its body, whereas a flounder’s eyes are on the right side of its body. A fluke has a large mouth and visible, well-developed teeth, while a flounder has a small mouth with no visible teeth.

Like most members of the left-eye flounders, they can change the color and pattern of their dark side to match the surrounding bottom and are also capable of rapidly burrowing into muddy or sandy bottoms. The teeth are quite sharp and well developed on both upper and lower jaws.

The fluke can live up to 20 years.

Fluke are one of the most abundant fish in our waters. Their stocks have increased to four times what they were just 50 years ago. In spite of their abundance fluke can be a little tricky for some beginners to catch so we’ve included some tips that you might find helpful.

The three inches is a good size for teasers and small hooks. The four-inch gulp is a good size for teasers and to put on jigs. In the picture, I am holding a fluke caught while jigging. The rig is shown and has a 4-ounce white Spro bucktail jig in the bottom.

The best fishing is usually on the start or end of the tide change. On the rising tide, fluke move from deeper channels and holes, and travel toward the top of the structure and shallow edges then head back to the deep on the dropping tide. They feed as they prowl from deep to shallow and back to the deep.

Yes, you can fish for flounder in low tide scenarios. In a way low tide can help you find flounders. Flounders can be anywhere when the tide is high. They can be in 6 inches of water down to 30 feet when they are inshore.

Flounder respond well to live fish such as minnow, mullet and croakers. Sea worms and clams are also effective. Hook larger baitfish through the lips, and smaller baitfish through the eye. You can add some strips of fresh squid or live shrimp to vary the bait mix.

They live in waters with depths ranging from six inches to ten fathoms. This all depends on the size and location of the fish. The Summer Flounder reproduce in water temperatures usually between 55 and 66 degrees Fahrenheit. They do this in waters anywhere from 60 to over 160 feet in depth.

Flounder are not known for being the toughest pound-for-pound fighters, but you should expect them to pull rather hard at the beginning right after they’re hooked. The fight usually doesn’t last very long before the fluke will tire out and give in.

Flounder is healthy. Above all, beware of taking high doses of flounder, just like any other fish like catfish, salmon, crab, and tilapia; flounder contain some mercury, which may harm pregnant women and children at their tender age if they are taken in high dosages.