Yellowtail flounders are found on the bottom of the Atlantic Ocean from the Chesapeake Bay north to Newfoundland. These flat fish can be difficult to spot because they camouflage themselves to blend into the ocean floor. Bottom bouncing, saltwater jigging, drift fishing, and still fishing are methods used to catch Yellowtail flounder.
Habitat: Ocean, Coastal Waters
How to identify Yellowtail Flounder
Yellowtail flounders can camouflage themselves by changing their colors and patterns to blend into their environment. They are flat-bodied, thin, and have eyes on their right side. Their oval-shaped bodies are as wide as they are long. Yellowtail flounders have small mouths, and an arched lateral line. They have dark green-brown fins on their upper side with tinges of red and inconsistent big rusty-colored markings. Their tail fin and long fins have yellow edging.
Where to catch Yellowtail Flounder
Yellowtail flounder are found in the Atlantic Ocean from the Chesapeake Bay to Newfoundland. They are typically found at depths of 100 to 350 feet along sandy or mud bottoms.
The following are habitats where you can catch Yellowtail Flounder:
How to catch Yellowtail Flounder
Anglers typically catch yellowtails while targeting other game fish. Both bait and lures are used to catch Yellowtail flounder. However, live bait is most effective. The yellowtail flounder isn’t a big fan of shrimp, though it will sometimes take shrimp. When targeting larger flounders, use bigger bait hooked through the mouth. Smaller flounders do best with smaller bait hooked through the eye. One of the best methods of catching Yellowtail flounder is to bounce lures off the bottom, enticing the fish to strike just as the lure rests after bouncing. Because yellowtail flounders are bottom dwellers, working a jig along the ocean floor often catches their attention. They’ll follow the jig as it is retrieved. Other effective methods for fishing Yellowtail flounder include drift fishing and still fishing.
The following are effective fishing methods and techniques for catching Yellowtail Flounder:
Best Lures, Bait & Tackle to catch Yellowtail Flounder
While yellowtail flounders will hit on both lures and bait, the best bait options are squid, croakers, menhaden, pinfish, and finger mullets. Squid strips tend to be effective.
The following are fishing lures, bait and tackle that can be used to catch Yellowtail Flounder: