Where to Find Flounder in Florida: Top Surf Fishing Locations

Flounder are one of Florida’s most popular species for surf anglers, and knowing where to find them is key to landing a successful catch. Florida’s coastline offers a wide range of prime fishing spots for flounder, from the shallow estuaries of the East Coast to the rich mangrove habitats of the Gulf Coast. This article will guide you through some of the best places to find flounder in Florida and provide tips for successful surf fishing.

Best Flounder Fishing Spots on Florida’s East Coast

Fort Pierce Inlet

Fort Pierce Inlet is known for its shallow, sandy bottom and rich estuarine ecosystems, making it an excellent spot for flounder fishing. The inlet’s shallow waters provide the perfect habitat for flounder.

• Fishing Tips: Focus on fishing the incoming tide, and cast near the sandbars or drop-offs. Live shrimp or soft plastics work well in this area.

Indian River Lagoon

The Indian River Lagoon is a prime flounder fishing spot, particularly in the shallow grass flats and around mangrove-lined shorelines.

• Fishing Tips: Fish near estuaries and mudflats during early morning or late evening hours. Use live bait or soft plastics to mimic the flounder’s prey.

Ponce Inlet

Ponce Inlet is another great fishing location for flounder, with its shallow waters and sandy bottom. The inlet is rich in food sources for flounder, including smaller fish and crustaceans.

• Fishing Tips: Cast near the sandbars or drop-offs, and fish during the incoming tide for the best results. Live bait such as shrimp is highly effective here.

Best Flounder Fishing Spots on Florida’s Gulf Coast

Tampa Bay

Tampa Bay is a large estuarine system with a variety of habitats for flounder, including grass flats, mangrove shorelines, and mudflats.

• Fishing Tips: Fish near the mangrove edges and grass flats. Drift fishing during the incoming tide is highly effective here.

Sanibel Island

Sanibel Island is well-known for its shallow waters, mangroves, and rich estuarine ecosystems. The island offers excellent opportunities for catching flounder.

• Fishing Tips: Focus on the sandbars, mangrove edges, and shallow flats. Use live shrimp or cut bait.

Charlotte Harbor

Charlotte Harbor is home to a diverse range of habitats, including grass beds, mudflats, and mangrove shorelines, all of which are ideal for flounder.

• Fishing Tips: Fish during the incoming tide and cast near the mangroves and drop-offs. Live shrimp or soft plastics work well in this area.

Best Flounder Fishing Spots in Florida’s Southern Coast

Florida Bay (Everglades National Park)

Florida Bay offers exceptional fishing for flounder, particularly in its shallow estuarine waters, sea grass beds, and mangrove forests.

• Fishing Tips: Focus on mangrove-lined shorelines and sandbars. Fish during the early morning or late afternoon for the best results.

Key West

Key West offers diverse habitats for flounder, including shallow flats, mangroves, and grass beds. These areas provide plenty of food for flounder.

• Fishing Tips: Target mangrove edges and shallow flats using live bait or soft plastics. Incoming tides are ideal for fishing here.

Best Places to Find Flounder in Florida

Florida offers an abundance of prime locations for flounder fishing, from the estuaries and mangrove habitats on the East Coast to the grass flats and shallow waters on the Gulf Coast. Whether you’re fishing in Tampa Bay, Sanibel Island, or Florida Bay, there are plenty of productive spots to catch flounder. Focus on tidal changes, the incoming tide, and areas rich in baitfish and crustaceans for the best results.