Gulf flounder across North Carolina
Gulf flounder, North Carolina limits and records.
- 1 a daydaily creel
- 7 lb. 2 oz.record
Photo of the species, not of a North Carolina water: Aiowazc, CC BY-SA 3.0
Gulf flounder, the state picture
The state counts Gulf flounder (Paralichthys albigutta) as a saltwater fish. For inland and joint fishing waters (ncwrc, hook and line), NCWRC lists 1 a day and 15 in minimum.
The North Carolina record weighed 7 lb. 2 oz., from Bogue Sound (2011). NCDMF citation: No award given for these species.
NCDMF on Gulf flounder
“The Gulf flounder has the familiar flat, rounded body and olive-brown color of other flounders that can change shade depending on the color of the bottom. It has three prominent, ocellated dark spots arranged in a triangle on its eyed side. One spot is above and one is below the lateral line while the third is in the middle of the line. The spots may become obscure in larger fish. There are also numerous white spots scattered over the body and fins.”
- SizeGulf flounder are common up to 2 pounds.
- HabitatGulf flounder are found nearshore on rocky reefs and inshore, ranging into tidal creeks, on sandy or muddy bottoms.
- DietGulf flounder feed on shrimp, blue crabs and fish.
- Fishing tipsFlounder are caught by hook and line, using bottom rigs with live fish, such as finger mullet and artificial lures, by gigging or in nets. In recent years, a robust fishery for this species has developed on nearshore ocean wrecks, ledges and hard bottom areas.
- Also calledflounder
- Confused withsummer flounder; southern flounder
Quoted from the NCDMF species profile, checked October 2026.
Creel and size for Gulf flounder
| Agency | Where | Daily creel | Size | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| NCWRC | Inland and joint fishing waters (NCWRC, hook and line) | 1 a day | 15 in minimum | Sept. 1-14 (2026) |
| NCDMF | Internal coastal and joint fishing waters and Atlantic Ocean | 1 a day | 15 in minimum | Sept. 1-14, 2026 |
NCWRC 2026-27 digest and NCDMF proclamations. All North Carolina limits.
State record Gulf flounder
| Category | Weight | Where | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| all tackle by weight | 7 lb. 2 oz. | Bogue Sound | 2011 |
NCWRC and NCDMF state records. Angler names left out.
Kin to Gulf flounder
- Red drumsalt
- Spotted seatroutsalt
- Southern floundersalt
- Summer floundersalt
- Weakfishsalt
- Black drumsalt
- Sheepsheadsalt
- Atlantic croakersalt
- Spotsalt
- Kingfishessalt
- Bluefishsalt
- Cobiasalt
- King mackerelsalt
- Spanish mackerelsalt
Scenes from waters by Gulf flounder
Photo: Indy beetle, CC0 1.0
Photo: Domenic R. Merenda at en.wikipedia, CC BY 2.5
Photo: Robert Bourdeaux – Kloudmedia, CC BY-SA 4.0
Photo: user:netanel_h, CC BY-SA 3.0
Gulf flounder in a few answers
What size rule covers Gulf flounder?
1 a day (Inland and joint fishing waters (NCWRC, hook and line)), size 15 in minimum.
What does the record Gulf flounder weigh?
7 lb. 2 oz. from Bogue Sound (2011).
Which habitats hold Gulf flounder?
Gulf flounder are found nearshore on rocky reefs and inshore, ranging into tidal creeks, on sandy or muddy bottoms.
Will NCWRC stock Gulf flounder this year?
No 2026 stocking is listed.
How large can Gulf flounder grow?
Gulf flounder are common up to 2 pounds.
Are Gulf flounder open to harvest year-round?
Sept. 1-14 (2026)
What license do Gulf flounder anglers carry?
Coastal waters take a Coastal Recreational Fishing License from age 16 ($20 resident, $40 nonresident).
Do charters target Gulf flounder?
No listing names it.
Chase Gulf flounder across North Carolina
Open a water above for ramps and limits.