Southern flounder Fishing in Texas
State records, limits, the best lakes and stocking for southern flounder.
- 13 lbstate record
Photo: SEFSC Pascagoula Laboratory; Collection of Brandi Noble, NOAA/NMFS/SEFSC, Public domain
Southern flounder in Texas
Southern flounder, known to biologists as Paralichthys lethostigma, is fished as a saltwater species in Texas. The state rod and reel mark stands at 13 pounds from Sabine Lake, set in 1976.
Where southern flounder hold in Texas, and when
When
Adults leave bays in fall to spawn in the Gulf; return gradually in spring; Juveniles enter bays late winter and early spring
Where they hold
Bottom dweller; enters shallows at night to feed; Taken by rod and reel or gig
Southern flounder facts from the TPWD species profile.
Bag and size limits for southern flounder
| Rule | Daily bag | Minimum | Maximum | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Southern flounder (all flounder) | 5 | 15 in | Closed Nov 1 – Dec 14 (bag 0); possession limit equals daily bag |
Southern flounder limits from the TPWD Outdoor Annual 2026-27 (valid Sep. 1, 2026 through Aug. 31, 2027).
State record southern flounder in Texas
| Category | Weight (lb) | Length (in) | Water | Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| bow fishing | 7.09 | 23.75 | Aransas Bay | 2024 |
| fly fishing | 6.06 | 23.5 | Gulf of America | 2005 |
| rod and reel all tackle | 11.35 | 26 | Brazoria Reservoir | 1987 |
| rod and reel all tackle | 13 | 28 | Sabine Lake | 1976 |
Southern flounder records: TPWD state records list, October 2026.
Coastal spots for southern flounder in Texas
For southern flounder, try the pages for Drum Bay, Bastrop Bay, South Bay, Oso Bay, Corpus Christi Bay, East Bay (Galveston), Carancahua Bay and Tres Palacios Bay.
- Cove ParkIngleside
- Pleasure Island R.V. ParkPort Arthur
- Louis Bait CampHitchcock
- Anahuac National Wildlife RefugeAnahuac
- Ben Blackledge Boat Ramp
- Lute's Marine & RVLiverpool
- Marlin Marina
- Quintana Beach County ParkQuintana
- McNeil Bridge Boat RampBrazoria
- Queen Isabella CausewaySouth Padre Island
Southern flounder spots: Texas General Land Office pier and coastal access inventory.
Asked often about Texas southern flounder
Can I catch southern flounder without a boat in Texas?
Shore anglers do well from piers like Cove Park and Pleasure Island R.V. Park, both on the GLO list here.
Which bays should I fish for southern flounder?
Drum Bay, Bastrop Bay and South Bay each have a page with piers, ramps and guides.
Where do I find a southern flounder guide in Texas?
The bay pages carry 212 inshore guides.
What does the state record southern flounder weigh?
13 pounds, caught at Sabine Lake in 1976, in the all tackle rod and reel category.
What is the daily bag limit for southern flounder in Texas?
The statewide limit is 5 a day with a 15 inch minimum.
When do southern flounder spawn in Texas?
Adults leave bays in fall to spawn in the Gulf; return gradually in spring.
Where should I look for southern flounder?
Bottom dweller; enters shallows at night to feed; Taken by rod and reel or gig.
Do I need a license to fish for southern flounder in Texas?
Anglers 17 and older targeting southern flounder need a license with the saltwater endorsement.
What scientific name do southern flounder carry?
Paralichthys lethostigma.
Are state park pier southern flounder subject to limits?
Saltwater southern flounder limits apply, and Texas state parks waive the license requirement.
Other fish to target in Texas
Other species pages cover limits and records beyond southern flounder.