Sportfishing - Flounder
Flounder come in two species - Winter and Summer, which is when they are available. They are very closely related, but are clearly different species. These are similar odd bottom-dwelling fish that are essetially one-sided. One side of these fish is dark and brown, the other side, the side they rest on, is white. Both eyes of these fish have moved to the same side, which is useful when lying on the bottom. The quirk here is that the eyes have moved to opposite sides on the winter and summer flounder. Both species of flounder can be fileted and provide a flavorful white meat.
Winter Flounder
Winter flounder spend the winter in the shallows of the bays, often in very little water. They move to deeper, cooler water of the ocean in late spring as the bays begin to warm. Winter flounder are said to be right eyed fish, having both eyes on their right side. Lying flat these fish point to the right. Winter flounder have a very small mouth with no teeth. Color is usually dark brown to almost grey with darker brown or black spots. These fish are 12-18 inches long and can weight 1 to 5 pounds, but are usually found at the low end of that range.
Summer Flounder - Fluke
Summer Flounder are more commonly known as Fluke in this area. Fluke come into the shallow bays and inlets during the spring and spend the summer there. They move out to the deeper ocean waters for the winter - just the opposite of the winter flounder. Summer flounder, or fluke, are left-eyed fish - also the opposite of winter flounder. Lying flat fluke point to the left. Fluke have larger mouths than winter flounder and have very visible teeth. Often the largest fluke can be found in the ocean during the summer, near to shore, in the shallower water. Most fluke are found at 2-4 pounds but larger fish in the ocean, known as "doormat fluke", can range up to about 20 pounds.