Page 101 - South Mississippi Living - April, 2026

Twice each year, flounder migrate out to the Gulf and back, although some flounder stay in inshore waters all year long.
As waters cool in the fall, flounder head to the deep Gulf waters where they spawn in water as deep as 200 feet. There, they spend the winter. In the spring flounder head inshore.
When these unusual flatfish return to the bays, marshes and estuaries in April, look for them along weedy shorelines, artificial reefs and other structures. In the marshes, focus on little coves or grassy pockets where they hide from prey.
Southern flounder, the species most commonly caught in Mississippi waters, exhibit irregular white splotches on their brown sides. They use their outstanding mottled camouflage to ambush prey
by frequently burying themselves in silt with just their eyes protruding. Flounder face into the tidal flow waiting to snatch anything irresistible that flows over them. When they see something they like, flounder explode from their hiding spot in a cloud of mud to grab their prey.
Another Mississippi flatfish species, Gulf flounder display three oscillated black spots that resemble eyes arranged in a triangular pattern, two on either side of its lateral line
and one near the base of its tail. Rarely caught, gulf flounder tend stay in deeper, saltier waters farther from shore.
Southern flounder average about one to three pounds, but can exceed 20 pounds. The Mississippi state record for southerns stands at 10 pounds, 4.66 ounces. Gulf flounder rarely surpass one pound, but can top seven pounds. Set in September 2025, the state record gulf flounder weighed two pounds, 1.60 ounces.
Along the Mississippi Coast, few people intentionally fish for flounder, unless “gigging.” Gigging for flounder involves cruising slowly over the shallows in a boat at night or walking the beaches shining lights into the water. When someone
sees a flounder, that person uses archery equipment or a spear-like “gig” to stick the fish.
Most anglers probably catch flounder more by accident than intention while fishing for redfish, speckled trout or something else, but these odd fish can provide great sport. The best part occurs on the dinner table. A flounder stuffed with Gulf Coast crabmeat makes a scrumptious meal.
A live shrimp under a float provides an excellent way to catch flounder. Toss it
along a weedy shoreline so the tidal current carries it close to the grass. Occasionally, pop the cork to make a surface commotion that mimics a fish striking bait.
Live minnows fished under a float or
on bottom also make good flounder enticements. For bottom fishing, hook a minnow to a lead jighead. Drag it over the sand, pausing periodically.
Flounder might also hit various other natural or artificial temptations. Any artificial baits that replicate a shrimp or minnow could work. Although usually resting on the bottom, flounder can act surprisingly aggressive and hit more dynamic lures. Sometimes, they even jump out of the water when attacking baitfish schools.
Magnolia State anglers might catch flounder all along the entire Mississippi Coast. The marshy deltas of the Pearl and Pascagoula river systems probably offer the best action. Flounder often venture far up rivers into fresh water where bass anglers catch them. Several streams flow into Bay St. Louis and Back Bay, also called Biloxi Bay, are other good places for flounder.
SOUTH MISSISSIPPI Living | www.smliving.net April 2026 | 101