Delaware Fish Facts for The Recreational Angler

Winter Flounder have eyes on the right side (summer, four-spot and windowpane flounder have their eyes on the left side).

On top they are drab gray to red brown with many dark brown mottling and/or spots. The belly is white.

Illustration by Duane Raver, Jr.

Season	February 11 to April 10
Size Limit	12 inch minimum (total length)
Daily Limit / Person	2
Delaware Range	Atlantic Ocean, Delaware Bay and Inland Bays
Abundance in Delaware Waters	Uncommon - this species is more common north of Delaware.
General Habitat and Food Preferences	When the water is cold, Winter Flounder will move inshore into shallow coastal water of estuaries and bays for spawning. When the water begins to warm up, they will migrate offshore into deeper, cooler waters for the summer. They feed on shrimps, amphipods (small shrimp like creatures), marine worms, and smaller fishes.
Did You Know?	The Winter Flounder has puckered lips and small rows of slightly rough, flattened teeth similar to sand paper.
Common Lures and Baits	Baits for Winter Flounder will be primarily bloodworms, grass shrimp, pieces of mussel, or clam. Some anglers chum with canned dog food.
Typical Sizes Caught	Winter Flounder are commonly caught in the range of 10 to 16 inches in length by anglers.
Citation Minimum Length and Weight	Live Release Award Adult: 25 inches minimum Youth (age 15 and under): 23 inches minimum Sport Fishing Tournament Award Adult: 7 pounds minimum Youth (age 15 and under): 5 pounds minimum Winter Flounder are eligible for the Delaware Sport Fishing Tournament and Live Release "Flounder" awards, but due to their smaller size, catching one large enough to qualify is unlikely. Winter Flounder are not currently eligible for an individual species citation.
Delaware State Record	17 pounds 15 ounces William Kendall 1974 Winter Flounder are eligible for the general "Flounder" record, but due to their smaller size, catching one large enough to qualify is unlikely. Winter Flounder are not currently eligible for an individual Delaware record.

Delaware's Government