Delaware Fish Facts for The Recreational Angler

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

The body is relatively narrow compared to other flounders, with a very small head.

On top they are a dark grayish brown. The belly is white with very small dark spots giving it a grayish appearance.

Illustration by H.L. Todd, Courtesy University of Washington Libraries

Season	Open Year-Round
Size Limit	No Size Limit in State of Delaware waters (coast to 3 miles offshore) 14 inches in Federal waters (3 to 200 miles offshore)
Daily Limit / Person	No Limit
Delaware Range	Atlantic Ocean
Abundance in Delaware Waters	Uncommon - this species is more common north of Delaware.
General Habitat and Food Preferences	Witch Flounder prefer sandy or mud bottoms at depths of 150 to 1000 feet. Due to their small mouths, they mainly feed on marine worms and amphipods (small shrimp like creatures).
Did You Know?	The Witch Flounder is covered by smooth scales which make it very slippery and extremely difficult to hold.
Common Lures and Baits	Witch Flounder are almost always caught accidentally by anglers fishing for other species. They are most often caught on bottom rigs with small squid strips or blood worms.
Typical Sizes Caught	In general, Witch Flounder are caught by anglers in the range of 12 to 20 inches in length.
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 Witch 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. Witch Flounder are not currently eligible for an individual species citation.
Delaware State Record	17 pounds 15 ounces William Kendall 1974 Witch Flounder are eligible for the general "Flounder" record, but due to their smaller size, catching one large enough to qualify is unlikely. Witch Flounder are not currently eligible for an individual Delaware record.

Delaware's Government