Flounder Size Limits By State
Depending on your state, there are size limits for the flounder you’re able to keep. The average minimum length of the fish must be 14 inches long to be considered legal. You can check your state’s specific regulations by reading this article.
The following list shows the size restrictions on flounder in 12 coastal recreational saltwater states. The state fishing limits material is for personal use only and does not apply to commercial or guided fishing.
This article will cover:
- List of flounder bag and size limits
- Harvest limitations
- Closed season
- Release and capture citation sizes (where permitted)
- Prohibited fishing gear
- Season status
Alabama State Waters
- Species: Southern flounder
- Season: Closed Nov 1 – Nov 30
- Daily Bag Limit: 5
- Minimum Length: 14 inches
- Maximum Length: No limit
- Harvest Limitations: State waters only
Connecticut State Waters
- Species: Summer flounder
- Season: Open May 1 – Oct 9
- Daily Bag Limit: 4
- Minimum Length: 18.5 inches
Minimum Length for Enhanced Shore Fishing Access Site: 17 inches - Maximum Length: No limit
- Harvest Limitations: State waters only
Delaware State Waters
- Species: Summer, winter flounder
- Season: Open
- Daily Bag Limit: 4 – Summer flounder
2 – Winter flounder - Minimum Length: 12 inches – Summer flounder
14 inches – Winter flounder - Maximum Length: No limit
- Harvest Limitations: Hook and line only; State waters only
Florida
- Season: Closed Oct 15 – Nov 30
- Daily Bag Limit: 5
- Minimum Length: 14 inches
- Maximum Length: No limit
- Harvest Limitations: Must be kept whole; rod & reel, spearing only;
No snatching or multiple hook; State waters only
Georgia State Waters
- Season: Open
- Daily Bag Limit: 15
- Minimum Length: 12 inches
- Maximum Length: No limit
- Harvest Limitations: State waters only
Louisiana State Waters
- Species: Southern flounder
- Season: Open, Closed Oct 15 – Nov 30
- Daily Bag Limit: 10
- Minimum Length: No limit
- Maximum Length: No limit
- Harvest Limitations: State waters only
Maryland State Waters
- Location: Atlantic, Chesapeake Bay
- Species: Summer Flounder
- Season: Open
- Daily Bag Limit: 4
- Minimum Length: 16 inches
- Maximum Length: No limit
- Harvest Limitations: None
Mississippi State Waters
- Season: Open
- Daily Bag Limit: 10
- Minimum Length: 12 inches
- Maximum Length: No limit
- Harvest Limitations: State waters only
North Carolina State Waters
- Specied: Southern Flounder
- Season: Open Sept 1, 2022 – Sept 30, 2022
- Daily Bag Limit: 1
- Minimum Length: 15 inches
- Maximum Length: No limit
- Harvest Limitations: State waters only
South Carolina State Waters
- Species: Southern, Summer & Gulf Flounder
- Season: Open
- Daily Bag Limit: 5
- Daily Vessel Limit: 10
- Minimum Length: 16 inches
- Maximum Length: No limit
- Harvest Limitations: Rod & reel and gigging only; State waters only
Texas State Waters
- Specied: All Flounder species, their hybrids and subspecies
- Season: Open, Closed Nov 1 – Dec 14
- Daily Bag Limit: 5
- Daily Posession Limit: 5
- Minimum Length: 15 inches
- Maximum Length: No limit
- Harvest Limitations: State waters only
- Limit valid Sep. 1, 2022 through Aug. 31, 2023
Virginia State Waters
- Season: Open
- Daily Possesion Limit: 4
- Minimum Length: 16 inches
- Maximum Length: No limit
- Capture Citation Size: 6 lbs
- Release Citation Size: 26 inches
- Harvest Limitations: Flounder restrictions apply to Virginia tidal waters,
except that in Virginia’s Potomac River tributaries
Looking For Redfish Size Limits?
If you’re a fan of redfish fishing, you may be wondering about the size limits in your state. You want to make sure you’re following the law when you’re out fishing. Thankfully, the size limits for redfish vary depending on which state you’re in. You can find this information here.
Conclusion
Knowing the size limits and other restrictions for flounder before your next fishing trip is important. Make sure you check out our state-by-state guides to find out more information about each species of fish, including size limits and when they’re in season. And as always, happy fishing!
Frequently Asked Questions
- What are the flounder limits in Texas? Up to 5 Texas flounder, measuring a minimum of 15 inches each, permitted per person daily. Closed season is Nov 1 – Dec 14.
- What are the flounder size limits in Florida? In Florida, you can legally catch 5 flounder each day. The fish must be 14 inches long or more. Closed season is Oct 15 – Nov 30.
- What are the North Carolina flounder limits? In North Carolina, you are allowed to catch and keep only 1 flounder per day. The flounder must measure at least 15 inches long. Open season is Sept 1 – Sept 30 for 2022.
- What are the South Carolina flounder limits? In South Carolina, the limit for flounder is 5 per day, and they must be at least 16 inches long with no closed season.
- What are the Mississippi flounder limits? In Mississippi, you may keep 10 flounder per day. The flounder must be at least 12 inches long with no closed season.
- What are the Maryland flounder limits? In Maryland, you are allotted 4 flounder per day measuring at least 16 inches long with a year-long open season.
- What are the flounder limits in Louisiana? You can keep 10 Louisiana flounder each day. There are no size limits. Closed season is Oct 15 – Nov 30.
- What are the Virginia flounder limits? In Virginia, you are allowed to catch 4 flounder per day that measure at least 16 inches long. There is a full-year open season for catching these fish.
- What are the Georgia flounder limits? In Georgia, you are allowed to catch 15 flounder per day that measure at least 12 inches long. You can catch them all year long.
- What are the Delaware flounder limits? In Delaware, you are allowed to catch 4 summer flounder that measure at least 12 inches long. You can also catch 2 winter flounder that measure at least 14 inches long. The season is open all year long.
- What are the Alabama flounder limits? In Alabama, you are allotted 5 flounder per day measuring 14 inches long or greater. Closed season is Nov 1 – Nov 30.
