Flatfish
Flounder Fishing in North Carolina
Southern and summer flounder lie on sandy bottoms near inlets, docks, and passes. Fall migrations bring the best fishing.
- Waters
- 3
- State
- North Carolina
- Water
- Saltwater
- Methods
- Spin & Bait
Best Months in North Carolina: Apr to May, Sep to Nov
Licenses & Regulations
Most anglers need a North Carolina fishing license; age cutoffs and exemptions are set by the state. Seasons, limits, and tackle rules vary by water, so check current regulations before you go.
North Carolina Wildlife Resources CommissionPlan by Month
Best Flies, Lures & Bait for Flounder
3 picks for October.
Paddle-Tail Swimbait 3 to 5 in
LureSoft Plastic
Shop This LureBucktail Jig 1/4 to 2 oz
LureJig
Shop This LureLive Minnows 1 to 3 in
BaitLive Bait · Mud minnows or finger mullet.
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Rod & Reel
Flounder Setup
Spin / Cast
7 ft medium-light spinning rod, 3000 reel, 15 lb braid, Carolina rig or bucktail.
North Carolina
Where to Catch Flounder
Saltwater & Coast · North Carolina
Cape Fear River (Carolina Beach)
The lower Cape Fear at Carolina Beach State Park, with a marina, a fishing deck, and riverbank spots for flounder, sheepshead, and speckled trout.
Flounder · Sheepshead · Speckled Trout
Saltwater & Coast · North Carolina
Lower New River
The salty lower New River from Jacksonville down to New River Inlet near Sneads Ferry, fished for spotted seatrout, red drum, and flounder.
Speckled Trout · Redfish · Flounder
Saltwater & Coast · North Carolina
Oregon Inlet
The Outer Banks inlet between Bodie and Pea islands, with a refuge fishing pier and a rock groin on the south side for red drum, stripers, seatrout, and flounder.
Redfish · Striped Bass · Speckled Trout
North Carolina
Shops to Stock Up
Recommended
Gear for Flounder
Jigs
Spro Bucktail Jigs
Durable hair jigs for stripers, fluke, and anything that eats baitfish.
Check PriceReels
Penn Battle III Spinning Reel
A metal-bodied reel built to survive saltwater and big runs.
Check PriceRods
Penn Battalion II Inshore Spinning Rod
A medium inshore rod for jigs, popping corks, and live bait.
Check PriceLine
PowerPro Spectra Braided Line
Thin, strong braid for long casts, sensitivity, and pulling fish from cover.
Check PriceTerminal Tackle
Egg Sinkers and Swivels
Egg sinkers, swivels, and beads for slip-sinker and Carolina rigs.
Check PriceSoft Plastics
Berkley Gulp! Shrimp
Scented shrimp that out-fish plain plastics on a jighead or under a cork.
Check PriceSoft Plastics
Z-Man DieZel MinnowZ
A tough, stretchy paddle tail that survives toothy fish.
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