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Essex, Maryland

Best Time to Catch Flounder

Flounder can be caught year-round in North Beach. Right now in February, activity is low.

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Seasonal Activity Chart

Current Status: poor

Low activity season. Flounder are less active and catches may be limited. Consider targeting other species.

BEST

GOOD

FAIR

POOR

Flounder

Various

Flounder fishing near North Beach offers a great opportunity to target these tasty flatfish in the Chesapeake Bay. While not as abundant as other species, flounder can be found in the bay's shallow, sandy bottom areas. The best time to target them is during the warmer months, from late spring to early fall, when the water temperatures rise. Drifting with live minnows or squid strips is a popular and effective technique. Focus your efforts around structure like channel edges, oyster beds, and docks. A local tip: try fishing near the mouth of the Patuxent River, as the influx of fresh water can attract flounder. Also, use a slow, steady retrieve to keep your bait near the bottom. Be patient, as flounder are masters of camouflage and can be difficult to spot. Light tackle is recommended for detecting their subtle bites.

How to Catch Flounder

Typical Size

Length: Varies by fishery

Weight: Varies by fishery

Habitat

•Local structure and edges
•Current seams
•Bait concentrations
•Depth changes

Where & When to Fish

Target Locations

•Current seams
•Points/edges
•Structure holding bait

Best Times

•Dawn/dusk and nights
•Moving tides or peak current

Bias patterns to North Beach area: use local structure (passes/bridges for coastal; channels/points for inland) and match depth to temperature.

Flounder Fishing Regulations in Maryland

Open Season

Year-round

Daily Bag Limit

4 per person

Size Limit

16-inch minimum

License Required

Chesapeake Bay & Coastal Sport Fishing License

Possession limit equal to daily bag limit. Check for any seasonal closures in specific areas.

⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Maryland state wildlife agency before fishing.

Related Species in Maryland

Striped Bass

Bluefish

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best bait to use for flounder in North Beach?

Live minnows, small fish, and squid are all effective baits for flounder in the North Beach area. Many anglers also have success with artificial lures like bucktails and soft plastics.

What size flounder can I keep when fishing near North Beach, MD?

In Maryland, the minimum size limit for flounder is 16 inches. Any flounder you catch that is smaller than this must be released back into the water.

Is there a limit to how many flounder I can catch in North Beach?

Yes, the bag limit for flounder in Maryland is 4 per person. So you can keep up to four flounder per day, as long as they meet the minimum size requirement.

Do I need a fishing license to target flounder around North Beach?

Yes, you'll need a valid Chesapeake Bay & Coastal Sport Fishing License to fish for flounder in the waters near North Beach. Make sure to have it with you while fishing.

More Flounder Fishing in Maryland

Assateague Island Baltimore Cambridge Ocean City Solomons Annapolis View all Maryland →

Other Species to Fish in North Beach

Tuna Weakfish Bluefish Black Sea Bass Tautog Striped Bass

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