A few features help distinguish the flounder caught recreationally along New Hampshire’s coast that have size regulations: Orientation of the eyes (right- or left-eyed); mouth size; and shape of the lateral line or tail. Recreational saltwater anglers in NH most commonly catch winter flounder, followed by yellowtail, summer flounder and American plaice. While not often caught, Atlantic halibut are the largest flounder found in the Gulf of Maine.
Flounder Identification
Winter Flounder
(12″ min. length)
- Eyes on right side
- Small mouth
- Scales between eyes
American Plaice
(14″ min. length)
- Eyes on right side
- Large mouth
Yellowtail Flounder
(13″ min. length)
Arched lateral line
- Eyes on right side
- Small mouth
Summer Flounder
(15″ min. length)
- Eyes on left side
- Large mouth
- Sharp teeth
Atlantic Halibut
(41″ min. length)
Arched lateral line
- Largest flatfish
- Eyes on right side
- Tail concave
Regulations in red are new this year.
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