🎣How to Catch Flounder & Flatfish from Shore in the UK – Identification, Legal Limits & Techniques

🎣 Flounder & Flatfish Basics

Flatfish, including flounder, plaice, and dab, are common targets for UK shore anglers. They are known for their unique body shape—flattened with both eyes on one side—and their preference for sandy or muddy seabeds.

The flounder (Platichthys flesus) is the most frequently caught from estuaries and beaches, especially during winter.

UK flounder showing flattened oval body, both eyes on one side, and variable brown-grey upper side for identification — European flounder (Platichthys flesus)—note its flattened body, sandy coloration, and side‑positioned eyes.

For a complete overview of UK species, see our UK Sea Fishing Species Guide.

🐟 Identification Features

Flounder: Olive-brown upper side, white underside, sometimes with small spines near the head.
Plaice: Bright orange/red spots on a smooth brown body.
Dab: Slightly curved lateral line, rougher skin, and smaller than plaice.

⚖️ Legal Size & Catch Limits

Flounder: 27 cm minimum size in most UK regions.
Plaice: 27 cm minimum size.
Dab: Generally no minimum size, but practice responsible angling.
Bag Limits: None nationally, but local IFCA rules may apply—always check regional byelaws.

For more on conservation and byelaws, visit our Fishing Regulations & Conservation section (coming soon).

🏞️ Best Locations & Seasons

Locations: Estuaries, sandy beaches, mudflats, and harbour mouths.
Seasons: Flounder are present year-round but peak catches occur in autumn and winter. Plaice are more abundant in spring and summer.

🎯 Effective Techniques

✅ Bait Fishing (Most Effective)

Flounder and flatfish love ragworm, lugworm, and peeler crab.
Use running ledger or two/three-hook flapper rigs to present baits near the seabed.
Slow retrieve can sometimes entice a take.

✅ Lure Fishing (Specialist Technique)

While rare, flounder can occasionally be caught on small soft plastics or spoons when worked slowly along sandy bottoms.
Learn more about soft plastics in our Soft Plastic Lures for UK Sea Fishing guide.

🪝 Recommended Gear Setup

Rod: 9–11 ft light surf rod or estuary rod
Reel: 3000–4000 size fixed spool reel
Line: 10–20 lb braid or mono with a shock leader if casting heavy weights
Use a light rig for better bite detection in calm estuary conditions.

For equipment suggestions, see our Sea Fishing Gear & Equipment Guide.

🔗 Related Internal Links

✅ Final Thoughts & Responsible Angling

Flounder and other flatfish offer excellent sport on light tackle and are accessible from many UK beaches and estuaries. Always respect local size limits and return small or spawning fish to maintain healthy stocks.

🎣 Free Download – UK Shore Fishing Species Guide

Want an easy way to identify your catch and stay within UK fishing laws?
📥 Grab our FREE printable PDF guide covering species ID, legal sizes, bag limits, and seasons.

👉 Download the UK Shore Fishing Species Identification & Regulations Guide