Massachusetts Flounder Fishing is Special
Get out and Enjoy Catching the Flat Fish
There is something very special about catching a Flounder. Their unique shape and positioning of their eyes is always special. They have small mouths and swim using their entire body. Incredible.
Flounder are found throughout the saltwater areas of Massachusetts. From Gloucester to Fall River, you can land a Flounder. Some areas produce more Flounder than others.
History of Flounder Fishing in Massachusetts
Flounder live on the floor of bays, inlets, oceans, seas, and other waterways. They are known as groundfish. Massachusetts harvesting of flounder started when the first colonists arrived in America. Part of the first true industry in Massachusetts.
Flounder Capital of the World
Hough’s Neck in Quincy 1970-2005
If you know anything about the City of Presidents (Quincy, Massachusetts), you know about Hough’s Neck’s claim as the Flounder Capital of the World. The neighborhood was a bustling fishing village from 1970 to around 2005. Anglers came from all over to enjoy fishing for the sweet flounder of Quincy Bay and Boston Harbor.
Some of the famous boat yards (marinas) were Hurley’s Boat Rental and Harvey’s.
Buses arrived each week filled with anglers from New Hampshire, New York, New jersey, and other areas. All seeking the prized flounder catch. The skiffs were small 2-3 person boats with 7.5 HP (or so) motors. Just enough power to get around the bay.
Quincy Bay and Hingham Bay were two of the major waterways that had the best tasting flounder.
Some of the best fishing was around Peddocks Island and Moon Island. Anglers would drop a Seaworm (Sandworm) on a flounder rig. Bounce the weight of the bottom and wait for a flounder to leave their muddy resting place for a bite to each.
Cape Cod Flounder Areas
From Marshfield to Mass Bay to Buzzards Bay
Marshfield, Massachusetts has some of the best Winter Flounder (blackbacks) fishing in the region. The best opportunity to catch these precious species are April to May in the Spring, and the fourth quarter of the year. We call this the Fall Season in Massachusetts. inshore waters of Cape Cod Bay and nearby Boston Harbor. Look to fishing on muddy or sandy bottoms. The best depth is between 17 and 45 feet of water.
Flounder in Buzzard’s Bay are aggressive bottom feeders. They sit in muddy or sandy bottom areas watching for prey to come by. They are excellent fighters. Fish for them between May and October (up until December if you do not mind the cold).
As mentioned, Flounder bottom feeders that can be found on the flats at up to 24 inches and deeper channels to 34 inches. Hit the Hog Island Channel to see if you can catch a door mat.
Types of Massachusetts Flounder
- Yellowtail Flounder – Learn More
- Summer Flounder – Learn More
- Winter Flounder – Learn More
- Witch Flounder – Learn More
It is best to download or read-up on the regulations before you go fishing for flounder. Visit https://www.mass.gov/info-details/recreational-saltwater-fishing-regulations to learn about size limits and the number of each species you can keep.
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