Short Intro for Flounder
The European Flounder (Platichthys flesus) is one of Norway’s most widespread and accessible flatfish species. Well adapted to both saltwater and brackish environments, flounder are commonly found along sheltered coastlines, estuaries, fjords, harbours, and shallow sandy bays. Their excellent camouflage allows them to blend seamlessly into the seabed, where they wait for worms, shellfish, shrimp, and other prey.
Unlike many larger marine species, flounder are regularly caught from beaches, piers, breakwaters, and harbour walls, making them an excellent target for beginner anglers, families, and anyone looking to enjoy productive shore fishing.
Although most Norwegian flounder weigh between 300 grams and 1 kilogram, larger specimens exceeding 2 kilograms are occasionally caught. Their delicate white flesh also makes them one of Norway’s finest eating fish.
Note: In Norway, the term flyndre is often used for several flatfish species. This guide focuses on the European Flounder (Platichthys flesus), one of the most common species caught by recreational anglers.
Quick Facts for Flounder
| Feature | Information |
|---|---|
| English Name | European Flounder |
| Norwegian Name | Flyndre |
| Scientific Name | Platichthys flesus |
| Family | Pleuronectidae |
| Maximum Length | Up to 60 cm |
| Typical Length | 25–40 cm |
| Maximum Weight | Around 3 kg |
| Typical Weight | 0.3–1 kg |
| Habitat | Sandy bays, estuaries, fjords, harbours and shallow coastal waters |
| Preferred Water Temperature | 5–15°C |
| Diet | Marine worms, shrimp, crabs, mussels, shellfish and small fish |
| Best Fishing Season | Spring through autumn |
| Difficulty | Easy |
Saltwater
European flounder are bottom-dwelling fish that spend almost all of their lives resting on sandy or muddy seabeds. Their flattened body and excellent camouflage allow them to remain hidden while waiting for prey to pass nearby.
Flounder often move into very shallow water during warmer months to feed, making them highly accessible to shore anglers. They are also tolerant of low salinity and frequently enter estuaries and river mouths where fresh and salt water mix.
Because they feed close to the bottom, successful flounder fishing relies on presenting bait naturally along the seabed.
Sea, Shore and Boat Fishing for Flounder
Flounder are among Norway’s easiest saltwater fish to catch from shore. Sandy beaches, harbour areas, and sheltered bays are excellent locations for beginners and experienced anglers alike.
The best fishing locations include:
- Sandy beaches
- Mud flats
- Estuaries
- River mouths
- Harbour basins
- Marina entrances
- Sheltered fjords
- Shallow bays
- Channels between sandbanks
- Areas with mixed sand and shell
Boat anglers can reach productive offshore sandbanks, but many excellent flounder are caught within easy casting distance of the shoreline.
Fishing during an incoming tide often improves catches, as feeding fish move into shallower water.
The Fishing Seasons by Month in Sea, Shore and Boat Fishing for Flounder
| Month | Fishing Quality | Typical Behaviour |
|---|---|---|
| January | Fair | Fish remain in deeper water |
| February | Fair | Limited winter feeding |
| March | Good | Activity increases |
| April | Excellent | Fish move into shallow bays |
| May | Outstanding | Peak spring fishing |
| June | Excellent | Active along sandy beaches |
| July | Excellent | Productive during warm evenings |
| August | Excellent | Consistent feeding |
| September | Very Good | Excellent shore fishing |
| October | Good | Fish gradually move deeper |
| November | Fair | Reduced activity |
| December | Fair | Winter conditions |
Recommended Equipment for Flounder in the Sea
Light tackle provides excellent sport and allows anglers to detect the subtle bites often associated with flounder.
Rod
- 9–12 ft beach casting rod
- 7–9 ft light spinning rod
- Light boat rod
Reel
- 2500–4000 size spinning reel
Line
- 10–20 lb braided line
- 0.30–0.50 mm fluorocarbon or monofilament leader
Popular Rigs
- Running ledger rig
- Two-hook flapper rig
- Paternoster rig
- Carolina rig
Natural Baits
- Ragworms
- Lugworms
- Shrimp
- Mussels
- Squid strips
- Small fish strips
- Sandworms
Essential Equipment
- Sand spike or rod rest
- Landing net
- Long pliers
- Bait knife
- Bucket for bait
- Polarized sunglasses
Ocean Fishing (Deep Sea Fishing) for Flounder
Deep-sea fishing is generally less common for European flounder, as they prefer relatively shallow coastal waters. However, larger specimens may be caught on offshore sandbanks and deeper fjord bottoms.
The best offshore habitats include:
- Sandy plateaus
- Mud bottoms
- Offshore sandbanks
- Gentle slopes
- Fjord basins
- Shell beds
- Flat seabeds adjacent to reefs
Fishing with natural bait presented directly on the seabed is by far the most productive method.
The Fishing Seasons by Month in Ocean Fishing for Flounder
| Month | Fishing Quality | Typical Behaviour |
|---|---|---|
| January | Fair | Deep offshore holding areas |
| February | Fair | Limited activity |
| March | Good | Feeding gradually increases |
| April | Very Good | Fish move shallower |
| May | Excellent | Peak season |
| June | Excellent | Productive offshore sandbanks |
| July | Excellent | Stable feeding |
| August | Excellent | Excellent conditions |
| September | Very Good | Active before autumn |
| October | Good | Fish move deeper |
| November | Fair | Reduced feeding |
| December | Fair | Winter conditions |
Recommended Equipment for Flounder in the Ocean
Offshore flounder fishing focuses on light bottom-fishing techniques.
Rod
- 12–20 lb boat rod
- Medium-light bottom fishing rod
Reel
- 3000–5000 size spinning reel
- Small multiplier reel
Line
- 15–20 lb braided line
- Fluorocarbon leader
Effective Rigs
- Two-hook bottom rigs
- Running ledger rigs
- Paternoster rigs
Effective Natural Baits
- Ragworms
- Lugworms
- Shrimp
- Mussels
- Squid
- Fish strips
Essential Equipment
- Fish finder
- Landing net
- Bait board
- Long pliers
- Waterproof clothing
- Offshore safety equipment
Best Fishing Regions in Norway for Flounder
European flounder are distributed along much of Norway’s coastline, especially where sheltered sandy habitats are available.
Southern Norway
Southern Norway offers some of the country’s most accessible flounder fishing.
Top destinations include:
- Kristiansand
- Mandal
- Farsund
- Lindesnes
- Oslofjord
- Skagerrak Coast
Western Norway
Flounder are regularly found in sheltered bays and fjord systems.
Popular locations include:
- Hardangerfjord
- Boknafjord
- Sognefjord (lower sections)
- Stavanger region
- Karmøy
Central Norway
Several sheltered coastal areas support healthy flounder populations.
Recommended areas include:
- Trondheimsfjord
- Fosen Peninsula
- Hitra
- Frøya
Northern Norway
Although less common than farther south, flounder are still present in suitable sheltered coastal habitats.
Potential destinations include:
- Helgeland Coast
- Salten
- Selected sheltered fjords in Nordland
European flounder are one of Norway’s most enjoyable and accessible saltwater species. Their abundance in shallow coastal waters, willingness to take simple natural baits, and suitability for shore fishing make them an excellent target for anglers of all ages and experience levels. Whether fishing from a quiet sandy beach, a harbour wall, or a small boat drifting across a sheltered bay, flounder provide consistent action and delicious table fare throughout much of the year.
