Species guide

How to catch Fantail flounder

Xystreurys liolepis

Stylized 2D illustration of Fantail flounder
saltwatergame fishParalichthyidae

The fantail flounder is a flatfish known for its short, deep body and habit of burying itself in muddy or sandy bottoms. It primarily hunts crustaceans on the ocean floor. This species is considered a game fish and can grow up to 63 cm in length.

Where they live

Found in the Pacific waters of North America, the fantail flounder lives on muddy and sandy seabeds from shallow 5 meters to depths of around 79 meters. It often buries itself in the bottom sediment.

Typical size

Up to about 64 cm

What they eat

  • benthic crustaceans

Best baits

  • shrimp
  • crab pieces
  • small crustaceans

Best lures

  • soft plastic grub
  • jigs
  • small baitfish imitations

How to fish for them

  • bottom fishing
  • drift fishing
  • jigging

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How to catch Fantail flounder | Bobbr