Flounder in Virginia

Flounder are a popular saltwater species found in the waters of Virginia. These flatfish are known for their unique appearance, with both eyes on one side of their body. Flounder are highly prized by anglers for their delicate white flesh and mild flavor.

In Virginia, flounder can be found in a variety of habitats, including sandy bottoms, oyster beds, and around structures such as docks and piers. They are commonly caught in coastal bays, estuaries, and nearshore waters.

Flounder are opportunistic feeders, preying on small fish, shrimp, and other crustaceans. Anglers targeting flounder often use live bait such as minnows, shrimp, or squid, as well as artificial lures like jigs and soft plastics.

When fishing for flounder, it is important to use light tackle and to pay close attention to subtle bites, as these fish are known for their gentle strikes. Anglers should also be mindful of regulations regarding flounder size and catch limits to ensure the sustainability of the fishery.

Overall, flounder fishing in Virginia offers anglers a rewarding and enjoyable experience, with the chance to catch a delicious and prized saltwater species.

  Below is an outline of the species of flounder found in Virginia's waters.

## Species of Flounder in Virginia's Waters

### 1. Summer Flounder (Paralichthys dentatus)

#### A. Habitat

   - Summer flounder are typically found in estuarine and coastal waters. They prefer sandy, muddy, or rocky bottoms where they can easily camouflage.

   

#### B. Diet

   - Their diet consists mainly of small fish, shrimp, and other invertebrates.

   

#### C. Where Found in Virginia

   - They are commonly found in the Chesapeake Bay, its tributaries, and along the Atlantic coastline.

#### D. Best Time of the Year to Catch

   - The best time to catch summer flounder is from late spring through early fall, with peak fishing occurring from May to September.

### 2. Southern Flounder (Paralichthys lethostigma)

#### A. Habitat

   - Southern flounder are usually found in estuaries and coastal areas, preferring muddy or sandy bottoms near seagrass beds and marsh edges.

   

#### B. Diet

   - Their diet includes a variety of small fish, crabs, and shrimp.

   

#### C. Where Found in Virginia

   - They can be found in the southern parts of the Chesapeake Bay and along the coast, particularly in the waters near Virginia Beach and the Eastern Shore.

#### D. Best Time of the Year to Catch

   - The best time to catch southern flounder is from late summer to early fall, typically from August to October.

### 3. Winter Flounder (Pseudopleuronectes americanus)

#### A. Habitat

   - Winter flounder prefer colder waters and are found in shallow bays, estuaries, and coastal waters with sandy or muddy bottoms.

   

#### B. Diet

   - Their diet consists mainly of polychaetes, small crustaceans, and other benthic invertebrates.

   

#### C. Where Found in Virginia

   - They are less common in Virginia compared to the other flounder species but can sometimes be found in the Chesapeake Bay's deeper, cooler waters during winter months.

#### D. Best Time of the Year to Catch

   - The best time to catch winter flounder is during the colder months, from late fall through early spring, peaking in January and February.

### 4. Gulf Flounder (Paralichthys albigutta)

#### A. Habitat

   - Gulf flounder are typically found in coastal waters and estuaries, favoring sandy or muddy bottoms near seagrass beds and reef structures.

   

#### B. Diet

   - Their diet includes small fish, shrimp, and various crustaceans.

   

#### C. Where Found in Virginia

   - While more common to the south, Gulf flounder may occasionally be found in the southern Chesapeake Bay and coastal waters of Virginia.

#### D. Best Time of the Year to Catch

   - The best time to catch Gulf flounder in Virginia is from late spring to early fall, with peak activity in the summer months.

By understanding the habitats, diets, and optimal fishing seasons for these flounder species, anglers can better target their efforts to successfully catch these fish in Virginia's waters.

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Sharks, Rays, and Skates of Virginia's Waters

Sharks, Rays, and Skates of Virginia's Waters

Introduction

Virginia's coastal waters are home to 12 species of sharks, 10 species of rays, and 13 species of skates, boasting one of the most diverse aquatic ecosystems on the East Coast. These fascinating creatures play vital ecological roles, from regulating prey populations to maintaining marine balance.

Sharks

 Sand tiger shark: A bottom-dwelling predator with distinctively banded teeth.

 Scalloped hammerhead shark: Easily recognizable for its unique head shape, this shark is a migratory species.

 Smooth dogfish: A small, common shark found in shallow waters.

 Spiny dogfish: Another small shark with a spiny dorsal fin.

 Dusky shark: A large, coastal shark known for its aggressive behavior.

 Sandbar shark: A coastal species that congregates in shallow waters.

 Tiger shark: A large, aggressive apex predator that preys on a variety of marine animals.

 Atlantic sharpnose shark: A small, coastal shark with a pointed snout.

 Finetooth shark: A deep-dwelling shark with a slender body.

 Dusky smoothhound shark: A small, coastal shark with a black back.

 Atlantic angel shark: A bottom-dwelling shark with a flattened body and wing-like pectoral fins.

 Little skate: A small, oval-shaped skate with four spines on its tail.

Rays

 Southern stingray: A common ray with a barbed tail that can cause severe injuries.

 Atlantic stingray: A large ray with a whip-like tail that is not barbed.

 Cownose ray: A large, migratory ray with a broad, rounded snout.

 Leopard ray: A spotted ray with a slender tail.

 Spotted eagle ray: A large, migratory ray with a distinctive spotted pattern.

 Bullnose ray: A small, bottom-dwelling ray with a blunt snout.

 Yellow stingray: A small, coastal ray with a bright yellow underside.

 Sharpnose stingray: A coastal ray with a slender, pointed snout.

 Clearnose skate: A small, bottom-dwelling skate with a transparent snout.

 Winter skate: A large, coastal skate with a pointed snout and spiny dorsal fins.

Skates

 Barndoor skate: A large, bottom-dwelling skate with a broad, flat body.

 Smooth skate: A small, bottom-dwelling skate with a smooth, oval-shaped body.

 Thorny skate: A small, bottom-dwelling skate with a spiny tail.

 Rosette skate: A small, bottom-dwelling skate with a distinctive rosette pattern on its back.

 Starry skate: A small, bottom-dwelling skate with a star-shaped pattern on its back.

 Bigeye skate: A large, bottom-dwelling skate with large, protruding eyes.

 Smoothback skate: A small, bottom-dwelling skate with a smooth, dark back.

 Sandpaper skate: A small, bottom-dwelling skate with rough, sandpaper-like skin.

 Little skate: A small, oval-shaped skate with four spines on its tail.

 Winter skate: A large, coastal skate with a pointed snout and spiny dorsal fins.

 Prickly skate: A small, bottom-dwelling skate with a pointed snout and spiny dorsal fins.

 Smooth skate: A small, bottom-dwelling skate with a smooth, oval-shaped body.

 Thorny skate: A small, bottom-dwelling skate with a spiny tail.

Ecological Importance

Sharks, rays, and skates play crucial roles in the marine ecosystem. Top predators like sharks help control prey populations and regulate the flow of energy through the food web. Rays and skates are bottom-feeders that consume invertebrates, helping to keep populations of these creatures in check.

Additionally, these animals serve as important food sources for larger predators, such as dolphins, sea turtles, and larger fish. Their presence indicates a healthy and balanced marine environment.

Conclusion

Virginia's waters are rich in shark, ray, and skate diversity, with each species contributing to the intricate web of life in this vibrant coastal ecosystem. These fascinating creatures not only captivate our imagination but also play vital ecological roles, underscoring the importance of preserving their habitats and ensuring their continued presence in our marine environment.