Wintertime Flounder

Fishing for flounder in Charleston, South Carolina during the winter can be a rewarding experience, even as the temperatures drop. While flounder are more commonly targeted in spring, summer, and fall, they’re still around in the winter months, including late February. Here’s what you need to know to make the most of it.

In winter, flounder tend to hang out in Charleston’s inshore waters—think tidal creeks, estuaries, and nearshore areas with muddy or sandy bottoms. They’re ambush predators, so they’ll be tucked in close to structure like oyster beds, docks, or creek mouths where tidal flow brings baitfish their way. As the water cools, they don’t migrate offshore as much as some might think; instead, they stick to these sheltered spots where the water stays a bit warmer and food is still accessible. Late February, like today—February 23, 2025—can still offer decent action, especially if you time it with a warming trend or a sunny day that nudges the fish into feeding.

Tides matter a lot this time of year. Focus on fishing the incoming or outgoing tides, when water movement stirs up bait and gets flounder active. Early morning or late afternoon can be prime, as the low light makes these flatfish feel more comfortable hunting. Look for spots where creeks narrow or where current pushes through bottlenecks—these are natural ambush points.

For gear, keep it simple but effective. A medium spinning rod with 12-15 lb test line works well, paired with a Carolina rig: a ¾ to 1-ounce egg sinker above a swivel, an 18-inch leader and a 1/0 or 2/0 Kahle or circle hook. Live bait is your best bet in winter—mud minnows, finger mullet, or shrimp will get their attention when they’re sluggish. Drag it slow along the bottom, mimicking a wounded baitfish. If you’re using artificials, soft plastics like a Zman paddletail on a heavy jighead can work too—just bounce it gently to stir up some mud and trigger a strike.

Flounder fishing in Charleston slows a bit in winter, but they don’t vanish. You might not fill the cooler as fast as you would in October, but fish in the 12-15 inch range are still catchable, with the occasional 20-incher if you’re lucky. They school up, so if you hook one, stick around—others are likely nearby. Just bundle up, check the tide charts, and enjoy the quiet beauty of the Lowcountry marshes while you’re at it. Charleston’s inshore scene stays alive year-round, and winter flounder are a tasty bonus for those willing to put in the time.