Platichthys flesus
Flounder
Flounder is a bottom fish found on sand and mixed ground. The difficulty is mostly choosing the right place and time.
About this fish
Beginner idea: do not try every method at once. Pick one method, understand depth, wind, and fish behaviour, then add complexity.
Where to find it
Look around rocks, breakwaters, harbour mouths, sandy patches, weed, and baitfish activity.
How to identify it
Compare body shape, fins, mouth, and colours with the photo before handling the fish.
How to catch it
Start with: bottom fishing. Keep the session simple, check depth, and move if bites do not come.
Baits and lures
- worms
- shrimp
Equipment
- leaders, sinkers, and hooks in several sizes matched to swell, bottom, and bait
- bucket, towel, pliers, and rock shoes
- 1.Check wind, swell, and safe access to the water.
- 2.Start around sunrise, sunset, or low-light periods.
- 3.If nothing happens for 20-30 minutes, change depth, lure, or angle.
Handling and rules
Not venomous. Wet your hands, use a landing net, and release quickly if you do not keep it.
Sea shore fishing usually does not need a license, but check harbours, protected zones, and local restrictions.
Where it lives in this guide
Forecast for Larnaca Coast
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What difficulty means
It is not fish size or danger. It means how hard it is to consistently find, trigger, and catch the species in real Cyprus conditions.
Beginner-friendly: simple tackle, clear bites, and less demand for perfect presentation.
Gear. Float rod, feeder, or simple bottom rig; small set of hooks, weights, and bait.
Weather. Best with wind under 18 km/h, moderate UV, and low rain chance.
Requires reading the spot: depth, wind, cover, fish activity, and retrieve speed.
Gear. Bring 2-3 methods, spare leaders, different weights/lures, and unhooking tools.
Weather. Wind at 18-28 km/h affects casting; watch gusts, pressure, and swell.
Hard to catch consistently: the species may be rare, local, seasonal, depth-sensitive, weather-sensitive, or active only in short windows.
Gear. Tackle depends on method and spot. Having options, patience, and spot-reading matters more than one 'correct' rig.
Weather. Watch activity windows: wind, pressure, clarity, water level, current, and light can matter more than the lure.