Windowpane Flounder: Facts, Records, and How to Catch Them | FishyAF
What is a Windowpane Flounder fish?
The Windowpane Flounder looks like someone forgot to finish painting it — thin, almost see-through, and perfectly designed to vanish on the seafloor. This flat little ambusher hides under the sand until something tasty swims by… then bam! — gone fish.
The first FishyAF ambassador to check this ghostly species off the list? @marktheshark13, who pulled one up while drifting the New Jersey coast and wondering if it was even real. Spoiler: it was.
Whether you’re here for Windowpane Flounder facts, Windowpane Flounder fishing tips, or to find out what the world record is, you’re in the right place. Click here to see what Windowpane anglers are wearing.
🐟 Windowpane Flounder Quick Facts
| Fact | Info |
|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Scophthalmus aquosus |
| Average Size | 8–14 inches (usually < 1 lb) |
| World Record | ~2 lbs — western Atlantic |
| Habitat | Shallow sandy bottoms (20–100 ft) from Gulf of St. Lawrence to South Carolina |
| Edible? | Yes — white, delicate flesh; perfect pan-fried |
❓ FAQs About Windowpane Flounder
Where can you catch Windowpane Flounder?
They haunt shallow coastal waters of the northwest Atlantic — sandy flats and bays from Maine to the Carolinas, with dense numbers off New Jersey and Cape Cod.
How big do Windowpane Flounder get?
Usually under 1 lb and 8–14 inches long, though outliers reach 18 inches. Flat, wide, and weirdly photogenic if you’re into translucent fish selfies.
What is the world record Windowpane Flounder?
The heaviest recorded hit just over 2 lbs — not giant, but impressive for a fish that’s basically a living tortilla with eyes.
What is the size limit for Windowpane Flounder?
⚠️ Always check your local DNR before keeping any. They’re often covered by general flatfish regulations.
Are Windowpane Flounder good to eat?
Yes — mild, sweet, and flaky. Small fillets but high-end flavor. Excellent lightly breaded or sautéed.
How do you cook a Windowpane Flounder?
Best pan-fried in butter with lemon. Cook quickly — they’re thin and overcook fast.
What is the best recipe for Windowpane Flounder?
Simple Lemon Butter Flounder: dust fillets in flour, sear in butter till golden, finish with lemon juice and parsley. Eat immediately, preferably seaside.
What is the best bait to catch a Windowpane Flounder?
Small pieces of squid, clam, or shrimp bounced along sandy bottom. They’ll also hit tiny bucktails or slow-worked jigs.
😂 FishyAF Windowpane Flounder Joke
The Windowpane Flounder — the only fish that can ghost you and mean it literally.
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🧢 Gear Up with FishyAF
Top flounder hunters wear our Switchback Hats and Offshore Hoodies. Don’t just catch fish — look FishyAF doing it.