Fish

Fine flounder (Peruvian flounder)

Lenguado (lenguado fino)

Paralichthys adspersus

Saltwater

At a glance

Typical size

1–5 lb.

Depth

5–150 ft.

Best time

Daytime on a moving tide.

Found in

3 areas

Spot it, size it up and learn its habits.

Identification: Left-eyed flounder (both eyes on the left side) with a brown, spotted top side, a large mouth with sharp teeth, and a white underside.
Typical size: 1–5 lb.
Maximum size: About 28 in and around 10 lb.
Diet: Small fish, shrimp and squid.
Behavior: Lies buried in sand and ambushes passing fish; moves into shallow bays in summer.

Where, when and how deep to look.

Where to find it: Found from Peru, Northern & Central Chile and Pacific Colombia & Ecuador. Sandy bottoms in bays, beaches and near rocks from Ecuador to Chile.
Habitat: Sandy bottoms in bays, beaches and near rocks from Ecuador to Chile.
Depth: 5–150 ft.
Fishing depth: 10–50 ft.
Best season: Summer is best.
Best time: Daytime on a moving tide.
Best tides: Moving tide.
Best weather / conditions: Calm, clear water.

What to tie on and what to throw.

The rod, reel, line and lures BigJoe would use.

Also at Bass Pro Shops: Rod Reel Line Leader Rig Swimbaits Net

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Step by step, from first cast to landing.

Go where it lives: Sandy bottoms in bays, beaches and near rocks from Ecuador to Chile.
Rig up: Medium spinning rod. 20–30 lb fluorocarbon.
Pick your bait: Live small fish (pejerrey, anchoveta) and shrimp. Lures: Soft plastics and jigs dragged on the bottom.
Fish it: Drift slowly over sandy bottom with live bait or drag soft plastics; give it a moment before setting the hook.
Time it: Daytime on a moving tide. Moving tide.

Fishing techniques: Drift slowly over sandy bottom with live bait or drag soft plastics; give it a moment before setting the hook.
BigJoe's tip: Flounder often grab the bait sideways — wait a few seconds before you strike.
Catch and release: Catch and release: wet your hands, keep the fish in the water when you can, and release it quickly. Use circle hooks and a dehooker.

Is it good to eat, and how to prepare it.

Edibility: Excellent eating — one of the best-tasting fish in its range.
Cleaning: Bleed and ice it right away. Fillet, then remove the skin and any dark bloodline.
Cooking suggestions: The king of Peruvian ceviche — firm, sweet white meat; also great as tiradito or fried.

Safety, rules and taking care of the fishery.

Safety warnings: Sharp teeth.
Regulations: Peru and Chile set minimum sizes; check local rules. Each country sets its own rules: Chile requires a recreational fishing license (from Sernapesca) for sea and fresh water, and Peru and Ecuador have their own size limits and closed seasons. Marine reserves and some bays are closed — check local rules before you keep fish.
Conservation: Overfished in many areas; follow size limits.

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Sources & photo credits