FISHES OF CHESAPEAKE BAY 
167 
out the bay are made during May, October, and November. The bulk of the catch often is taken 
during November. The summer flounder can be taken during December, but nearly all fishing 
in the bay, except for small fyke nets, ceases the latter part of November. The most productive 
flounder fishing remembered by Chesapeake Bay fishermen occurred during 1921. In one set of 
two pound nets located at Lynnhaven Roads, Va., 25,605 pounds were caught during 22 fishing 
days in November. This amount was equivalent to the total catch of flounders made by these two 
nets during the entire fishing seasons of the years 1916 to 1919, inclusive. In a set of two pound 
nets at Ocean View, Va., a total of 4,000 pounds of flounders was taken on November 25 and 26, 
constituting the largest two-day catch ever known in this locality. 
The greater part of the catch of summer flounders in the Chesapeake is taken below the Potomac 
River, particularly from Mobjack Bay to the Capes. However, it is taken in commercial quantities, 
at least, as far north as Love Point, Md. The summer flounder is rarely taken north of Baltimore. 
It takes the hook freely and offers good resistance. Sport fishermen catch many flounders from 
Annapolis, Md., southward, of which no record is made. 
The summer flounder is a well-flavored fish, although the meat is rather dry. Its good flavor 
is best brought out when baked. A large part of the catch is shipped to markets located principally 
between Washington and New York. Comparatively good prices are frequently obtained, par- 
ticularly during the heavy November run when fresh fish of other species are not plentiful in northern 
markets. During 1921 and 1922, the wholesale price usually ranged from 4 to 10 cents a pound. 
The name “summer flounder,” which is used in the northern part of the range of the present 
species, doubtless originated from its occurrence in those waters only during the summer. This 
name distinguished it from the winter flounder, which is most abundant during cold weather. The 
present species is nearly always simply called “flounder” on Chesapeake Bay. The winter flounder, 
Pseudopleuronectes americanus , is rarely referred to as flounder, for it is known there as “halibut” or 
“holibut. ” The summer flounder is the same fish that is called “fluke” or “plaice” in New York. 
This species is reported to reach a maximum length of 3 feet and a weight of 10 to 25 pounds. 
The usual size of the fish seen in the markets of the Chesapeake, however, range from to 6 pounds 
in weight, and only occasionally one weighing 8 or 9 pounds is seen. 
Habitat. — Shore waters from Maine to South Carolina and probably to Florida. 
Chesapeake localities. — (a) Previous records: St. George Island, Md., Hampton Creek and 
Cape Charles City, Va., and entrance of Chesapeake Bay. ( b ) Specimens in collection: From 
many localities from Annapolis, Md., to the Capes; taken chiefly in shallow water during the summer; 
many small specimens also were taken by the Fish Hawk during the winter months in water measur- 
ing as much as 25 fathoms in depth. 
Comparison of lengths and weights of P. dentatus 
Length, in millimeters 
Number 
of speci- 
mens 
Average 
length, in 
inches 
Average 
weight, in 
ounces 
Length, in millimeters 
Number 
of speci- 
mens 
Average 
lengthen 
inches 
Average 
weight, in 
ounces 
189 
1 
7. 4 
2.3 
340-359 
3 
13.7 
14.2 
200-219. 
15 
8.3 
3.0 
360-379 
6 
14.6 
17.7 
220-239. 
17 
9. 0 
3. 8 
380-399 
3 
15.3 
21.2 
240-259 . 
20 
9. 7 
4. 7 
400-439 
3 
16.3 
25.7 
260-279.. 
23 
10. 6 
5.9 
440-459 
3 
17.7 
32.8 
280-299. 
14 
11. 4 
7.9 
465. .. 
1 
18. 2 
35.3 
300-319 . 
6 
12. 2 
9.4 
497 
1 
19.5 
41.3 
320-339 
5 
13.2 
11.9 
59. Genus LIMANDA Gottsche. Mud dabs 
Teeth chiefly uniserial; lateral line with a distinct arch in front and without an accessory 
dorsal branch; scales imbricate, strongly ctenoid. The single species of this genus is reported 
from Chesapeake Bay. 
49826-28- 12 
