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Yellowbelly flounder

Rhombosolea leporina

Yellowbelly flounder© FishBase (CC BY-NC)

The Yellowbelly flounder (Rhombosolea leporina) is a small, silvery flatfish prized for its delicate white flesh and is popular among coastal anglers for its ease of capture. It inhabits sandy and muddy bottoms in temperate marine waters and is often targeted from shore or small boats.

Fight
Taste
Game Fish

Basic Information

Family

Rhombosoleidae

Max Size

32 cm

Habitat

marine

Depth Range

1-50m

Climate

temperate

Best Season

Spring to Autumn (September–May)

Best Time

Early morning and late afternoon

Distribution

Select a map type to show distribution on the globe.

Fishing Tips for Yellowbelly flounder

  • Use light spinning gear and a sensitive tip to feel subtle bites
  • Fish near sandy flats and estuary mouths where they lie partially buried
  • Work small soft‑plastic lures or live bait just above the bottom
  • Troll or drift slowly to cover a larger area and locate active fish

Top Fishing Locations for Yellowbelly flounder

Port Phillip Bay

Australia
intermediate70% Very Common

A popular coastal inlet near Melbourne famed for abundant yellowbelly flounder on sandy flats and estuarine channels.

Best: November to February

Kaikoura

New Zealand
intermediate60% Common

Rugged South Island coastline where strong currents and kelp beds create ideal hunting grounds for yellowbelly flounder.

Best: December to March

Hauraki Gulf (Waiheke Island)

New Zealand
beginner55% Common

Sheltered gulf waters with extensive seagrass beds that attract large numbers of yellowbelly flounder during summer.

Best: January to March

Encounter Bay

Australia
beginner65% Common

South Australian bay with shallow sandbars and tidal flats, a hotspot for yellowbelly flounder during the warm months.

Best: October to February

Moeraki (Otago Coast)

New Zealand
expert40% Occasional

Remote east coast stretch where surf‑driven sandbars and rocky outcrops hold trophy‑size yellowbelly flounder.

Best: November to March

Bruny Island (South Coast, Tasmania)

Australia
intermediate50% Common

Tasmanian island known for clear water and deep troughs that concentrate yellowbelly flounder in summer.

Best: December to February

Market Prices

Recommended Fishing Equipment for Yellowbelly flounder

Recommended Equipment

RodLight‑to‑medium spinning rod, 5‑6 ft, fast action
Line4‑8 lb test monofilament or fluorocarbon
Lure TypeSmall soft‑plastic grubs, minnow jigs, or tiny spoon lures
TechniqueBottom fishing with a slow jigging motion or drift trolling

Best bait: Sandworms, live shrimp, or small baitfish strips