Mastering the art of fishing in Stardew Valley is essential for players who want to complete the Community Center, cook every recipe, or simply maximize their farm’s profitability. Among the many species available, the Flounder is a versatile saltwater fish that serves several purposes. While it may not be the most valuable fish in terms of raw gold, it is a required ingredient for specific quests and high-quality cooked dishes. Understanding the specific patterns, locations, and requirements for catching a Flounder will save you time and frustration as you progress through the seasons.
Where to Find Flounder
The Flounder is strictly a saltwater fish. This means you will not find it in the mountain lake, the river running through Pelican Town, or the pond on your farm unless you have chosen the Beach Farm layout. To catch a Flounder, you must head to the Beach on the south side of Pelican Town.
Once you are at the Beach, you can cast your line into the ocean from the docks near Willy’s Fish Shop or from the shoreline. If you have repaired the bridge leading to the tide pools using 300 pieces of wood, you can also fish from that eastern section of the beach. The specific spot on the beach does not significantly affect your chances of hooking a Flounder, provided you are casting into the deep blue ocean water.
Seasonal and Time Requirements
Fishing in Stardew Valley is heavily dependent on the time of day and the current season. You cannot catch a Flounder year-round without special items.
Seasons
Flounder are available during the Spring and Summer. If you are currently in Fall or Winter, you will not find them in the ocean under normal circumstances. This makes it important to plan ahead if you know you need a Flounder for a specific purpose, such as a villager’s birthday gift or a recipe.
Time of Day
Unlike some fish that only appear at night or during the early morning, the Flounder has a relatively generous window. You can catch them between 6:00 AM and 8:00 PM. This covers almost the entire daylight cycle of a standard day in Pelican Town. Once the clock hits 8:00 PM, the Flounder disappears from the spawn pool, replaced by nocturnal ocean species like the Eel or the Halibut.
Weather
The weather does not restrict the Flounder. Whether it is a clear sunny day or a stormy afternoon with lightning, the Flounder remains available during its active seasons. This reliability makes it a great target for days when other weather-dependent fish are unavailable.
Fishing Mechanics and Difficulty
The Flounder is classified as a “Sinker” fish. In the fishing mini-game, Sinker fish have a specific movement pattern where they tend to move downward more quickly than other types. The Flounder has a difficulty rating of 50.
For a beginner, a difficulty of 50 might pose a slight challenge, but for an intermediate player with a few levels in the Fishing skill, it is quite manageable. The fish does not dart erratically like a Sturgeon or a Pufferfish. Instead, it moves with a steady, predictable pace. Using a Fiberglass Rod or an Iridium Rod will make the process easier, especially if you attach Bait to increase the bite rate.
Alternative Ways to Acquire Flounder
If you missed the Spring and Summer seasons, or if you simply prefer not to fish, there are a few other ways to obtain a Flounder.
The Traveling Cart
The Traveling Cart appears in the Cindersap Forest every Friday and Sunday. The merchant sells a random assortment of items, which often includes fish. You can check the cart regularly to see if a Flounder is available for purchase. The price usually ranges from 300 to 1,000 Gold.
Magic Bait
Once you reach the late-game content and gain access to Qi’s Walnut Room on Ginger Island, you can purchase the recipe for Magic Bait. Using Magic Bait allows you to catch any fish regardless of the season, time, or weather. By using Magic Bait at the Beach during Winter, you can still hook a Flounder.
Garbage Cans
While it is rare, you can occasionally find fish by checking garbage cans around Pelican Town. If you check the cans during Spring or Summer, there is a small chance a Flounder might be inside. Be careful not to let the villagers see you rummaging through the trash, as it will lower your friendship points with them.
Uses for Flounder
The Flounder is more than just a piece of seafood to sell. It plays a role in several aspects of the game.
Cooking
The most notable use for Flounder is in the Seafoam Pudding recipe. This dish is incredibly powerful for dedicated fishers because it grants a +4 Fishing buff. To cook Seafoam Pudding, you need one Flounder, one Midnight Carp, and one Squid Ink. This buff is essential for catching legendary fish like the Legend or the Glacierfish. Additionally, Flounder can be used in generic “any fish” recipes like Sashimi, Maki Rolls, or Quality Fertilizer.
Bundles and Quests
The Flounder is a required item for the Ocean Fish Bundle in the Fish Tank at the Community Center. Completing this bundle is necessary to repair the Fish Tank and eventually the entire building. Occasionally, a villager may request a Flounder on the “Help Wanted” board outside Pierre’s General Store. Completing these requests grants you gold and increases your friendship with that villager.
Fish Ponds
If you place a Flounder in a Fish Pond on your farm, they will reproduce. A pond full of Flounder will produce Flounder Roe, which can be processed in a Preserves Jar to make Aged Roe. While not the most profitable fish pond option, it provides a steady supply of Flounder if you plan on making a large amount of Seafoam Pudding.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I catch Flounder on Ginger Island?
Yes, Flounder can be caught in the ocean on Ginger Island. Since Ginger Island follows its own rules for seasons, many fish are available there year-round. You can find Flounder in the ocean waters surrounding the island at any time of the year, provided you fish during the 6:00 AM to 8:00 PM window.
What is the best tackle to use for Flounder?
Since the Flounder has a “Sinker” pattern and a moderate difficulty, you do not necessarily need specialized tackle. However, if you are struggling, a Trap Bobber is always a solid choice as it makes the progress bar decrease slower when the fish is not in the fishing bar. A Lead Bobber can also help counteract the sinking movement of the fish.
Is Flounder used in any tailoring recipes?
Yes, you can use a Flounder in the sewing machine located at Emily and Haley’s house. Placing a Flounder in the feed and a piece of Cloth in the top slot will create the Sailor Shirt. This is a blue-and-white striped cosmetic item for your character.
Does the quality of the Flounder matter for Seafoam Pudding?
No, the quality of the fish (normal, silver, gold, or iridium) does not affect the stats of the cooked dish. A normal-quality Flounder will yield the same +4 Fishing buff as an iridium-quality one. It is best to sell your high-quality fish and save the normal-quality ones for cooking.
Why can’t I find Flounder in the river?
The Flounder is categorized as an ocean fish. In Stardew Valley, water sources are strictly divided into categories. The river that runs through the town and forest contains freshwater fish like Trout and Chub. To get a Flounder, you must be at the salt-water Beach or the Beach Farm.