Rex sole wasn’t even tracked as a separate species until the 1930s, but it has certainly caught up: Landings in 2004 were nearly four times those of sand dabs.

First, though, don’t waste time mourning the ‘dab. This is no murder mystery. The sand dab isn’t really dead, just lying low due to recent changes in fishery regulations.

Considered by many to be a gourmet item, sand dabs are numerous and easy to catch from deeper waters of 180-200 feet. Some fishing charter operations have been doing well with petrale sole lately.

Sand dabs are found in abundance on flat sandy areas from 60 on out to 300 feet of water or more. The small flatfish are a prolific species in our waters, and a member of the Family ...