Halibut vs Sole vs Sanddab vs Flounder

I have been doing sanddab/sole fishing during the non-rockfishing season.  To prevent catching undersized halibut, I have been carrying the following fish ID Chart.  Sanddabs are left-eyed and small but soles get big and right-eyed.

Do you have any other recommendations?

I find halibut easy to distinguish from the others, but I so rarely catch any other flatfish, they often confuse me.

I totally thought a Sole was a baby halibut, and it was a pretty good size sole  3$J helped show me the difference in the arch over the pectoral fin, where it's a soft arc on a sole, and a sort of sharp up curve then flattened out.  Look on the bottom/white side it's easier to distinguish.  My pics aren't great, but maybe you can see what i'm talking about.  And now that I view them side by side, the heads are on the opposite sides of their bodies 

Oh well a quick search shows that both can have eyes on either side, but generally are on the right. 

CA Hali also have 4 white dots along the sides at all stages of life.

Look for the sharp teeth 

i'd also say halibut have a distinct smell

Oh well a quick search shows that both can have eyes on either side, but generally are on the right.

Thank you.  Both fish photos appear to have a high arch over the pectoral fin.
Per the CDFW chart, Soles are right-eyed and CA halibuts are usually left-eyed but can be left-eyed.

CA Hali also have 4 white dots along the sides at all stages of life.

Thank you.  That is a new information for me.  I will look for white dots
Paul

Look for the sharp teeth 

I got bit by my wife's halibut before when I accidentally grabbed its mouth.

Stoutness? Can take a kickin and keep on lickin 

CA Hali also have 4 white dots along the sides at all stages of life.

Thank you.  That is a new information for me.  I will look for white dots
Paul

This is what it's all about.  I call them "stars".  The white dots around the perimeter of the body near the fins are key.

CA Hali also have 4 white dots along the sides at all stages of life.

Thank you.  That is a new information for me.  I will look for white dots
Paul

This is what it's all about.  I call them "stars".  The white dots around the perimeter of the body near the fins are key.

Thank you, Eric.  I need to find new halibut destinations near Mendocino.  I used to catch halibuts from Santa Cruz, Monterey, Bolinas, and Tomales Bay.  However, after I retire to Fort Bragg, it isn't easy to travel to these locations.

I totally thought a Sole was a baby halibut, and it was a pretty good size sole  3$J helped show me the difference in the arch over the pectoral fin, where it's a soft arc on a sole, and a sort of sharp up curve then flattened out.  Look on the bottom/white side it's easier to distinguish.  My pics aren't great, but maybe you can see what i'm talking about.  And now that I view them side by side, the heads are on the opposite sides of their bodies 

I agree that the steep arch in the lateral line is a key identifying characteristic for halibut. But your second picture labeled sole.jpg really looks like a halibut to me.

i'd also say halibut have a distinct smell

they got that stank!