Fluke Fishing - Does Boat Traffic Matter?

[Bucktailboys.com]

I know with certain fish they get spooked with boat traffic. Never really thought of it until this weekend.

Do you feel that boat traffic will shut down the fluke bite? We fished in shallow water. Thanks in advance for your feedback.

[Fisherman120]

Shallow water? Yes, absolutely. Happens to me all the time in the surf. In deeper water I doubt it but can't say I've really noticed.

[Bucktailboys.com]

Thanks, never realized how much but sure did for me too yesterday.

[hookset]

I would say 20 foot and less, yes!!!

[Reel Class]

Fluke are predators. Conditions, current, moon phase, bait migration, or hundreds of boats and jetskis zipping around just above them all contribute to them getting thrown off their game and getting spooked. They'll just go somewhere else and find what they're looking for :)

[Capt. Lou]

Not necessarily, I can understand the reluctance of any angler feeling this way , BUT on numerous occasions I've drifted much traveled shallow waterways & even with somewhat constant boat traffic , albeit slow running we had good to grt catches !
One in particular comes to mind where we took 38 fluke & a a dozen keepers while both party & private boats ran this channel !
It was early season probably about now or maybe June , however no fish over a couple lbs , but nice action !
I'm sure some areas can get effected more than others , but sometimes it's worth a shot !!
It only takes a couple of drifts to ascertain if fish R there !

[hammerin hank]

We also caught fish in the Manasquan River from the 35 bridge to Clark's Landing, drifting the slopes of the main channe 8' to 10' with boats and jet skis ripping by, I guess it depends on the area, maybe the fish get accustomed to the boat traffic????? Spent $100. Bucks on fuel , sailed all the way up to Sandy Hook, caught 4 keepers to 5 lbs, then back at my dock at Hoffmans, my kid, nails an 9.5 lb,fish in our slip, just goofing around,,, GO FIGURE!!!!

[Gerry Zagorski]

One thing I've noticed fishing Ambrose and Raritan Reach channel is when one of those big tankers come through it definitely shuts the bite down.

[reason162]

One thing I've noticed fishing Ambrose and Raritan Reach channel is when one of those big tankers come through it definitely shuts the bite down.

Them props run deep.

[NoLimit]

Nope

Caught a dozen including a 32" fluke last memorial weekend in the river with nonstop boat traffic

Bite ended only with the change in tide