Fishing Tips For Fluke

[Gerry Zagorski]

Fluke

Fluke are some of the best eating fish in NJ waters. They can weigh up to 10 lbs but 2 lbs is about the norm. They can be caught along the beaches, bays and tidal rivers and are usually fished fairly close to the shore. There are many party boats that fish for them exclusively . Fishing is best during the daylight hours.
Time of year
- Fluke usually arrive in June and are running strong through August. Best month is June.
How to :
- Drifting a combo of a squid strip and a live killie is the preferred bait. Using a 3 way swivel, tie the 3 way to the line coming off your pole. On the remaining 2 swivel loops clip a sinker directly to one loop and a 4 to 5 foot leader with a hook to the other. Use the lightest sinker that will allow you to hold bottom. Let your sinker hit the bottom and continue to bounce as you drift. Make sure your sinker is on the bottom or you won't catch fish. Set the hook immediately when you feel a bite or resistance.
- Bouncing a lead head jig with abucktail off the bottom dressed with a strip of squid is also a good method especially when you have a slow or non existent drift.
Best Places
- From north to south the most popular areas are as follows :
Sandy Hook Area : Sandy Hook and Raritan bay ,Flynns Knoll , Roamer Shoal, Keans burg , Keyport and Princess Bay.
Belmar: Close to shore off Spring Lake Hotel , Elberon and Deal.
Point Pleasant ; Barnegat bay and close to local beaches.
Barnegat Light : Barnegat bay and close to local beaches.
Great Bay Cape May : Delaware bay and close to local beaches.
Tips
- When party boat fishing you usually drift so try and stay in the bow or stern so you can easily shift to the side where the lines are drifting.
- Use an English style hook and often times fish will hook themselves.
- Keep your rig on the bottom or you won't catch fish. - Try to fish while tide is moving. You'll cover more area and your bait will look more natural since it's moving.