2024 Fluke Season Thus Far…

[JettiCrawler85]

So I think it’s fair to say that up until mid June the season was pretty good. I fish jettys and beach front and had a couple banner days catching lots of fluke and weeding through the shorts to box up.

But the last 4-5 weeks have been total trash. The constant south to south east wind has totally screwed things up. The water is ice cold still.

I fished 5 jettys today from Avon north to Ocean Gate. Not 1 bite. Tons of baitfish in the water to so makes no sense.

The fish were here in June for sure - where did they go? Do they move back offshore into deeper water due to this cold snap of constant south east wind or are they still there just lock jawed starving themselves to death!?

The spear fisherman are not even seeing any fluke in the rocks like normally.

Horrible - I really hope this isn’t a fishery issue.

[Broad Bill]

Look at the few keepers being posted. Many of them have bulging stomachs so I personally don't believe they're not feeding. If the shorts are feeding, the larger fish should be too if they were there. I think the draggers have done a number on them and the stock's older age class fish after years of being targeted are taking it's toll. South wind definitely isn't helping matters but these fish migrate to our waters from great distances and have to feed. If no one's found a pile in the shallows, mid range or deeper waters, rock piles or on structure personally I absolutely think it's a problem with the fishery which I've been saying for years. Why else were quotas decreased by 30% this year, all not good signs and when taken as a whole suggests a declining stock.

[Detour66]

Originally Posted by Broad Bill

Look at the few keepers being posted. Many of them have bulging stomachs so I personally don't believe they're not feeding. If the shorts are feeding, the larger fish should be too if they were there . I think the draggers have done a number on them and the stock's older age class fish after years of being targeted are taking it's toll. South wind definitely isn't helping matters but these fish migrate to our waters from great distances and have to feed. If no one's found a pile in the shallows, mid range or deeper waters, rock piles or on structure personally I absolutely think it's a problem with the fishery which I've been saying for years. Why else were quotas decreased by 30% this year, all not good signs and when taken as a whole suggests a declining stock.

So if what you are saying is true. And I don't doubt it. I'm sure the powers to be will take it out on us the recreational fisherman as they always do. I think it was a year or so ago they admitted to over estimating the recreational catch by 40% and then they allow the commercial guys to even catch more! It's really not fair but what is? If it keeps up there will be a lot of boats for sale and the whole NJ industry will take more of a dive than it all ready has.

[Jigman13]

I got 2 keepers this AM on single jig just south of asbury. Water was loaded with peanuts about 2 to 3" in size.

[Detour66]

Originally Posted by Jigman13

I got 2 keepers this AM on single jig just south of asbury. Water was loaded with peanuts about 2 to 3" in size.

If the peanuts are in the surf this early in the season I would think that's where the predator fish are including fluke!

[Jigman13]

Originally Posted by Detour66

If the peanuts are in the surf this early in the season I would think that's where the predator fish are including fluke!

At the top of the tide, there were shoals of peanuts sliding north with the current sweep. The keepers I landed spit up fresh, undigested baits. It was pretty thick until they were out of reach with the dropping tide

[jasm1n8]

Today is actually a better day for me on the fluke ground.
I got 3 keepers. 19-23".
I fished right near the V. bridge.

[tuna john]

been worst I have seen. Cold water has killed bite here in cape May. Had good early season but last few trips 0 to 3 keepers for 6 anglers. All we see ton of ling