Horrible fluke fishing

[Togfather2530]

Went to the AR reef area Friday with ok results. 6 keepers over 19”, 2 very nice sized sea bass, and 1 porgy. No off the wall action but managed some fish.

Sat: stayed closer in around the hook and the Ambrose channel. Horrible fishing. Very little action all day. Drift was shitty for most of day.

Overall I will say I feel fluke fishing is terrible in this area compared to what it was 10 years ago. I cannot see any way anyone could possibly disagree with this. I guess the 18” regulations are finally starting to show their results.

[Rocky]

OUCH!

Honestly I can't believe more fishermen were not up in arms and protesting years ago when fishery management was leading us down this dark road.

Sad to say many fisherman are finally waking up to this dilemma several years much too late.

[Cuz]

Everyone complains. But how many put their fair share into organizations who actually go to meetings and fight for the fisherman? One day I walked around a half day boat with sixty fairs. I gave out fliers to join one of these organizations. Four people said they belong. Forty didn't even know what the hell I was talking about. The others took the flyers which I dated. Not ONE came back to our office with a membership contribution. And this is just one boat one day of the year. It's so sad. How the hell can so many people complain like broken records if they don't help or get involved? I'm at a lost for answers. I just shake my head in disgust!

[SaltLife1980]

We crushed em today. Boat limit to 8#

[AndyS]

It all depends on what color Gulp you were using.

[bulletbob]

Originally Posted by AndyS

It all depends on what color Gulp you were using.

correct.. Also, Fluke eat GULP and nothing else. they can ONLY be caught with GULP, and ONLY with the newest colors.

[Togfather2530]

I cast netted live peanut bunker like a real fisherman lol. Also I have plenty of variety of gulp and also spearing and squid as well. I simply try to post an honest report and I’m actually letting other member know where I was fishing and not just putting vague reports on. We used multiple varieties of gulp, spearing, peanut bunker, squid. Listen guys we shouldn’t have to run to these distant reefs and rocks to catch these fluke. It’s understandable if your only targeting jumbos but the quantity of fish and bites in general on the bottom is a joke. I’m hoping this is just a cycle thing but I will tell you that if it doesn’t turn around in the next year or two I’m afraid to say it’s the result of taking all the breeders. When fishing was actually good in this area we could drift inshore and catch shorts and occasional keepers constantly. I feel bad for the party boats that have to try to sell it.

[Togfather2530]

Originally Posted by Cuz

Everyone complains. But how many put their fair share into organizations who actually go to meetings and fight for the fisherman? One day I walked around a half day boat with sixty fairs. I gave out fliers to join one of these organizations. Four people said they belong. Forty didn't even know what the hell I was talking about. The others took the flyers which I dated. Not ONE came back to our office with a membership contribution. And this is just one boat one day of the year. It's so sad. How the hell can so many people complain like broken records if they don't help or get involved? I'm at a lost for answers. I just shake my head in disgust!

I agree with you that we should all try to get involved but it’s kind of ridiculous that a bunch of bait and gulp draggers have to tell educated marine biologist and the like how to manage a fishery. They have a lot more education than I do. Wtf do I know other than my fishing experience of the declining conditions.

[Capt Joe]

Heh heh, educated marine biologist, that’s funny. Agenda established before you arrive at their meetings.
Nice to see the bulk of the Fluke in this area staying in the ocean all summer. Pleasant change of pace not having to wait for our turn😊😊😊

[Chelsea-Sea]

This app s the problem! We just take what they give us and say ok! I have been catching a lot of 17-171/2 inch fish, really nice fish. Follow the rules throw them back, great. Another month those same fish will be netted and sold at market! We all have become complacent and are happy with one or two fish a day for three or four guys! We allowed this to happen to ourselves. Just continue to be happy with what scraps they give you
Let’s fight back and have a day of civil unrest clog the courts and see what happens. Someone pick a day im in