Fewer Fluke Reports?

[Tombro]

Originally Posted by Togfather2530

Hurricane Sandy and going to the sticky stuff LOL. Everyone has their answers of how you have to catch fish now. The truth of it is fluke fishing sucks compared to the way it was 10 to 15 years ago. No sense in sugarcoating anything. I know you know the answer to your own question and just need reassuring so I’m giving you that reassurance.

This!!!

[Billfish715]

Gerry, Are you noticing a decline in the fluke reports on this site? Except for two sponsor PB’s in the Atlantic Highlands area that make regular postings with results, I don’t see many/any other PB’s posting catches. Are they doing it on Facebook or other social media or is the fishing just that bad resulting in crickets on this board?

Finally, When was the last posting of a doormat being caught? Dakota and others have been warning of the numbers of large and extra large fluke that are being boxed by the commercials at the expense of the smaller culls because the bigger fish bring a higher price per pound at the market. The smaller fluke that are culled become crab food while the much bigger females are put on ice. In both cases, once a fluke has been hauled in a set for a mile or more and squashed by other fluke and bycatch, when it hits the deck, it’s pretty much dead. Those that will bring the higher $$$$$’s are also dead. It’s a lose/lose situation. If you are looking for doormats, look in the ice-filled totes at your local fish co-op.

[Detour66]

Many spots that I use to fish in the bay and the ocean with success are loaded with dogfish. I don't even try there anymore cause I know what's going to happen. You can't get to the bottom for more than a minute and you have one on. This has to be hurting the Fluke fishing to a certain degree. The fluke don't have a chance getting to your bait!

[Duffman]

Fuel prices has to be a part of it. I can’t remember my marina being this empty. A ghost town during the week and very light crowd on the weekend. This is for the non fishing people and well. Even the day cruisers I’d see every week arent heading out.

Wind as well this year. Seems like every time I can head out it’s blowing 20+. Yesterday afternoon was brutal!!

[Gerry Zagorski]

Originally Posted by Duffman

Fuel prices has to be a part of it. I can’t remember my marina being this empty. A ghost town during the week and very light crowd on the weekend. This is for the non fishing people and well. Even the day cruisers I’d see every week arent heading out.

Wind as well this year. Seems like every time I can head out it’s blowing 20+. Yesterday afternoon was brutal!!

Agreed and the brutal hot temps are keeping people in their homes as well..

[Gerry Zagorski]

Originally Posted by Billfish715

Gerry, Are you noticing a decline in the fluke reports on this site? Except for two sponsor PB’s in the Atlantic Highlands area that make regular postings with results, I don’t see many/any other PB’s posting catches. Are they doing it on Facebook or other social media or is the fishing just that bad resulting in crickets on this board?

Finally, When was the last posting of a doormat being caught? Dakota and others have been warning of the numbers of large and extra large fluke that are being boxed by the commercials at the expense of the smaller culls because the bigger fish bring a higher price per pound at the market. The smaller fluke that are culled become crab food while the much bigger females are put on ice. In both cases, once a fluke has been hauled in a set for a mile or more and squashed by other fluke and bycatch, when it hits the deck, it’s pretty much dead. Those that will bring the higher $$$$$’s are also dead. It’s a lose/lose situation. If you are looking for doormats, look in the ice-filled totes at your local fish co-op.

We have a FB group page others are posting on but overall I'd say posts on Fluke fishing in general here and on social sites are down as is participation for the reasons mentioned above by me and others.

As far as the commercial issue, I think the biggest issue on that side is not size but them being allowed to fish during the spawn. These fish should be left alone during that time.

[NoLimit]

Fewer reports because way fewer boats. $6 gas will do that. There used to be hundreds of boats just on Flynn’s and Romer and now there are a dozen.

Dipping nets is the best fish finder and that ain’t happening with gas prices keeping most boats off the water

[AndyS]

Fewer reports with fewer fish being caught, people tend to become tight lipped. Would you report if you were catching a bunch of weakfish, or winter flounder.

[Angler Paul]

The gas prices suck and the regs suck. A lot of people I know are not bothering to go far or not going at all when they can only bring home one fluke over 18"

[go_fish]

Originally Posted by Skolmann

I’ve only done one party boat fluke trip-a magic hour trip on the Misty Morn and got 2 keepers.

Did one ocean fluke trip on my boat, 2 keepers

Did 2 upper bay fluke trips on my boat, 2 slots

Made 1 Navesink River fluke trip, 1 keeper & 1 slot

Been doing mainly land based fluking both from the beach & back bay/river spots 20+ keepers & 4 or 5 slots

Did get a 21” fluke while jigging sea bass.

Land based spots getting better (both in quantity & quality the past few weeks).

Looking to fish for fluke from shore near or at Sandy Hook, but not sure where to go. Not looking to spot burn but any suggestions appreciated.