There are many different ways to fish for fluke. How you fish for
them depends on a many factors like wind, tide, type of boat (party
boat, charter, or personal) and time of year.
When to fish for fluke
In Montauk, we start fishing for fluke in early May and end in September,
if the regulations allow. May fluke fishing creates a buzz since
they are usually the first of the "warmer" water fish
to arrive into our area. Stripers are usually right behind and a
day of fluke AND striped bass fishing is a great combination. However,
the first few weeks of the season can be both spectacular and non-eventful.
Weather and water temperatures usually play a big part in the early
days of the season. But, once these fish are in, and the water temps
are right, they are here for the season.
Where to fish for fluke (in Montauk's waters)
Montauk's first fluke hit the south shore from the deep water. They
make their run inward and you'll see boats in May fishing from the
radar tower and west towards East Hampton. Normally, these fish
are found between 25 and 70 ft. of water and they like "pockets"
in the sea floor.
Once the water starts to warm up, the fish start to settle into
our many rips. These rips can easily be seen on any chart. When
fishing the rips you'll want to set your drift and cross past the
rip. I usually grid a rip when looking for fluke by drifting a tight
"Z" over and over until I find the right spot.
Tackle Recommendations
Bring Plenty of hooks and sinkers! Our rocky fishing grounds
are known for stealing rigs. Because you'll be fishing in varying
depths, wind and tides, you should have sinkers from 6 through 12
ounces and wide gap fluke
hooks. I would also recommend trying some of the specialty
rigs with teasers and bucktails. I've seen these rigs produce
some really big fish.
As far as reels and poles go, I recommend light gear, but a sturdy
rod. You can use spinning
reels just fine, but I prefer conventional
reels a boat
rod with 30
lb. test fishing line
Bait
The best bait for fluke is squid. You can spice up the squid with
a spearing or sand eel. Cut your squid long and thin with a slice
at the bottom to create a flutter tail. In the past and when it's
available, I have used mackerel belly, fluke belly, bluefish (small)
and skate as excellent baits for fluke.
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