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Fluke Fishing Tips

Fluke Fishing Tips

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Fluke live along the east coast of the United States from Florida to Maine. These doormat-shaped ground feeders with two eyes on the left side of their heads make up for their unfortunate appearance by being a popular summertime table dish. Fished year-round, flounder, as fluke are also known, have the chameleonlike ability to change colors so that they blend in with their surrounding environment. This uncanny ability requires you to consider the best approach to fishing for fluke.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:
  • Seven foot, medium action rod
  • Baitcasting reel
  • Fishing line, 20-lb. test
  • 2 leaders, each 2 feet in length
  • Sinker. 2 oz.
  • Spoon lure
Step 1
Purchase appropriate tackle for fluke fishing. Start with a 7-foot, medium-action rod and a conventional or baitcasting reel.
Step 2
Set up your reel with 20-lb. test. Attach one loop of a three-way snap swivel to the end of the line. Attach a 2-foot leader to the second loop of the snap swivel and connect a minimum 2-oz. sinker to the opposite end. Attach another 2-foot leader to the remaining loop and tie a spoon lure to the opposite end.
Step 3
Use squid for bait from the late spring to midsummer because this coincides with fluke eating habits this time of year. Switch to a combination of baitfish--such as silversides, or minnows, and fluke bellies--during the late summer. Use this combination also when fishing from fall to early spring as well.
Step 4
Fish in areas where the seabed is sandy or muddy, because this is the preferred habitat of flounder. Seek areas where fluke feed, such as in the midst of a strong rip current that forces baitfish and other debris into its path.
Step 5
Fish when the wind and currents are heading in the same direction whenever possible, because fluke face the current while feeding. Drift by boat and drop your line until you feel the sinker bouncing along the bottom. Slowly pull the bait over the bottom while walking, if casting from shore.
Step 6
Increase your chances of a catch by dropping a chum pot---essentially a wire cage full of ground bait. Do this only in strong currents so the cage is naturally swung side-to-side, therefore spreading the bait. Drop your fishing line, with an appropriate sinker, within close range of the swinging pot.
Step 7
Drop the tip of your pole about 1 foot once you feel a few tugs. Set the hook by pulling steadily back on the pole. Do not yank the rod.

Tips & Warnings

 
If new to fluke fishing, a good way to gain experience is by paying to join a chartered fishing boat.

Article Written By Mike Biscoe

Mike Biscoe has been writing since 2009. Focusing on travel, sports and entertainment topics, he has credits in various online publications including LIVESTRONG.COM and Trails. He often writes articles covering uncommon travel destinations from firsthand experience. Biscoe holds a Certificate of Completion in acting from the Pacific Conservatory of the Performing Arts.

Write for Trails.com

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