How to fish for fluke

Fluke, also known as summer flounder, is a prized catch among East Coast anglers, especially in waters around New York like Long Island. 

Known for its flat body, camouflaging ability, and delicious taste, fluke is a favorite target for both novice and experienced fishermen.

If you want to hook a big one, you have to understand the habits, patterns, and characteristics of the fluke. 

Be one with the fluke. You are the fluke. 

What is a fluke?

Fluke are bottom-dwelling fish that prefer sandy or muddy sea floors. These camouflage experts are opportunistic ambush predators who lie in wait for their prey– which is bad news for the small fish, squid, and crustaceans they like to feed on. 

These flat fish are some of the most popular saltwater game fish in the Northeast Mid-Atlantic region and are known for their distinct diamond-shaped bodies and detailed color patterns. 

Finding fluke

One great thing about fluke is that you can fish for them from a boat, dock, or the shore! Finding fluke fishing success (say that three times fast!)  is all about knowing where to go. You can find them in bays, harbors, in lands, and near-shore ocean waters. 

Most often, when you fish fluke you’re drift fishing during a moving tide with the bait bumping along the bottom– this is the fluke’s perfect strike zone. We’ll discuss more techniques for optimal fluke fishing below. 

When to fish for fluke

Timing is crucial when it comes to fluke fishing. Fluke are most active during the warmer months, which is why summer is the prime season for fluke fishing in New York.

As of 2024, fluke fishing season in New York runs from May to mid-October. During this time, the water temperature is warm enough to bring fluke closer to shore, making them more accessible to anglers.

Ride the tide

Fluke are most active during the tide changes, particularly during the incoming tide. The moving water stirs up the bottom, dislodging small prey and creating ideal feeding conditions for fluke. Early morning and late afternoon are generally the best times to fish for fluke, as they are more likely to be feeding during these hours.

Where to find fluke

New York offers numerous prime locations for fluke fishing, especially around Long Island. Some of the top spots include:

Moriches Bay

Known for its shallow waters and abundance of fluke, Moriches Bay is a popular spot for anglers. The bay’s sandy bottom is an ideal habitat for fluke, making it a productive area to fish.

If you’re looking for a good day of fluke fishing, Moriches Bay is the place. Since the 1930s, Moriches Bay has been referred to as the flat fisherman’s paradise! 

Hampton Bays

This bay is known for its consistent fluke fishing throughout the season. The shallow waters and sandy bottom create an ideal environment for fluke, and the bay is easily accessible for both shore and boat fishing.

Sag Harbor 

Sg Harbor offers great fluke fishing in New York. The waters around the harbor are rich in marine life, attracting large fluke and providing anglers with the chance to catch trophy-sized fish.

What’s the best rod for fluke fishing?

Having the right gear is essential for a successful fluke fishing trip. Here’s what you’ll need:

Rod and Reel 

A medium-action spinning rod paired with a spinning reel is ideal for fluke fishing. 

The rod should be sensitive enough to detect the subtle bites of fluke but strong enough to handle larger fish. Hang on tight! Fluke can put up a good fight once hooked. A reel with a smooth drag system is also important, as fluke can be feisty and fast, known for their sudden bursts of speed.

Line

We recommend braided line in the 10-20 lb test range for fluke fishing. Braided line has less stretch than monofilament, allowing you to feel even the slightest bites. Additionally, braided line is more abrasion-resistant, which is important when fishing near the bottom.

Hooks

Fluke have relatively small mouths, so a size 2/0 or 3/0 wide gap hook is usually sufficient. Circle hooks are a popular choice, as they tend to hook the fish in the corner of the mouth, reducing the chance of gut-hooking and making it easier to release undersized fish.

Weights 

Depending on the depth and current, you’ll need a variety of sinkers, ranging from 1 to 4 ounces. The goal is to keep your bait near the bottom near these bottom-feeders’ habitat.

Want to learn more? Check out these videos: 

• The Only 4 Fluke (Flounder) Rigs You Need To Know

• 13 Tips and Tricks to Catch Fluke! (Flounder)

How to fish for fluke

The best way to fish for the summer flounder is to get out and find fluke in a smaller flat bottom skiff so you can drift over the sand bars with the incoming tide. 

Spearing is the old favorite method for catching fluke. Local spearing is best with a squid strip on a fluke hook, followed with a 1-2 oz sinker about 18-24 inches up from your hook.

There are several successful methods and techniques for luring in a fluke. Other successful strategies include jigging; bounce and retrieve; and anchoring and chumming. 

Drift fishing

As we mentioned above, drifting is one of the most effective methods for catching fluke. Drift fishing lets your boat drift with the current while your bait or lure bounces along the bottom. The movement of the boat allows you to cover more ground, increasing your chances of passing over a school of fluke. 

Make sure the directions of the tide and wind match up so your boat drifts properly and you avoid conflicting wind and tide. 

Adjust your weight so your bait stays close to the bottom without getting snagged. You can also control your speed by using a drift sock. 

Jigging

Jigging is popular for fluke fishing. Jigging involves lifting your rod tip to make your bait or lure jump off the bottom and then letting it fall back down at varying speeds to mimic the fluke’s prey. Consider using jigs of varying weights to reach different depths. 

Bounce and Retrieve

The bounce and retrieve method casts out the bait and lets it sink to the bottom. Once it’s on the bottom, slowly retrieve it while giving your rod tip small, sharp jerks. This motion mimics the fluke’s prey as your bait bounces along the bottom, attracting the attention of a nearby, unsuspecting fluke.

Anchoring and Chumming

If you find a school of fluke, you can anchor your boat and start chumming the water. Chumming is throwing small pieces of bait into the water to attract fish. Ideal chum for fluke includes meat from the tails or the belly of fish like sand lance, sea robins, bluefish, and squid. Once the fluke are attracted to the chum, you can drop your baited hook and wait for a bite.

Fluke fishing bait

Fluke are opportunistic feeders, so a variety of baits and lures can be effective. Consider these popular choices:

Bucktail jigs  

Bucktail jigs are one of the most effective lures for fluke fishing. When tipped with a strip of squid or a Gulp! bait, bucktail jigs are irresistible to fluke.

Gulp! Baits

Gulp! baits are scented soft plastics that have become a favorite among fluke anglers. The scent and movement of Gulp! baits mimic natural prey, making them highly effective.

Live bait 

Small fish like killifish, spearing, or sand eels can be used as live bait. Fluke are more likely to strike at live bait that mimics their natural prey.

Experience Silly Lily Fishing Station

Whether you’re a seasoned angler or a beginner, the waters around New York, particularly Long Island, offer ample opportunities to catch fluke and create lasting memories on the water.

Want to take your fluke fishing experience to the next level? Stop by Silly Lily Fishing Station. 

Located in East Moriches, Silly Lily offers boat rentals, guided fishing trips, and all the gear you need to have a successful day on the water. With their local knowledge and commitment to customer service, Silly Lily is the perfect starting point for your fluke fishing adventure in New York.

Contact us today!