By Butcher Jones
Thousands of anglers all over Long Island are no doubt prepping their tackle for this week’s re-opening of the fluke season, which has been closed since June 16, thanks to new regulations that have all but crushed the recreational angler this season. But the wait is over, and it’s time to get back to fishing for Long Island’s favorite summertime quarry.
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First, a little about the fluke, or summer flounder. They are a voracious flatfish, with razor sharp teeth and an attitude to match. Dining on small- and medium-sized baitfish, they are found in the bays, creeks, inlets and off the ocean shores around Long Island. Despite being a bottom fish, they can be caught using a variety of methods from the shore or a boat.
Depending upon where you are fishing from, your tackle will vary, of course. In the bays, you are well-suited with a six-and-a-half-to-seven-foot conventional setup with some nice tip action but decent backbone to handle some weight off the bottom. In the ocean, you will definitely want to bulk up on tackle. Conventional is the way to go, but keep some feel at the top of the rod. Depending on location and currents, you could need some serious weight to get your bait down to the bottom. Bulk up on your line here, too. Either way, be prepared for both scenarios. Many fish will be lost if you are ill-equipped.
For line choices, I prefer a braid for either, and make your decision based on the place. The braid stays nice and tight, and you can feel your bait being picked up once you get used to the unforgiving nature of the line.
My favorite method of fluke fishing is shallow water bucktailing. The best fish I have ever pulled over the rails have been picked this way. Using small bucktails—usually no bigger than three-quarters of an ounce—big fluke can be fooled to come off the bottom and attack.
Fluke fishing is done on the move. If you are on a boat, you are drifting. If you are shore bound, you are casting and walking your bait back. When using the almighty bucktail, make sure you hit bottom and keep it that way. I like to tip the bucktail with a piece of squid or fluke belly and usually a spearing or other baitfish. Bounce it off the bottom during your drift or your retrieve. You’ll know when you have a visitor. The line will grow tight; there will be some weight.
When using a standard hook-and-sinker setup, the same is true. A gentle lift up and down throughout the drift or retrieve is essential. When you feel that weight, it’s game time.
Lower that rod tip and give up a little slack. I keep my reel in free spool when fluking for this purpose. Give it a three count and lift straight up, not too fast but with a purpose. If Mr. Fluke is there, your rod tip will head south toward the water, and the fight is on.
Always net your fluke. At 20 inches, keepers will be hard to come by. Hopefully, the closed season let the big ones stack up. This could be a legendary weekend of fluke fishing. Be prepared and enjoy some of the best inshore angling in the entire U.S.
