Summer Flounder - a.k.a. Fluke

It helps if you know the different techniques for catching the various types of fish that the area has to offer. In this article, I'll explain some of the techniques that are used to catch summer flounder, also know as fluke.

Most anglers on Long Island refer to summer flounder as fluke. There are, in fact, several differences between the two. One is that winter flounder have the eyes on the right side of the fish whereas summer flounder have the eyes on the left. Both fish primarily lay on the bottom but fluke tend to be much larger and much more aggresive coming off the bottom to attack your bait.

Fluke average 3-6 pounds in Long Island waters. Monsters that weigh in between 6 and 18 pounds are also caught out in the Peconic bays. This year an 18.75 pounder has already been reeled in.

Drifting tends to be the most popular technique when fishing for fluke.

Tide always plays a part. Some anglers prefer to fish on the incoming tide and others on the outgoing tide. Slack water usually does not produce fish. However, power drifting sometimes works during these periods. To 'power drift', toggle your engine in and out of forward to keep the boat moving. A key part of drift fishing for any type of fish is to keep an eye on your depth finder (fish finder) and watch for activity on the screen. Take note of the bottom and any holes that may be on the bottom. Fluke tend to lay in the holes or on the sides of drop offs in order to ambush the baitfish as they are swept by the tide. When you do catch a fish be sure to note where you are; there are probably more there. Work your bait. Moving your rod will often be all that's needed. Many times it's this added action that provokes the strike.

One of the most productive baits used for summer flounder are strips of squid. They should be cut in pinnacle shapes about a 1/2 inch wide and three to four inches long. Some anglers like to fork the point but it's really not necessary. To enhance your presentation, use a squid strip and live killie combination or a squid strip and sand eel combination. Live killies are also great by themselves.

You can also use a high-lo rig to increase your chances. Three years ago, I started to use a tandem rig made by Love Lures in Florida. The rig consists of a high-lo setup with 3/8 ounce leadheads and rubber grubs on the hooks. The grubs come in various colors and all seem to work well. I tip the hooks with squid strips or killies which adds taste and scent. You can also purchase fluke rigs in local bait and tackle shops. E & B Marine and West Marine stores have nice fishing sections with most of the tackle and equipment any fluke angler needs.

Another very good lure to use for summer flounders are bucktails. Bucktails work well on a variety of fish. Again, tip the bucktail with squid strips.

It's amazing how many ways there are to catch fish. You can always experiment. Don't forget to try different techniques if the one you are using is not working. Sometimes just changing from a bucktail to a rubber grub works. And remember to occasionally change natural baits. They get watered down.

There are some good fishing tournaments for fluke; and you don't need to be an expert anglers to enter them. Some even have junior divisions, which is always nice to see. It goes right along with our philosphy of getting kids involved in sportfishing. One tournament is the Annual Fluke Shootout at Molnar's Landing in Hampton Bays. This year it's scheduled for August 23rd. There is an Adult division and a Junior division. Call Lanny Molnar for information at (516) 728-1860.

This year we'll be involved in organizing a Fluke Tournament at the Moose Lodge in Riverhead on July 12th. The proceeds for this tournament will go to the Riverhead Police Department's Dare Program and the Moose Lodge. You must be a Moose Member (or family of a member) to enter. There will be an Adult Division and Junior Division You can call myself at (516) 929-6711 or O. J. Hoffman at (516) 744-0227 for more information. Come out and some fun. You might even win!

If you want to go fishing with us, give ADVENTURES SPORTFISHING a call at (516) 929-6711. We have reasonable rates specializing in children and beginners. Of course, experienced anglers can also have a great time. If you would like to be featured on our television show, ADVENTURES IN FISHING, we can even do that.

And remember- "Let's get kids hooked on Fishing...NOT on drugs!"

We welcome comments on this article and suggestions about subjects you would like to read about in the future. Email me at kelly@interport.net, or send your comments to ADVENTURES IN FISHING, PO BOX 531, WADING RIVER, NY 11792 or call us at (516) 929-6711.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR- Capt. Ray Kelly is a licensed USCG charter captain and producer of ADVENTURES IN FISHING, a weekly television show which aires in New York and Massachusetts. Charters are available in Shinnecock Bay and offshore out of Shinnecock Inlet for flounder, fluke, bluefish, weakfish, striped bass, tuna and shark.