So read the T-shirt being worn by my friend the day I took him fishing and oddly enough it was a fluke - or more correctly, a bunch of fluke. Last season was good for fluke (or summer flounder) and the way this season is going up to now it is going to be great. Not only is this species excellent to eat but they can present the angler with loads of hook-ups on light tackle and give a terrific tussle at the same time. I also like the idea of slowly drifting with the engines off on a hot summer day with little else to do but bait the hook and feel the sinker bounce along the bottom. Compared with trolling this is a good way to relax and enjoy a sandwich and a cold drink. So, kick back, and read on, but don't forget to set the hook!

Fluke or more correctly summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus) are a variation of winter flounder and at first glance the average person may have difficulty telling them apart. The term "fluke" is most likely derived from the anomalies seen when comparing it to the winter flounder.

It is a "left hand" version with its' upper side containing specialized cells known as chromatophores capable of producing pigments giving it the dark appearance compared to the white underside. These pigment producing cells also allow for color changes to match the bottom environment providing for camouflage in the fishes role of a ravenous predator.

Summer flounder ten to run larger in size when compared to their counterpart with females exceeding twenty pounds and over three feet in length while males are inclined to average three to six pounds.

During the fall these fish migrate into the deeper waters of the outer continental shelf at which time spawning occurs. The eggs and larvae remain in the water column moving towards the coastal areas by the currents. Development of juveniles occurs within the bays and estuaries along the coast. Initially, the larval and juvenile forms look like any other fish but a metamorphosis occurs with the migration of one eye to the same side as the other during the flattening of the body. It is at this time that the development of chromatophores on the upper side is also apparent resulting in the color variations. They are now considered "flat fish" remaining just under the sand hidden from their prey. Being voracious predators they move swiftly upward to attack. Feeding occurs primarily during the daylight hours and they rely on their vision to detect prey. Fluke are active feeders attacking both small vertebrates and invertebrates. The menu may include small bunker, bluefish, spearing, squid, sand eels, sand shrimp, molluscs and, will even feed on smaller members of their own species; a characteristic not uncommon among fish in general.

From late spring until early fall they remain in the inshore waters. Early in the season they may be found in shallow water over sand bars and in the rips (10 - 30 feet) As the season progresses they move to the deeper waters (50 - 70 feet) which generally produce the larger fish. Many large "doormat" fluke exceeding eight pounds can be caught drifting over the rips in the same areas that are the habitat for bluefish and striped bass.

Light tackle is the best way to go. When fishing from a boat I prefer a medium weight rod with a bait casting level wind reel. Line weight should be between fifteen and twenty pound test. This season I have found that using a non-stretch line such as Spider Wire Fusion will allow me to detect a pickup of the bait a lot easier than mono. It takes a bit getting used to the ultra sensitivity of this line but it is well worth it. If you do use the Spider Wire I would suggest the twenty four to thirty pound test as its diameter is larger which makes it easier to work with when tying knots. Light spinning tackle is also great for fluke and when fishing from shore I prefer it over the baitcasters. As a youngster I had some great fun fishing around bridges over inlets on the Jersey shore with ultra light spinning tackle while the rest of the family was at the beach. Funny, to this day I still think the water is for fishing rather than swimming.

Remember, these are bottom feeders so the presentation of the bait must be near the bottom. They also rely on their vision so the terminal tackle should have an attractive appearance. Most fluke fisherman use a 3-way swivel with a large snap for the weight (it makes it easier to change), a "fluke rig" and of course the terminal end of your line attached to it. If you use Spider Wire tie a twenty four inch mono leader to the end and then attach the 3-way.

I use the term "fluke rig" loosely. All you have to do is go aboard a fluke fishing party boat and look around or start talking to avid fluke fishermen and you will find they all have their own unique rigs. There is also the color of the day. A friend of mine (the same guy with the shirt) likes to refer to it all as the "costume jewelry". Small spinners, different color skirts, variant colors of small lengths of surgical tube, red, green or silver beads. It is all there to attract. Traditionally, after the "pizzaz" comes the bait. Most common is a small cut strip of squid that trails off the hook (2/0) and one or two spearing. Other variations include the use of sand eels in place of spearing, small whole squid when targeting big fish in deep rips or even a small snapper blue or bunker. If I catch a sea robin I will often use strips cut from its belly in place of the squid strips.

Weight is important, as you want the sinker to bounce along the bottom as you drift with the current. This will allow for the bait to drag behind. The faster the drift the heavier the weight needed to keep the rig down. The problem here is that in a strong current you need a heavier weight which then detracts from a pick-up by the fish. I like to fish when the currents are not at their greatest strength and use a weight around two to three ounces. It is best to fish moving water, but I have caught fluke at slack water and I prefer an hour or so prior to or just after slack. One thing I have not yet tried is using a sea anchor to slow the drift. Perhaps this will allow for the use of a lighter weight in a swift current. Another benefit here would be remaining over the area you are catching fish for a longer period. Anchoring may be another option and I do see many smaller boats doing this primarily in areas where the current is slower.

Locating a good spot is not difficult and there are many ways to do this. One of your best resources, if you are new to an area, is to touch base with a local bait and tackle shop. They frequently have a bulletin board that gives you the hot spots for any number of species. You can also get advice on what bait is best and purchase it there. Fishing reports in magazines such as this one are helpful also as local fisherman respond on a weekly basis to inquires by the writers.

There are many party boats that specialize in bottom fishing and charter captains will often beckon to the wishes of their customers and fish for species they desire.

Fluke fishing can be loads of fun and once into them you are catching fish on a regular basis. The other benefit is the great eating. Just take a look at the market prices for flounder and after limiting out on a day of fishing you can even justify the trip financially (maybe).

© Peter Kane 2002