Fluke Fishing NJ
Summer flounder - better known as fluke - are the bread and butter of Jersey Shore fishing. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, these aggressive flatfish provide action for everyone from party boat anglers to serious doormat hunters.
Fluke (summer flounder) are the most popular target species on the Jersey Shore. These lie-in-wait predators ambush bait from the sandy bottom, providing exciting fights on light tackle. Everyone dreams of catching a doormat - a fluke over 10 pounds - and New Jersey waters produce them every summer.
Book a Fluke Charter
Get on the water with captains who know the fluke grounds. Party boats and private charters run daily trips throughout summer.
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Fluke Season Breakdown
Fluke migrate inshore as water temperatures rise in spring, staying through fall before heading to deeper offshore waters for winter. Timing your trip right can mean the difference between an OK day and a cooler full of fish.
May
Early arrivals, hungry fish
June-July
PEAK - Best action!
August
Bigger fish, fewer numbers
September
Last call, doormats
Best Fluke Fishing Spots in NJ
Manasquan Inlet Area
Productive waters inside and outside the inlet. Strong current creates ideal drift conditions. Fish the edges and drop-offs.
Access: Party boats from Point Pleasant
Barnegat Ridge
Natural ridge running along the coast holds excellent fluke populations. Drift the contours for quality fish.
Access: Charters from Barnegat Light
Great Egg Harbor Inlet
Southern NJ hot spot with productive sandy bottom. Good numbers of fish with occasional doormats.
Access: Charters from Ocean City
Nearshore Wrecks
Wrecks and artificial reefs in 60-90 feet hold big fluke. Structure provides ambush points for these predators.
Access: Party boats from all ports
Back Bay Channels
Deeper channels in the bays hold fluke during tidal movement. Great for kayak and small boat anglers.
Access: Various ramps
Book a Fluke Charter
Fluke fishing is all about drifting the right spots with the right technique. Charter captains know where the fish are holding and how to put you on them.
Belmar
SS Miss Belmar and fleet run daily fluke trips
View charters →Point Pleasant
Excellent access to Manasquan area fluke grounds
View charters →Barnegat Light
Fish the famous Barnegat Ridge for doormats
View charters →Book a Fishing Charter
Book online through FishingBooker
NJ Fluke Regulations (2026)
Size Limit
18" Minimum
Total length (check yearly)
Bag Limit
3-4 Fish
Per angler, per day (varies)
Season
~May - Sep
Dates vary yearly
Important: Fluke regulations change yearly. Size limits, bag limits, and season dates are set each spring. Always check the NJ Fish & Wildlife website for current regulations before fishing.
Fluke Fishing Techniques
Drift Fishing (Most Popular)
Drift with the current, bouncing a bucktail along the bottom. The natural presentation mimics wounded baitfish - irresistible to fluke.
- • Bucktails (1-4 oz) tipped with strip bait
- • Keep bottom contact while drifting
- • Lift and drop motion attracts fish
- • Use drift sock if wind/current too fast
Strip Baits
The trailer makes all the difference. Strip baits add action and scent that triggers more strikes.
- • Squid strips - Classic, durable
- • Fluke belly - Natural from your catch
- • Gulp! Swimming Mullet - Artificial option
- • Cut strips thin and long for action
Pro Tip: The Doormat Secret
Big fluke (doormats) often hit differently than smaller fish. They'll grab the bait and sit on it. When you feel the tap, don't set immediately - let the fish turn and start moving before a firm hookset. Patience catches doormats.
What Does a Fluke Trip Cost?
| Trip Type | Cost | Per Person | Includes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Party Boat (half-day) | $60-80 | Per person | Tackle, bait, fish cleaning |
| Party Boat (full-day) | $80-110 | Per person | Tackle, bait, fish cleaning |
| Private Charter (half-day) | $600-800 | $100-135 (split 6) | Tackle, bait, dedicated attention |
| Private Charter (full-day) | $900-1,300 | $150-220 (split 6) | Tackle, bait, farther grounds |
| Tips (captain/mate) | 15-20% | $10-25/person | Customary for good service |
Fluke Fishing Gear Checklist
Terminal Tackle
- ✓Bucktails (white, chartreuse) 1-4 oz
- ✓Circle hooks 4/0-6/0
- ✓Snap swivels
- ✓Extra leader material 30-50 lb
Bait
- ✓Squid strips (cut long and thin)
- ✓Spearing/killies (live)
- ✓Gulp! Swimming Mullet (backup)
- ✓Keep bait on ice
Fish Care
- ✓Cooler with ice
- ✓Measuring board (18" line marked)
- ✓Fillet knife
- ✓Plastic bags for fillets
Personal
- ✓NJ fishing license
- ✓Sunscreen SPF 30+
- ✓Polarized sunglasses
- ✓Dramamine if needed
Common Fluke Fishing Mistakes
Using too heavy a jig head
Your bucktail drags on the bottom instead of bouncing. No action = no bites. You're fishing a lead weight.
The fix: Match jig weight to conditions. Start with 1-2 oz in shallow/calm water, 3-4 oz in deeper/faster current. You should feel the bottom, not drag it.
Setting the hook too fast
You feel the tap, yank the rod, and rip the bait right out of the fluke's mouth. Especially bad with big fish.
The fix: When you feel the tap, drop your rod tip and let the fish turn with the bait. Count to 3, then set firmly. Doormats need even more patience.
Ignoring the current direction
Drifting against the current or in slack water. Your presentation looks unnatural. Fish ignore it.
The fix: Drift WITH the current. Fish face into the current waiting for food. Your bait should approach them naturally from upstream.
Not checking regulations before fishing
Keeping an undersized fish = ticket and fines. NJ fluke regs change yearly. Ignorance isn't a defense.
The fix: Check nj.gov/dep/fgw/fishing.htm the week before your trip. Bring a measuring board. When in doubt, release it.
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time for fluke fishing in NJ?
Fluke season runs May through September, with peak fishing in June and July when the water warms into the 60s and 70s. Early season (May) can be excellent as fish move inshore hungry after winter. Late summer sees bigger fish but fewer numbers.
What are the NJ fluke regulations?
Current NJ regulations require an 18-inch minimum size (some years higher). The daily bag limit is typically 3-4 fish per angler. Season dates vary by year. Always check the NJ Division of Fish & Wildlife website for current regulations before fishing.
Where is the best fluke fishing in New Jersey?
Top spots include the inlets (Manasquan, Barnegat, Great Egg Harbor), nearshore ocean waters, and structured areas like wrecks and reefs. Drift the sandy bottom near structure during tidal current for best results.
What is the best way to catch fluke?
Drift fishing with bucktails tipped with strip baits (squid, fluke belly) is the most productive technique. Fish the bottom, maintaining contact while drifting with the current. Light jig heads (1-4 oz depending on depth/current) work best.
What is the difference between fluke and flounder?
Fluke (summer flounder) are left-eyed fish that move inshore in warm months. Winter flounder are right-eyed and arrive in spring. Fluke are larger, more aggressive, and found in sandy/muddy bottom. Both are called "flounder" colloquially.
How much does a fluke charter cost in NJ?
Party boats cost $60-90 per person with tackle included. Private half-day charters run $600-900. Full-day trips cost $900-1,300. Peak season (June-July) books fast - reserve 2-3 weeks ahead for weekends.
Book Your Fluke Charter
Summer is fluke season! Book a charter and get on the water with experienced captains.
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