Where to Catch Fluke on the Jersey Shore

Fluke fishing NJ follows a predictable seasonal pattern tied to water temperature and bait availability. Understanding when and where fish stage throughout the summer separates consistent anglers from those who struggle.

Early Season (May - Early June): The Giants Arrive

As water temperatures climb into the mid-50s, fluke begin their annual migration from offshore wintering grounds into the bays and nearshore waters. Early season produces the year's largest average fish—many over 18 inches—as big females move in first to feed aggressively after a long winter.

Target the deeper channels and inlet mouths during this period. Fish are still concentrated and haven't spread throughout the bay system yet. The first two hours of outgoing tide are especially productive as bait flushes from warming shallows.

Peak Season (June - August): Bay Fishing at Its Best

By mid-June, fluke have dispersed throughout the back bays. Every channel edge, drop-off, and piece of structure holds fish. This is prime time for light-tackle enthusiasts working bucktails through Barnegat Bay's winding channels.

As water warms through summer, fish move from shallow flats to deeper channels during midday heat. Early morning and evening produce best in the shallows; midday action shifts to 8-15 foot channels where water stays cooler.

Late Season (September): Last Call

As September progresses and water temperatures begin dropping, fluke stage near inlet mouths preparing for their offshore migration. This creates excellent fishing opportunities at Barnegat Inlet, Manasquan Inlet, and Great Egg Inlet as fish concentrate before heading out.

Late season fish are well-fed and chunky—excellent table fare after a summer of feeding.

New Jersey's extensive bay system provides countless fluke opportunities. Here's where the serious anglers focus their efforts.

Barnegat Bay

Barnegat Bay is New Jersey's fluke factory. The winding 6-12 foot channels, marsh edges, and countless small bays hold fish all summer. Key areas include:

• Double Creek Channel - Legendary doormat producer; fish the edges where channel meets flat
• Oyster Creek Channel - Deep water holds fish during hot weather
• Barnegat Inlet - Staging area for early and late season fish
• DC/OC convergence zone - Where channels meet near the inlet creates ambush points

Great Bay & Little Egg Inlet

The vast flats and channels of Great Bay offer lower fishing pressure than Barnegat. Little Egg Inlet funnels fish in and out of the bay system, creating excellent early and late season opportunities.

Absecon Bay & Atlantic City

The channels behind Atlantic City and Absecon hold good numbers of fluke with easy access from numerous marinas and boat ramps.

Ludlam Bay (Sea Isle City area)

The winding channels of Ludlam Bay between Sea Isle City and Strathmere offer excellent light-tackle fluking with less boat traffic than northern bays.

Offshore Wrecks & Reefs

For trophy doormats, look offshore. The artificial reefs and wrecks within 3-10 miles of the inlets hold bigger fish than the bays. Ambrose Channel and the "Old Grounds" are legendary late-summer producers of 8+ pound fluke.

Drifting: The Foundation

Productive fluke fishing starts with smart drifts. Random drifting across open water rarely produces—you need to target specific structure and channel edges where fluke ambush prey.

The most effective drift pattern: Start on the flat on one side of a channel, let the tide carry you over the edge, across the channel, and up onto the flat on the opposite side. Bites often happen right at the transition from shallow to deep.

Key drift tips:

• Use the motor to control drift speed and direction—"power drifting" keeps baits in the strike zone
• Maintain a vertical presentation; if your line angle exceeds 45 degrees, add weight or slow the drift
• Work the last two hours of outgoing tide for best action in the channels

Bucktailing: Trophy Technique

Bucktail jigs catch bigger fluke than traditional bait rigs. The aggressive retrieve triggers strikes from quality fish that might ignore a slowly-drifted bait.

Proven bucktail setup: 3-5 oz white bucktail on the bottom, 1 oz bucktail teaser 18-24 inches above on a dropper loop. Tip with Gulp Swimming Mullet (pink, white, or chartreuse) or fresh fluke belly strip.

Keep the bucktail moving—hop it off the bottom, let it fall, repeat. The erratic action triggers reaction strikes.

Traditional Fluke Rigs

Classic fluke rigs still produce, especially for newer anglers. Use circle hooks (4/0-6/0) to reduce gut-hooking undersized fish. A 3-foot leader with a spinner blade or colored beads adds attraction.

Bait options: live killies (mummichogs), Gulp artificial baits, squid strips, or combinations. Early season, live bait outproduces artificials; by mid-summer, Gulp and bucktails shine.

Vertical Jigging (Offshore)

Over wrecks and reefs, vertical jigging with heavy (4-8 oz) bucktails or flutter jigs produces doormat-class fish. Drop to the bottom, work the jig aggressively, and hang on.

Bay Fishing Setup

Light tackle makes bay fluking more enjoyable and improves your feel for subtle bites. A 6'6" to 7' medium-light spinning rod paired with a 3000-4000 size reel handles most situations.

• Line: 15-20 lb braided main line for sensitivity
• Leader: 20-30 lb fluorocarbon, 3-4 feet
• Bucktails: 1-3 oz white, chartreuse, or pink
• Hooks: 4/0-6/0 circle hooks for bait rigs

Offshore/Heavy Current Setup

Deeper water and stronger currents demand heavier gear. Step up to a medium or medium-heavy 7' rod with 30 lb braid and 40 lb fluorocarbon leader.

• Bucktails: 4-8 oz SPRO-style or standard bucktails
• Bank sinkers: 4-8 oz for bottom rigs

Must-Have Terminal Tackle

• Gulp Swimming Mullet (3" and 4") in pink, white, green, chartreuse
• Squid strips and fluke belly (keep from previous catches)
• Spinner blades (gold and silver) for rig enhancement
• Quality swivels and dropper loop rigs