NJShore Guide
Updated April 2026

NJ Fluke Fishing Kit | Summer Flounder Bundle

7-foot inshore rod, 2500-class reel, fluoro leader, bucktails β€” gear for fluking the Raritan Bay channel and back-bay flats.

4Items
$200–$400Total
May–SeptSeason
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NJ fluke (summer flounder) is the iconic NJ inshore fish. Light tackle, sensitive bites, ambush predators. The Raritan Bay channel + back-bay flats produce 2-5 lb fluke May-September.

Tested across NJ fluke spots β€” Raritan Bay channel, Manasquan River, Cape May rips, Stone Harbor flats. Sensitivity wins for fluke; durability matters less.

Total kit cost

$200–$400 total Β· light-tackle setup

Pick what you need below. Every link is Prime-eligible where possible β€” most arrive before the weekend.

Light Inshore Rod

7-foot medium-light for fluke sensitivity.

Penn Squadron IV Inshore Spinning Rod, 7', 1-Piece Saltwater Fishing Rod, Medium Heavy Power, 12-20 lb Line Rating, 1/2-1 1/2 oz Lure Rating
Prime

Inshore Rod (7 ft)

PENN

Penn Squadron IV Inshore Spinning Rod, 7', 1-Piece Saltwater Fishing Rod, Medium Heavy Power, 12-20 lb Line Rating, 1/2-1 1/2 oz Lure Rating

$84.98

Ugly Stik GX2 7-foot β€” sensitive enough to feel fluke pickup, durable enough for daily NJ saltwater abuse.

Tested on the Jersey Shore β€” Raritan Bay channel fluking

Sensitive Spinning Reel

2500 class for fluke finesse.

Editor's Pick
PENN Spinfisher VI Spinning Inshore/Nearshore Fishing Reel, HT-100 Front Drag, Max of 25lb | 11.3kg, Made with an All-Metal Reel Body and Spool Design,Black/Gold, 5500
Prime

Spinning Reel (2500)

PENN

PENN Spinfisher VI Spinning Inshore/Nearshore Fishing Reel, HT-100 Front Drag, Max of 25lb | 11.3kg, Made with an All-Metal Reel Body and Spool Design,Black/Gold, 5500

$130.00

Penn Battle III 2500 β€” smooth drag, sealed against sand. The reel that lives on half the boats on the Manasquan River.

Tested on the Jersey Shore β€” Manasquan River fluking

Bucktail Jigs

Pink, white, chartreuse β€” the NJ fluke killers.

kmucutie 5 pcs bucktail Jigs Saltwater or Freshwater Bait,for bass flounder fluke Striper Fishing Lure (All White Color, 1 OZ)
Prime

Inshore Bucktail Jig

kmucutie

kmucutie 5 pcs bucktail Jigs Saltwater or Freshwater Bait,for bass flounder fluke Striper Fishing Lure (All White Color, 1 OZ)

$18.99

Spro Prime Bucktail β€” 1/2 to 1 oz, tip with squid or Berkley Gulp! mullet. The standard NJ fluke setup.

Tested on the Jersey Shore β€” Cape May rips fluke drift

Fluoro Leader

Stealth wins on fluke.

Seaguar Blue Label 100% Fluorocarbon Fishing Line leader, 30lbs, 25yds Break Strength/Length - 30FC25
Prime

Fluorocarbon Leader

Seaguar

Seaguar Blue Label 100% Fluorocarbon Fishing Line leader, 30lbs, 25yds Break Strength/Length - 30FC25

$16.79

Seaguar Blue Label 20 lb Fluoro β€” near-invisible. Fluke spook from heavy line; this gets bites that braid alone misses.

Tested on the Jersey Shore β€” Stone Harbor back-bay flats

NJ Fluke Tips

Size + Bag Limits

NJ fluke: 18 inch minimum, 3 fish/day typical. Limits change yearly β€” read 2026 regulations on njfishandwildlife.com.

Best Spots

Raritan Bay channel (deep), Manasquan River bridges (structure), Cape May rips (current), Stone Harbor flats (shallow). Match bait + rig to depth.

Drift Strategy

Fluke ambush prey from sand. Drift baits across structure, keep contact with the bottom. Vertical jigging works in deep channels.

Bait Reality

Squid + Berkley Gulp! mullet beats live minnows for most NJ fluke. Spearing tipped on a bucktail is the killer combo.

Beach Gear Deals

Seasonal deals on the gear we test on the shore.

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FAQs

When is NJ fluke season?β–Ό

May through September typically. Peak action: late May through July. Limits change yearly; read NJ DEP regulations before each season.

Best NJ fluke spot?β–Ό

Raritan Bay channel for serious fluke (5+ lb fish). Cape May rips for high volume. Manasquan River for shore-accessible fluking. All produce.

Do I need a boat?β–Ό

No β€” Manasquan River bridges, Stone Harbor docks, Cape May ferry pier all produce fluke. A boat helps but shore + dock fluking works.

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