Fewer Fluke Reports?

[Gerry Zagorski]

The fishery is not what it used to be for sure but I don't think it's doom and gloom. Years ago we had Fluke in the Sandy Hook and Raritan bays all through the summer and it's seems the bay fishery has not been the same since Sandy.

I also think some of it is people are fishing the same methods and the same places and expecting the same results they used to get. It's changed and if you want to catch, you're fishing the sticky stuff and people know where that stuff is and those areas tend to get fished out. You also see many of the boats fishing the sticky stuff are moving around a lot picking fish here and there and have to move to different spots to put a catch together...

Fuel at $5.00 a gallon is also playing into it on the private boat side. Now you think twice about making a longer run to the sticky stuff.

[Togfather2530]

Hurricane Sandy and going to the sticky stuff LOL. Everyone has their answers of how you have to catch fish now. The truth of it is fluke fishing sucks compared to the way it was 10 to 15 years ago. No sense in sugarcoating anything. I know you know the answer to your own question and just need reassuring so I’m giving you that reassurance.

[frugalfisherman]

It's Putin's fault.

[NoLimit]

Fewer reports because way fewer boats. $6 gas will do that. There used to be hundreds of boats just on Flynn’s and Romer and now there are a dozen.

Dipping nets is the best fish finder and that ain’t happening with gas prices keeping most boats off the water

[AndyS]

Fewer reports with fewer fish being caught, people tend to become tight lipped. Would you report if you were catching a bunch of weakfish, or winter flounder.

[Tombro]

Originally Posted by Togfather2530

Hurricane Sandy and going to the sticky stuff LOL. Everyone has their answers of how you have to catch fish now. The truth of it is fluke fishing sucks compared to the way it was 10 to 15 years ago. No sense in sugarcoating anything. I know you know the answer to your own question and just need reassuring so I’m giving you that reassurance.

This!!!

[Billfish715]

Gerry, Are you noticing a decline in the fluke reports on this site? Except for two sponsor PB’s in the Atlantic Highlands area that make regular postings with results, I don’t see many/any other PB’s posting catches. Are they doing it on Facebook or other social media or is the fishing just that bad resulting in crickets on this board?

Finally, When was the last posting of a doormat being caught? Dakota and others have been warning of the numbers of large and extra large fluke that are being boxed by the commercials at the expense of the smaller culls because the bigger fish bring a higher price per pound at the market. The smaller fluke that are culled become crab food while the much bigger females are put on ice. In both cases, once a fluke has been hauled in a set for a mile or more and squashed by other fluke and bycatch, when it hits the deck, it’s pretty much dead. Those that will bring the higher $$$$$’s are also dead. It’s a lose/lose situation. If you are looking for doormats, look in the ice-filled totes at your local fish co-op.

[Detour66]

Many spots that I use to fish in the bay and the ocean with success are loaded with dogfish. I don't even try there anymore cause I know what's going to happen. You can't get to the bottom for more than a minute and you have one on. This has to be hurting the Fluke fishing to a certain degree. The fluke don't have a chance getting to your bait!

[Duffman]

Fuel prices has to be a part of it. I can’t remember my marina being this empty. A ghost town during the week and very light crowd on the weekend. This is for the non fishing people and well. Even the day cruisers I’d see every week arent heading out.

Wind as well this year. Seems like every time I can head out it’s blowing 20+. Yesterday afternoon was brutal!!

[Gerry Zagorski]

Originally Posted by Duffman

Fuel prices has to be a part of it. I can’t remember my marina being this empty. A ghost town during the week and very light crowd on the weekend. This is for the non fishing people and well. Even the day cruisers I’d see every week arent heading out.

Wind as well this year. Seems like every time I can head out it’s blowing 20+. Yesterday afternoon was brutal!!

Agreed and the brutal hot temps are keeping people in their homes as well..