Fewer Fluke Reports?

[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..

[Gerry Zagorski]

Originally Posted by 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.

We have a FB group page others are posting on but overall I'd say posts on Fluke fishing in general here and on social sites are down as is participation for the reasons mentioned above by me and others.

As far as the commercial issue, I think the biggest issue on that side is not size but them being allowed to fish during the spawn. These fish should be left alone during that time.