Lack of Fluke Reports

[dales529]

Maybe a new Screen name is in order. " No Fluke" Just sayin

[Dino]

Originally Posted by No Fluke

Hi guys,

I don't post often and usually prefer reading posts and learning from many of the regulars here. Have not had a chance to come out this year and wanted to go fishing this weekend, but am alarmed at the lack of fishing reports, especially those for fluking.

I know the past two years have been abysmal (I know, I've been out there ). In the past, I've seen posts and then multiple replies. Did the fishing get even worse this year (didn't think it was possible after last year's experience). Would love some feedback as I'd love to take my dad, but am nervous to spend hard earned money on tolls and gas only to come home empty handed.

Thanks in advance to anyone who has anything to share (ex. too many shorts, no fish, the water's too cold so they're further out, etc).

how many days did you fish each year that you can categorically state the last two years were "abysmal"? my guess is you went once or twice and the wind was blowing hard south both times.

[howardrf]

Went out AH on a party boat fluking July 10. 9 keepers on boat. Went again July 17. 12 keepers on boat. No wind. I won't go out if over 15mph. But went out July 22 for bottom fish from PP FULL boat and everyone had keeper sea bass and ling. Have to agree sh_t year for fluking. But bottom fishing for me has been great. Sadly no party boats from AH do bottom. Some charters go but being retired the cost is too much for linging.

[reason162]

Originally Posted by Dino

how many days did you fish each year that you can categorically state the last two years were "abysmal"? my guess is you went once or twice and the wind was blowing hard south both times.

I've fished 3x a week both seasons and fluking has been abysmal. It's picked up, but over the course of two seasons, "abysmal" is the correct descriptive.

[MVP]

Fishing is a matter of perspective. There is also a big difference between fishing on a private boat or 6 pack and putting a catch together vs fishing on a party boat and putting a limit + together.

Shrimpman Steve goes out with three guys on the dirty shrimp and catches a total of 5 keepers and has a great time regardless of the amount of keepers caught.
Others view a successful day dependent on how many fish they caught. It all a matter of perspective.

I have been on 5 trips this year so far and have caught 36 keepers. Two of the trips were 4 keeper days and had to bucktail all day to put 4 in the boat. Super slow days but if you put in your time at the rail you were rewarded. THis has been fishing private and six packs which is a totally different animal than fishing with 40-50 guys on a party boat.

I give those guys Kudus who are able to put decent catches together with that many people on board. These Capt's do a great job trying to put all their customers in areas that produce as they can not really target the very small areas that a 21-31 ft boat can.

Overall I would rate this year quite good as long as you are able to go to the areas that are producing better catches. Nothing breally big as I have only had 3 fish between 6- 7.9 lbs. Still looking for the right one on the roght day. Hopefully this sat will be one of those days.

[No Fluke]

Originally Posted by dales529

Maybe a new Screen name is in order. " No Fluke" Just sayin

The irony is that the "era" when I picked that username, the norm was for everyone on a party boat to come home with at least two keepers and you could count on one hand the number of folks who got skunked....and even they would be kept busy with shorts that just missed the minimum.

[No Fluke]

Originally Posted by Dino

how many days did you fish each year that you can categorically state the last two years were "abysmal"? my guess is you went once or twice and the wind was blowing hard south both times.

Trust me, I was being kind by using the word "abysmal".

On one of my trips last year, there were approx 30 fares and only 3 keepers...I had one of them. The captains and mates, to their credit, admitted it was poor all season long.

I don't know if you've been fishing on a private boat like MVP indicated and having better success. If you have your own boat, then I'd be happy to join you since you're doing so well.

[BCinerie]

Went out Wednesday afternoon 4-8pm, with my 2 girls 9 and 7 along with 35 others all using rental rods and boat bait. We managed 4 keepers to 6 lbs, 10 skates 5 sharks and 5-6 throwbacks . My kids catching the most since I was busy keeping them from killing anyone and not getting tangled. Was a great day the boat maybe had 25 keepers was a great night!!! so I do not know what you are doing but go fishing and catching will follow!!!!

[howardrf]

Captains working hard to put a catch together. But it doesn't always work. Anyway here's my point. Bottom fishing! My biggest gripe is having to drive down to Point Pleasant to bottom fish on a party boat. And they are catching fish. I went out last week, FULL boat, had limit of sea bass and 13 ling. Why Captains don't you opt for bottom fishing- 1 day a week! I think you would get a great turnout. Save customers a trip further down the GSP. Party Boat responses appreciated.