OMG Where are the Fluke

[JerseyMike]

I’ve been fishing between Shark River and Sandy Hook for over 30 years…. I can NEVER remember a year where the Fluke fishing has been this poor on the Ocean side. I’ve check my logs from years gone by and by this time of year you could go almost anywhere in 20 – 30 ft and could not avoid catching Fluke. Agreed the keeper ration was horrible perhaps 10/1 but the numbers were always there. I have fished several spots this year where I’ve got tons of fish in the past without so much as a single Fluke. Yesterday I fished an area where I have limited out in a matter of hours last year and between 3 veteran fishermen we caught 1 Fluke over 3 hours, plenty of sea bass (think god) but only one Fluke!

Are you guys having the same experience or am I just that unlucky?

Mike

[WhaleFart]

Its been tough, ive done 4 ocean side trips this year....the only decent one i had was saturday where my brother and I worked hard for 9 hours to catch 9 keeper size fish (not many shorts to spice things up)...the fishing wasnt consistent either, we would hit a patch box 2-3 in 10min and then DEAD for an hour or two till we hit another patch. Its been weird thats for sure.

[OH HENRY II]

Water on the ocean side is still a bit cool should start picking up soon with all this heat.

[jakesdad]

Been fishing out of Shark River since the early 60's, can't remember a start to the ocean season so slow. Only been out a couple of times because of boat issues but overall it has been terrible. I have caught more fish in the river on my way back in than in the ocean.

Hopefully the water will warm, last out this past Friday, temp when we left Shark River was 56, real strong tide with the wind drifting over 1.4 knots with a large heave. It can only get better.

[JerseyMike]

I hear what you and many people are saying about the cold water but I've caught tons of fish with surface temps in the low 60's. In my experience once you get to mid-June unless you have a strong S wind it's game on! Yesterday with no recent storms to screw up the bottom, we had surface temps in the 70's, nice easy drift and only one fluke. I launch out of highlands and the only fluke I've been able to find has been around the hook or inside.

[damnyankee]

We have had a lot of rain this year in May and June, that could be affecting the ocean fluke, that being said, the bay has been outstanding this year so far

[Irish Jigger]

In the bay and up the reach!! If the ocean was good half the NY fleet and the boats from Belmar wouldn't be fishing in front of Earle and all the way in the back!!

[AndyS]

Don't you worry, NMFS is going to a 1 fluke limit at 21" next year, that should boost the fluke populations.

[Generations]

Agree with some of the guys above. Raritan bay has been producing pretty well this season. Fish are deep also, from what I’ve experienced. If it’s something you want/can do, I’d take the trip up there.

[Capt. Debbie]

Huh?

Wouldn't more rain run off effect the bays more than the Atlantic Ocean?

Originally Posted by damnyankee

We have had a lot of rain this year in May and June, that could be affecting the ocean fluke, that being said, the bay has been outstanding this year so far