Need a Flukin' lesson,,, Macojoe ??

stripminer · #1 06-10-2005, 07:55 PM

Joe,

I have been fishing my whole life but just last year started trying my hand at Fluke. I bought a great book by Bob Sampson and think I have a handle on it.

But around this site you are the flukemeister, so here is my request.

If you came to CT to fish for fluke what would you look for as to areas to drop a line ? Depths etc. I guess I'm looking for Fluke 101 if are willing. I was able to catch one or two last year but really want to learn. I hope you have time.

Thanks,
Tom

phester · #2 06-10-2005, 10:02 PM

strip, I could help you out, BUT, you asked MJ and I'm not one for stepping on anyones toes...and after all he is the flukemiester.

stripminer · #3 06-10-2005, 10:20 PM

please chime in phester...... I am merely paying homage to the man who seems to be in the know. I am open to all input !!!! Especially since you are "across the way " from me !!!

macojoe · #4 06-10-2005, 10:32 PM

I am far from the master!! and anyone who has some good techniques need to chine in!!

I find that the sandy areas are were they are. The smaller fish will be in the shallow water 20' to 40'

I look for drop offs, just when your line goes over one you will get slammed!~!

The bigger fish like the deeper water!! 40' to 100' They also seem to like some kind of structurer, like a wreak or something of that nature.

For the smaller fish I use a Floro leader of 30# about 36" with a squid skirt, and squid strip. With a fish finder with anough weight to hold bottom.

The bigger fish like big bait! I like to use 4 to 5oz Bucktails jig's tiped with squid.

The trick with jigs is that you want to try to hold the line stright up and down!! If it gets to far away from you it just does not work.

Bigest Fluke is 13 pounds, taken on Live Scup drifting for Bass.
I have repeated this a few trimes with smaller fish 9 & 10#
But this means using the smaller scup like 4 to 6 incjes which is illeagle in most places!! Mass it is 9" commercial and 10.5 for recreational.

Color skirts vary from white, yellow, to glitter

other bait, sandeels, Mackrel chunks on the big ones, mummy chubs, clams, but by far the best bait is fresh Fluke Belly!!

Hope that helps

phester · #5 06-11-2005, 11:43 AM

strip, my technieques are very similar as to what MJ does. I dont get into waters 100 ft., its just not that deep in my "local" fishing spots. Probably another common rig to use is an Aqua-clear rig.It has a high hook and a low hook and a dropper loop for the appropriate sinker. Hooks are commonly dressed in a choice of colors, I personally prefer white/red then dress hook w/ the good ol squid/spearing combo. Put the spearing on first, right thru both eyes, then about a 5/6" piece of squid strip.I usually cut a 1-2" split on the end of the squid strip just for a little bit more of a natural look. Then like MJ said, pending on wind and or current try to drift up [or down] any decent drop-off. Also, try to keep your line as vertical as poss. and give a lift every so often,I usually get them on the lift. A quality fluke[5-6lbs.] will feel like youre lifting a big wet towel off the bottom. My personal record is about 9lbs., that's when you start to call them doormats. Good luck, go get em!

macojoe · #6 06-11-2005, 11:59 AM

I use to make the high low rigs also. But I hated getting the 2nd hook stuck in my hand when unhooking the fish!!

Also depending how fast you are drifting you will want to adjust your bait leanth.
I like a longer bait in slow water (4" to 6") and short bait in fast water (2' to 4")
when your moving fast you will get a lot of hits and misses. Shorten the bait to make the fish come up on it more to reach the hook.

Now go get them!

phester · #7 06-11-2005, 09:28 PM

good points MJ, and yes ,be advised of that 2nd hook. My friend was releasing a 3foot sand shark and lost his handle on him.The "'shark" hooked hiself in the tail which then the high hook got my buddies finger. the shark was trying to swim away further burying the hook into poor Brads finger. after a few choice words and basic first aid we got back to fishing

chumbucket · #8 06-12-2005, 08:47 AM

I picked up a few of these to try out on the Fluke. They look like they should work well. I got them in 4oz.

http://www.biminibayoutfitters.com/tsuballjigs.htm

macojoe · #9 06-12-2005, 09:38 AM

yum yum I can't wait to see how they catch!!

What no fish report from last night?? You must have got shunked!! :o

chumbucket · #10 06-12-2005, 06:10 PM

We did okay. Lots of Bass to 25 lbs. The bite was on for most of the evening. We got back to the ramp at right about midnight. Eels are still my favorite Striper candy. ;D 8)