Section 01Meet the Summer Flounder (Fluke)
The Summer Flounder β affectionately nicknamed "Fluke" by anglers up and down the East Coast β is one of the most sought-after saltwater game fish in New Jersey. A master of camouflage and ambush, this flatfish lies on the sandy bottom with both eyes on its topside, waiting to lunge upward at passing prey with surprising speed and aggression.
Paralichthys dentatus
Member of the Paralichthyidae family. Distinguished by its numerous eye-like spots and powerful, tooth-lined jaw.
Up to 26 lbs, 37"
Average keeper: 18β22". A "Doormat" refers to any fluke over 8 lbs. NJ record: 19 lbs 12 oz.
Aggressive Ambush Predator
Hunts by burying in sand, then darting upward to attack baitfish, squid, and crustaceans passing overhead.
Great Fight + Great Table Fare
They hit hard, run fast, and fluke fillets are considered among the finest-tasting saltwater fish on the East Coast.
Section 02Seasons & Best Times to Fish
Fluke are a migratory species. They spend winters far offshore on the Continental Shelf, then return to NJ's inshore bays, inlets, and nearshore ocean waters every spring as water temperatures climb.
Back Bay Bonanza
Fluke flood into shallow back bays and estuaries first. Smaller fish but fast action. Water temps 60β68Β°F is the sweet spot.
Peak Season
Best time for bigger fish. Early morning (dawn to 10 AM) and evening tides are most productive. Fish structure and drop-offs.
Doormat Time
Big fish feed aggressively before heading offshore. Target reef structures and inlet mouths. Season closes late September.
Moving tides are everything. Fluke feed most aggressively during the first two hours of an incoming or outgoing tide. Slack water is usually slow. Early morning and late afternoon consistently outperform midday in summer heat.
Section 03Where to Fish β NJ Waters
New Jersey offers an exceptional variety of fluke habitat, from shallow back bays and tidal creeks to nearshore ocean reefs and inlets.
π Back Bays & Estuaries
Barnegat Bay, Raritan Bay, Great Egg Harbor Bay, Delaware Bay. Calmer water, shallower depths (4β15 ft). Perfect for first-timers on small boats or kayaks.
β Inlets & Channels
Manasquan, Shark River, Barnegat, Little Egg, Great Egg, Absecon Inlets. Tidal current concentrates baitfish and draws big fluke.
ποΈ Beaches & Jetties
Sandy Hook, Island Beach State Park, Cape May beaches. Surf and jetty fishing for fluke is possible and rewarding.
β‘ Nearshore Ocean Reefs
Shrewsbury Rocks, Cholera Banks, Seventeen Fathoms. Offshore artificial reefs attract larger "Doormats." Best reached by party/charter boat.
Section 04NJ License & Registration Requirement
β οΈ You Need to Register Before You Fish
New Jersey does not require a paid saltwater fishing license for recreational anglers β but all saltwater anglers age 16 and older must complete the FREE NJ Saltwater Recreational Registry before fishing any marine waters.
Visit
saltwaterregistry.nj.gov
Click "Register" & create your account
Enter your name, address, DOB & contact info
Complete Child Support Certification
Print or save your confirmation β bring it fishing!
Completely FREE
The NJ Saltwater Registry costs nothing. Renew every January 1st β valid January 1 through December 31 each year.
Takes ~5 Minutes
Register entirely online. No trips to a store required.
Who Is Exempt
Anglers under age 16, passengers aboard a licensed charter or party boat, and active military home on leave.
Section 05NJ Fluke Regulations β Size, Bag & Season
New Jersey regulates summer flounder fishing to protect the population for future generations. Always verify current regulations at the official NJDEP Fish & Wildlife website before each season.
| Rule | Current Regulation | Status |
|---|---|---|
| Season Open | Approximately early May through late September (exact dates set annually) | Check NJ DEP Annually |
| Minimum Size | 18 inches (tip of snout to center fork of tail) | Statewide Rule |
| Bag Limit | 3 fish per person per day | Standard Season |
| Delaware Bay Exception | Different size limits may apply β check specific Delaware Bay regulations | Special Zone |
| How to Measure | Tip of snout (mouth closed) to the fork (center notch) of the tail | Fork Length |
Always verify the current year's rules directly at dep.nj.gov/njfw. Regulations are subject to change each season.
Section 06Starter Rods & Reels
You don't need the most expensive gear to catch your first keeper fluke. The right combination of rod action, reel type, and line makes the difference.
6.5 β 7.5 feet
Long enough for leverage and feel, short enough to be manageable. 7 ft is the sweet spot.
Fast to Medium-Fast
A fast action tip gives sensitivity to feel the subtle "thump-thump" hit of a fluke.
Medium to Medium-Heavy
Handles the weight of a 2β4 oz sinker plus bait in tidal current.
Penn Pursuit IV Combo
A legendary value combo. Perfect for learning the basics. Available in 7' medium-heavy.
Ugly Stik GX2 + Penn Battle
Virtually indestructible graphite/glass blank paired with a Penn Battle spinning reel.
St. Croix Mojo Inshore
Premium graphite rod with incredible sensitivity. Pair with a Shimano Stradic for a lasting combo.
- Braided Main Line: 15β20 lb braid (Power Pro, Sufix 832). Low stretch = better bite detection.
- Fluorocarbon Leader: 20β30 lb fluorocarbon, 18β36 inches. Nearly invisible underwater.
- Connection Knot: Use a Double Uni Knot or Alberto Knot to connect braid to fluoro leader.
- Spinning vs. Conventional: Spinning reels are easier for beginners. Size 4000β5000 handles fluke perfectly.
Section 07Lures & Artificial Baits
Fluke will absolutely hit artificial lures β and fishing artificials can be extremely effective, especially when "sweetened" with a small strip of bait.
πͺ Bucktail Jigs
The single most effective fluke lure. 1/2 β 2 oz bucktail in white, chartreuse, or pink. Sweeten with a Gulp! or strip bait.
π Berkley Gulp! Baits
Gulp! Shrimp (3"), Gulp! Swimming Mullet, Gulp! Jerk Shads. Scented soft plastics that consistently outperform many live baits.
π― Soft Plastic Paddle Tails
Hogy, Z-Man MinnowZ, Bass Kandy Delights. Rigged on weighted jig heads (1/4 β 1 oz). Vibrating tail mimics baitfish.
π¨ Choosing Colors
Clear/sunny water: Natural (white, pink, smelt). Murky/green water: Chartreuse, fire tiger, bright yellow.
Always tip your jig. A bucktail tipped with a 4" Gulp! Swimming Mullet is widely considered the most deadly fluke presentation in existence.
Section 08Fresh & Live Baits
Natural bait is deadly for fluke β especially when used fresh or live. Fluke have sharp teeth and an acute sense of smell.
π¦ Squid Strips
The most universal fluke bait. Cut fresh squid into 3β5" tapered strips. Tough enough to stay on the hook.
π Live Killifish
Hook through the back or nose on a 3/0β5/0 hook and drift just off bottom. Best for targeting large "Doormats."
π Spearing (Silversides)
Small, silvery baitfish that fluke absolutely love. Hook two or three at a time for maximum profile.
π Squid + Spearing Combo
Thread a spearing onto the hook first, then wrap a strip of squid around it. Adds bulk, scent, and movement simultaneously.
Keep your bait in a separate cooler with ice. Change strips frequently (every 20β30 minutes). A fresh-cut strip has far more scent than one that's been dragging for an hour.
Section 09Rigs & Terminal Tackle
Getting your rig right is just as important as choosing the right bait. Fluke rigs need to keep your bait near the bottom while allowing natural movement.
Bucktail Jig Rig
Tie a 1/2β2 oz white bucktail directly to your fluorocarbon leader. Tip with Gulp! or squid. Bounce and drag along bottom.
High-Low Fluke Rig
A sliding sinker (bank sinker 2β4 oz) above a swivel, with two hook droppers below. Pre-tied versions available at bait shops.
Kahle, Wide-Gap & Circle Hooks
2/0 β 6/0 size depending on bait size. Circle hooks (recommended by NJDEP) for live bait β reduces deep-hooking.
The NJ Fluke Killer: Bucktail + Teaser Combo
Tie your main fluorocarbon leader to a 1 oz white bucktail. Then, 18" above the bucktail, tie a dropper loop and add a small fluke teaser. Tip both with fresh squid or Gulp!. This two-hook presentation is the most popular and effective boat rig used by NJ anglers.
Section 10Fishing Techniques
Fluke fishing is an active sport β you're almost always in motion. The most productive method is drifting, but presentation and rod work make all the difference.
Set Up Your Drift
Use wind and current to drift your boat naturally over productive bottom. Ideal drift speed is 1β2 mph. Use a drift sock to slow down in strong wind.
Lower Your Rig to Bottom
Drop your bucktail or rig straight down. Feel it hit bottom, then reel up just enough to keep light contact. Constant bottom contact is the number-one rule.
Work the Jig β Lift, Hop & Drop
Slowly lift the rod to about 10β11 o'clock, then drop it back down quickly. The jig hops off the bottom and then flutters down β that flutter on the drop is when most bites happen.
Detect & Respond to the Bite
Fluke hits feel like a "thump" or sudden dead weight. Drop your rod tip slightly to give the fish a half-second to take the bait, then sweep the rod firmly to set the hook.
Fight and Land the Fish
Fluke run hard and headshake. Keep steady pressure and don't give slack. Use a net for any fish worth keeping.
Section 11Essential Gear & Accessories
π Fish Measuring Board
Required to confirm fish meet the 18" minimum. Keep it accessible at all times.
π§ Cooler with Ice
Keep your keepers fresh. Fluke deteriorate quickly in summer heat.
π§ Hook Removal Tool
Long-nose pliers (6β8") or a dedicated de-hooker. Fluke have sharp teeth β always use pliers.
πΈοΈ Landing Net
Essential for any fish over 18". Many good fluke are lost at the boat trying to lip them.
π¦Ί Life Vest (PFD)
Required by USCG regulations when on any vessel. Non-negotiable on the water.
π± Tide Chart App
Tides Near Me, Navionics, or Fishbrain. Know your tide windows before you go.
β
NJ Saltwater Registry printed or saved
β
Rod, reel, line, and leader material
β
Bucktail jigs (1/4 to 2 oz, white) + Gulp! baits
β
Fresh bait: squid strips, killifish, or spearing
β
Sinkers (1β4 oz bank sinkers)
β
Hooks (2/0β5/0 Kahle, wide-gap, circle)
β
Fish measuring board
β
Long-nose pliers / de-hooker
β
Landing net
β
Cooler with ice
β
Life vests for all passengers
β
Sunscreen, polarized sunglasses
β
Tide chart downloaded for your target location
Section 12Pro Tips β Hard-Won Wisdom
Fish the Edges, Not the Middle
Fluke ambush prey from transitions β the edge of a channel, where hard bottom meets sand, where current deflects around a sandbar.
Drift Speed is Critical
1β1.5 mph is the magic window. If you're drifting 3+ mph in wind, use a drift sock. Moving bait catches fish.
Always Carry White
If you could only bring one jig color, make it white. White bucktails and white Gulp! baits catch fluke in every water condition.
Keep Your Bait Near Bottom
Fluke don't often chase bait into the water column β they lunge upward from the bottom. If you're getting no bites, go heavier on the jig.
Mark & Repeat Good Drifts
When you catch a fish, drop a waypoint on your GPS immediately and repeat that exact drift. Where there's one, there are more.
Keep your bait in the strike zone. Every second your bait is up in the water column, you're not catching fluke. Master the art of maintaining bottom contact through your entire drift.
π£ Ready to Hit the Water?
Summer Flounder are one of the most accessible and rewarding fish an angler can target. With the right gear, fresh bait, and respect for New Jersey's regulations, your cooler will be full and those fillets will be on the table.
π Verify all current regulations at dep.nj.gov/njfw before each season.
π Register for free at saltwaterregistry.nj.gov
π NJDEP Fish & Wildlife: (609) 292-2965