The Ultimate Guide to the Best Rigs and Baits for Summer Flounder (Fluke) Fishing

When it comes to summer flounder (fluke) fishing, knowing how to tie effective rigs and using the right bait are crucial for a successful outing. While fluke are typically characterized as bottom dwellers and opportunity feeders, but they are actually veracious predators and feed aggressively.  Fluke fishing success is improved by managing drift speeds and the action of the baits.  Having a consistent drift speed of .75 to 1.5 MPH is key to catch fluke successfully.

In this guide, we will explore the top rigs and baits for fluke fishing and provide detailed instructions on how to tie them.

Best Rigs for Fluke Fishing

High-Low Rig (Chicken Rig)

• • Materials Needed: Two hooks, leader line, sinker.
  • How to Tie:
    1. Cut a piece of leader line around 24-36 inches long.
    2. Tie a loop knot about 6-8 inches from one end for the first hook.
    3. Tie another loop knot about 6-8 inches from the first loop for the second hook.
    4. Tie a sinker to the end of the leader line.
    5. Attach hooks to the loops.
    6. How to tie Fluke \ Flounder High Lo Rig
  • Why It’s Effective: This rig allows you to present multiple baits at different levels, increasing your chances of attracting fluke.

Fish Finder Rig

• • Materials Needed: Sliding sinker, bead, swivel, leader line, hook.
  • How to Tie:
    1. Thread the main line through a sliding sinker.
    2. Add a bead to the main line to protect the knot.
    3. Tie the main line to a swivel.
    4. Attach a leader line (12-24 inches) to the other end of the swivel.
    5. Tie a hook to the end of the leader line.
    6. How to Tie a Fish Finder Rig
  • Why It’s Effective: This rig allows the bait to move naturally with the current, making it more enticing to fluke.  The sinker is not in the strike path so the fish does not feel resistance when they bite.

Bucktail Jig with Teaser Rig

• • Materials Needed: Bucktail jig, teaser hook, leader line.
  • How to Tie:
    1. Tie a bucktail jig to the end of the main line.
    2. About 12-18 inches above the jig, tie a dropper loop.
    3. Attach a teaser hook to the dropper loop.
    4. How to Tie and Fish a Flounder Bucktail Rig
  • Why It’s Effective: Combines the visual appeal of a bucktail jig with the added attraction of a teaser, increasing your chances of a bite.

Best Baits for Fluke Fishing

Fish and Strip Baits

• • Why They’re Great: Fluke are predators and other fish are natural prey for fluke and their lively movements attract attention.  Strips of squid, bluefish, fluke or mackerel are fluke favorites. Their scent and fluttering action attract bites.   Depending upon regulations you can even use small snapper bluefish to catch large doormat fluke.
  • How to Use: Hook the minnow through the lips or back, ensuring it can still move freely.

Squid Strips

• • Why They’re Great: Squid strips are durable and have a strong scent that attracts fluke.
  • How to Use: Cut the squid into thin strips and hook them so they dangle and move enticingly in the water.

Spearing (Silversides)

• • Why They’re Great: Spearing are small, shiny fish that are very attractive to fluke.
  • How to Use: Hook the spearing through the head or tail to keep it secure and allow it to flutter naturally.

Gulp! Alive Baits

• • Why They’re Great: Gulp! baits are scented artificial baits that mimic the appearance and movement of natural bait. These scented soft plastics, especially in swimming mullet, nemesis or grub shapes, are highly effective.
  • How to Use: Thread the Gulp! bait onto a hook or jig, making sure it covers the hook completely and the tail is allowed to have free action.

Mummichogs (Killifish)

• • Why They’re Great: Mummichogs are hardy and lively, making them irresistible to fluke.
  • How to Use: Hook them through the back or lips, ensuring they remain lively and active.

Tips for Tying Rigs

• Knot Strength: Ensure all knots are tied securely and trimmed properly to prevent slippage.
• Leader Length: Adjust the leader length based on water clarity and depth.
  
• Hook Size: Use proper hook sizes (usually 1/0 to 4/0) depending on the size of the bait being used.
  
• Sinker Weight: Choose the sinker weight based on the current and depth. Heavier sinkers for stronger currents and deeper waters.

SUMMARY

Fluke are exciting fish to catch for the saltwater angler and also are great eating on the dinner table.  Some tips to increase your fluke fishing success include:

• Use a combination of bait types, like tipping a bucktail jig with a strip of squid.
• Vary your retrieve speed and style to find what the fluke prefer on any given day.  A drift speed between .75 and 1.5 MPH is best for fluke action
• Focus on structures like drop-offs, channels, and wrecks where fluke ambush their prey.
• Pay attention to tide changes, as fluke often feed more actively during moving water.

Please send pictures of your fishing success.  You can contact me by email at [email protected].

 

Tight lines …  Captain P.