Fluke Help...

[BottomLine 14]

Hey Guys!
Im taking my boat out of Atlantic Highlands tomorrow for some fishing with the guys for some fluke. I havent been too lucky this year with the few trips ive taken  Can anyone please tell me what im doing wrong or any good tips on the area/bait. Ive been using squid/killie combos along with squid/spearing combos. Any help would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks everyone in advance and good luck out there.
Jim

[ChrisL]

Have you been using the Bert and Earnie method....HERE FISH FISHY FISHY!!!  The fish jump right in the boat for them.   

Seriously though...

Your bait choice sounds about right.  Maybe try some Gulp products, fluke belly, etc.
Make sure the bait is on the bottom and keep it bouncing. 
Can't help with timing, conditions or locations.

I'm sure one of the knowledgeable guys will have some useful input for you any moment now.

[Fightin Irish]

Try staying with the party boats til you learn the area.Just keep your distance try working the channels the rip and the range towers are usually good this time of year. Ambrose is one of my favorite but make sure you have enough weight with you its deep and the current moves pretty quick.Also for bait add spearing and perruvian smelts with the squid also works great.

[PeggyLee]

Not aware of the type and size vessel you are fishing,however 1. check your weather and if you fell confortable with the ACCURATE weather then Sandy Hook Bay, Raritan Bay and the Tip of the Hook are very good spots that offer many different approches.Its no secret that the  The Flats, the Channels the Edges present some nice opportunity to fish.There may be many other boats in the area,so you know your in the right location.That could be a good or bad thing.
There are a multitude of baits and set ups,some of which you mentioned.You will be fine.Good Luck.

[wb]

don't be afraid to move around, the fish aren't.... if a drift is non productive try another spot

look for drop offs and lumps, the fluke like to hang there and chow

[urulie]

A couple things I can add I would like to reiterate, Most new to fluking think there on the bottom and really aren't.  So first off make sure your on the bottom if you are not sure add more weight to make sure. Second use braid and maybe a Graphite rod you will feel much much more and maybe not miss the bite. Also one more thing Don't swing on the first nibble let them take it a little.  I drop my rod tip at the first bite to let them have it a little then lift slowly on the second bite set the hook and enjoy.  Hope that helps.     

[BottomLine 14]

Thanks guys for all the tips! Ill be sure to try them the next chance I get to go out since the weather wasn't to fishing friendly the other day 
Thanks again guys

[Luna Sea 5]

it difficult giving a tip without actually seeing you fish.  It is the only way to tell if your doing something wrong.  Since your using the correct bait, location may be a factor.  Do you have a fishfinder?  If so, look for drop offs.

[blynch]

Grab four or five clams and give them a try.  I have found that on days when the standard baits arent working, clams can help you but afew more fish in the boat. You might even luck into afew keeper seabass if you are around a wreck

Good luck
blynch

[BottomLine 14]

Yeah I have a fishfinder so Ill have to look for the drop offs. I have a 20ft. wellcraft so Im not really limited to not going around the hook so Ill also have to give that a shot too. I was around the hook and down the beach a little ways the other day and caught a few shorts and a few pain in the ass sand sharks! Always have to tangle themselves up in the line and make it hell for me to release them 

[IrishAyes]

No need to release the dog fish (sharks) They make excellent fluke bait. Just strip them out like you would any other fish. The strip will stay on the hook all day.