fluke off sandy hook....what are they biting?

[soxfanjp]

I've been out on the hook once this month so far, everyone is saying that the fluke are biting but too many robins.  When I was out, I only pulled out one sea robin after 4 hours of surf fishing.  I was using a bottom rig with squid strips.  Guys at "The Tackle Box" told me that's what they were biting, plus I was ocean side, not bay side.  Anyone have any suggestions on spots and/or bait?  I'm kind of new at this so any and all help is GREATLY appreciated!!

[rb218]

I am not a surf fisherman but I have had good luck on killie/squid or spearing/squid combo's around the hook.  Some guys are using a bucktail with gulp minnow or squid with good success as well.

Hope that helps.

[fishon42]

hey soxfan,
 i fish the hook every weekend off the surf. lots and lots of short fluke, once in a while you will catch a keeper.. at least for me that is how it is. caught a nice 17 incher last weekend and a 20 incher last weekend with my cousin, very nice fish. we used gulp squid or gulp pogy bait with a strip of squid. that worked the best for me, and also a slice of squid with a spearing right through the eye balls so its hard for it to fling off when you cast it.  and yes i only fish the oceanside, bayside is a little longer of a walk, especially if you walk that sand path to get to the tip. we just head right and around the bend and fish at the corner, you will do good there.  good luck.




Fish On

[IrishAyes]

Soxfanjp,
Welcome to the site. 
Although I don't fish the surf anymore, this is how I would/have fished for fluke.  You have to use a cast and retrieve method or it will be hard to get fluke.  Make sure the bait is moving.  Cast it out and do a slow retrieve.  Jig the bait every so often.  Do not cast out and set your pole in a rod holder.  You will readily catch sea robins and skates like that.

I'm sure you can meet up with someone from this site who fishes from the hook and have a treck out with them. 

[brijones1]

I use a ball jig with a teaser trailer about 2-3ft back from the jig.  I take off the eagle claw hook and replace with one of my gamakatsu 3/0 tied with chartruise and white bucktail.  Tip the hooks with anything; gulp, squid, strips of anything.  I found that using a heavier ball jig than most guys use allows me to get past the robin mania and pick up more fluke ( 4 or 6 oz.)

[Luna Sea 5]

killies, spearing.

[gottog]

Buddy that fishes SINY beach and jetties for fluke basically everyday said last few days loads of tiny spearing have been around(maybe rainfish) but the fluke are still gorging on grass shrimp.

[Hotrod]

Welcome Sox.. Nice to have you with us.

We have many great Beach/ hook fisherman that I'm sure would love to team up with you one day.

also,  After your 8th post A private forum will open up for you holding tons a great info, such as Members contact info / Hot spots / and Buddy Boat Trips.

enjoy you new Home on the Web

Hotrod

[ped579]

New home on the web, I like that doesn't that mean he's cooking dinner for us?

Paul

[soxfanjp]

thanks so much for all the suggestions and help.  i guess the first mistake I'm making is setting my pole and waiting.  i have some really good squid strips and some tackle.  do you think someone might be able to show me a pic of a good moving rig that they use for fluke.  I'm still a little unfamiliar with what a ball jig or a teaser look like.  I'm really new at this so thanks for your help and patience

[IrishAyes]

i guess the first mistake I'm making is setting my pole and waiting

Don't fret too much.  That is the most common mistake for a new comer on the beach.  In general, the fluke will just hang out buried in the sand.  The bait has to travel past the fluke for the fluke to see it and attack.  At times, the fluke will just grab the bait and lay there.  When you feel extra weight on your line.  Set the hook and bring in your catch.  (Geeze, I wish it was as easy as it sounds)   

[Flukedood]

Soxfan, you can keep it simple at first and catch fish.. You can use a jig head 1/2 oz up to 1oz and use a wide variety of diffrent baits.. The easist,( because you dont have to use a cooler), is soft palstics or the many choices of Gulp baits out there.. Swimming minnows, pogys, Jerk shads all work well.. All you have to do is cast out and slowly retrieve the bait while twitching the rod..And dont think its over once you get to the wash.. Most of the stikes I get are right at the was so dont reel it in to early..

You can also use a Spro jig 1/2 oz up to 3 oz tipped with the strip baits made by Gulp..( They even come with instuctions on how to cut them)...