What bait should I use for flounder/fluke on Long Island?

Catching flounder or fluke in Long Island waters can be an exhilarating experience, especially in the middle of spring. The water is warming, and these flatfish start to become more active. To maximize your chances of success, let's dive into the best baits and techniques for hooking these delightful fish.

Bait Selection

Flounder and fluke have a particular penchant for live bait, which mimics their natural prey. Here are some top choices:

Minnows: These are a staple for flounder fishing. Their lively movement attracts the attention of fluke, making them a reliable choice. Hook them through the lips or the back to ensure they stay lively.
Squid Strips: A classic choice, squid strips offer a tantalizing scent and texture that flounder find hard to resist. They can be cut into long, narrow strips to mimic the appearance of small fish or sand eels.
Berkley Gulp!: This artificial bait is engineered to replicate the scent and movement of live bait. It's a popular choice among anglers because it stays on the hook longer, eliminating the need for constant rebaiting. Check out this video on using Berkley Gulp for fluke fishing for some practical tips.
Sand Eels: These can be used alive or dead. If you can find live ones, they're particularly effective as they're a natural prey item for fluke.

Techniques

Using a bucktail jig tipped with one of the baits mentioned above is a winning combination. The movement of the jig, combined with the scent and look of the bait, is irresistible to flounder. Watch this video for more insights on jigging for flounder.

Practical Tip

When fishing for flounder, it's essential to drift your bait across the sandy bottoms where these fish like to lay in wait. This technique ensures that your bait covers more ground, increasing your chances of encountering a flounder.

Overall, patience and persistence go a long way when it comes to landing these bottom-dwelling beauties. So, gear up, choose your bait wisely, and may your line always be tight! 🐟