New Jersey · Jersey Shore
FLUKE FISHING
IN LONG BEACH ISLAND
Long Beach Island is an excellent destination for fluke fishing, with peak season in June, July and good catches in May, August, September. Book a charter and target fluke with local experts.
About Fluke Fishing in Long Beach Island
Also called Summer Flounder, fluke are prized flatfish found from the Carolinas to Massachusetts. Distinguished from Gulf flounder by their larger size and left-facing orientation, fluke are ambush predators that lie camouflaged on sandy bottoms near structure.
Fluke — properly called Summer Flounder — are the premier flatfish of the mid-Atlantic and Northeast. Distinguished from Gulf/Southern Flounder by their larger size, left-facing orientation (both eyes on the left side), and distinct spot patterns with 5 large ocelli (eye spots) on the upper body. Fluke are ambush predators that lie buried in sand with only their eyes exposed, launching upward to grab prey. Their camouflage ability is remarkable — they can change color to match the bottom within minutes. Excellent table fare with sweet, firm white flesh.
Scientific name: Paralichthys dentatus
Fluke Seasonal Calendar — Long Beach Island
Month-by-month availability for fluke in Long Beach Island, NJ.
How to Catch Fluke in Long Beach Island
Techniques & Bait
Drifting with bucktails (white, chartreuse, or pink) tipped with a strip of squid, fluke belly, or Gulp! Swimming Mullet along sandy bottom in 20-80 feet of water is the standard technique. "Fluke rigs" (a sliding sinker rig with a long fluorocarbon leader and wide-gap hook) baited with a live minnow and strip bait combination is deadly. Drifting over structure transitions — where sand meets rocks, mud, or wrecks — concentrates fish. Slow your drift with a drift sock for better bottom contact.
Recommended Tackle
Medium spinning rod (6'6"-7 ft), 3000-4000 reel, 15-20 lb braid, 20-30 lb fluorocarbon leader, bucktail jigs (1/2-2 oz depending on depth/current), wide-gap hooks (3/0-5/0).
Best Inshore Fishing Spots in Long Beach Island
Top spots where local captains target fluke and other inshore species.
Barnegat Bay (LBI Flats)
Barnegat Bay's western shore along Long Beach Island features extensive shallow flats, tidal creeks, and marsh islands that hold summer flounder, striped bass, and weakfish from spring through fall. The bay's grass beds and sand bottom provide productive sight-fishing for fluke on calm days when anglers can spot fish cruising the shallows. Drifting live killies across the bay's sandy channels remains the most reliable method for catching keeper fluke.
Little Egg Inlet
Little Egg Inlet at the southern tip of Long Beach Island connects Little Egg Harbor to the Atlantic Ocean, with powerful tidal currents that create prime inshore fishing along the channel edges. Striped bass, fluke, bluefish, and weakfish funnel through the inlet on every tide change, feeding on baitfish washed between the bay and ocean. The inlet's deep channel and adjacent sand bars hold fish throughout the season.
Manahawkin Bay
Manahawkin Bay sits between the mainland and the central section of Long Beach Island, its sheltered waters and marsh-lined shores providing productive habitat for fluke, weakfish, and striped bass. The bay's Route 72 causeway bridge pilings create fish-holding structure that attracts tautog and sheepshead in addition to the seasonal gamefish. Kayak anglers find excellent light-tackle action working the bay's creek mouths and grass edges.
Beach Haven Back Bay
The back bay behind Beach Haven at the southern end of Long Beach Island provides sheltered inshore fishing among docks, bulkheads, and tidal channels. Summer flounder, weakfish, and striped bass hold in the deeper channels and around marina structures, feeding on the abundant killies and spearing that inhabit the estuary. The Dorland J. Henderson Memorial Bridge pilings are a prime spot for targeting tautog and sheepshead.
Other Species in Long Beach Island
More fish you can target while visiting Long Beach Island.
Fluke Fishing in Long Beach Island — FAQ
The peak months for Fluke fishing in Long Beach Island are June, July. During these months, Fluke are most active and abundant in the Long Beach Island area.
Fluke fishing charters in Long Beach Island are typically inshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Drifting with bucktails (white, chartreuse, or pink) tipped with a strip of squid, fluke belly, or Gulp! Swimming Mullet along sandy bottom in 20-80 feet of water is the standard technique. "Fluke rigs" (a sliding sinker rig with a long fluorocarbon leader and wide-gap hook) baited with a live minnow and strip bait combination is deadly. Drifting over structure transitions — where sand meets rocks, mud, or wrecks — concentrates fish. Slow your drift with a drift sock for better bottom contact.
No — when you book a charter in Long Beach Island, your captain provides all required New Jersey fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Fluke regulations in New Jersey include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Fluke in Long Beach Island, you may also catch Striped Bass, Bluefish, Black Sea Bass, Tautog, Porgy. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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