New York · Long Island
FLUKE FISHING
IN GREENPORT
Greenport is a solid destination for fluke fishing, with good fishing in June, July, August. Book a charter and target fluke with local experts.
About Fluke Fishing in Greenport
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 — Greenport
Month-by-month availability for fluke in Greenport, NY.
How to Catch Fluke in Greenport
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 Greenport
Top spots where local captains target fluke and other inshore species.
Peconic Bay
Peconic Bay is the primary inshore fishery for Greenport, a large estuary system stretching between the North Fork and South Fork of Long Island with extensive eelgrass beds and sandy flats. Fluke, striped bass, porgy, and weakfish patrol the bay's shallows from spring through fall, with the eelgrass beds providing critical habitat for juvenile fish and feeding grounds for adults. Drifting across the bay's sandy channels with bucktails and live killies is the time-tested technique for catching keeper fluke.
Shelter Island Sound
Shelter Island Sound lies between Shelter Island and the North Fork mainland near Greenport, its deep channels and tidal currents creating prime habitat for striped bass, fluke, and porgy. The sound's narrows and points concentrate baitfish during tidal movements, attracting predators that feed aggressively in the swirling currents. Night fishing for striped bass around the sound's deeper structure produces trophy-class fish during the summer months.
Orient Harbor
Orient Harbor is a protected embayment on the North Fork east of Greenport, surrounded by marshland and eelgrass meadows that support a thriving inshore fishery. Fluke, striped bass, porgy, and bluefish feed in the harbor's shallow waters during warmer months, with the eelgrass providing excellent habitat for baitfish. The harbor's calm, clear waters offer some of the best sight-fishing opportunities on the North Fork for anglers in kayaks and shallow-draft skiffs.
Greenport Harbor Channel
The harbor channel running through the center of Greenport's waterfront provides surprisingly productive inshore fishing around docks, pilings, and bulkheads within the village limits. Striped bass, fluke, porgy, and tautog hold in the channel's deeper sections and around marina structures, feeding on the abundant baitfish that inhabit the harbor. Evening fishing from the Greenport docks during summer produces regular catches of striped bass feeding under the harbor lights.
Other Species in Greenport
More fish you can target while visiting Greenport.
Fluke Fishing in Greenport — FAQ
Fluke fishing in Greenport is productive during June, July, August.
Fluke fishing charters in Greenport 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 Greenport, your captain provides all required New York fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Fluke regulations in New York 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 Greenport, you may also catch Striped Bass, Bluefish, Tautog, Black Sea Bass, Porgy. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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