When it comes to saltwater fishing along the East Coast of the United States, fluke fish, also known as summer flounder, are one of the most popular catches. Due to their odd shapes, great taste, and the fighter’s quest to get caught in the abyss, these flatfish are an all-time favorite for both freshwater fishermen and fish eaters.
In this article, we’ll cover all the information you’d need to catch a fluke: what are they? Where are they? How to see one? And why do they make great eating? Beginner or seafood geek. This guide is designed to impart valuable knowledge about this remarkable fish, regardless of where you are on your learning curve.
What is a Fluke Fish?
Fluke fish (Paralichthys dentatus) are a species of flatfish that can be found in the western Atlantic Ocean, from the Gulf of Maine to Florida. Their greatest concentration is in the waters from Massachusetts to North Carolina. These fish belong to the flounder family and are recognized by their compressed bodies and sideways-expanded eyes (the latter an obvious characteristic of a flatfish).
Fluke are occasionally mistaken for winter flounder, but are easily distinguishable by size, color, and behavior. Flukes are more aggressive, grow larger, and have a sandy-colored upper side, dotted with darker spots that help them blend into sandy bottoms.
Why Are They Called “Fluke”?
On this point, namely that it refers only to summer flounder, a term largely used by the recreational and commercial fishing industry. The word probably derives from an old English term for a flatfish or from the tail fin’s resemblance to a whale’s fluke.
The Latin name Paralichthys dentatus means parallel fish with tenacious teeth, highlighting its symmetrical body and biting type structure.
Habitat and Behavior
Many flukes are bottom dwellers and are typically found in shallow, coastal waters, in bays and estuaries and on the Continental Shelf. They like to make their home in a sandy or muddy bottom, where they lie flat to seize their prey. In the warmer months (late spring to early fall), fluke migrate closer to shore to feed and spawn. As water cools in the autumn, fish move far away from shore into deeper water.
They are opportunistic carnivores that consume small fish, squid, shrimp, and crabs. Since their eyes are positioned on one side, they can rest on the bottom and watch for food.
Fluke Fish Identification
Here are some things that will help you identify a fluke fish:
- Left eye (most flounders have right-sided eyes)
- Broad, diamond-shaped body
- Mouth lined with sharp teeth
- Short hair coat, varying gray to brown with flecks for camouflage.
- White underside
- Can get to be 15 pounds or longer than 30 inches
Top Times and Spots to Target Fluke
The height of fluke season typically occurs from May to September, with July and August being the busiest months. Here’s where they are:
- Inshore Bays and Estuaries – Early Season
- Ocean Reefs and Sandbars: Mid– to Late Summer
- These Deep Waters: Fall migration
The most popular fishing spots are Long Island Sound, beaches in New Jersey, the Delaware Bay , and the Chesapeake Bay.
Tips for Anglers on How to Catch Fluke
Fluke are a favorite target of sport anglers due to their aggressive bite and delicious fillets. Here’s how to get the most out of your odds:
- Use the Right Gear
- Medium-action rod
- 20–30 lb braided line
- Fishfinder Rig (3-way swivel)
- Bucktail jigs dressed with strips of squid or spearing, or Gulp! soft baits
- Target the Right Areas
Simply target drop-offs, sandbars, channel edges, or, if possible, even those artificial reefs. Fluke will wait for any structure change to ambush food.
Drift Fishing Works Best
Flukes are ambush predators. With drifting, you can fish deeper and cover more water while presenting your bait more naturally. Control drift speed with the drift sock if necessary.
Use Movement
Fluke is responsive to the action, along with scent. ‘Let your hair jiggle and bounce along the bottom and drift to make them react.
How to Clean and Prepare Fluke Fish?
Fluke, with its firm and white flesh and subtle, sweet flavor, is highly valued by many. They work well grilled, baked, fried, or in fish tacos. Here’s a quick guide:
Cleaning:
Rinse the fish thoroughly.
Slit behind the gills and follow the backbone to fillet both sides.
Cooking Ideas:
- Sautéed fluke with lemon butter sauce
- Ceviche of fluke with lime and avocado
- Grilled fluke fillets with herbs
- Fluke fish tacos with cabbage slaw
Fluke Fish and Sustainability
NOAA and regional fishery councils systematically regulate fluke fisheries. These combined efforts are helping to rebuild fluke stocks in some waters, but not yet enough, in many others. States impose size and bag limits to avoid overfishing.
If you’re fishing for fun, always be sure to check your state’s current regulations on:
- Minimum size
- Bag limits
- Season dates
It will help to ensure that our grandchildren’s grandchildren will still be able to fluke fish. (Practice catch-and-release and respect quotas.
Nutritional Value
And fluke is not only delicious, but it’s also nutritious! One serving of cooked fish, 3 ounces cooked:
- Around 90–100 calories
- 20 grams of protein
- Low fat (less than 2g)
- High in Omega-3 fatty acids
- Rich source of Vitamin B12, selenium and phosphorus
- It is a great option for low-calorie, high-protein meals.
- Fun Facts About Fluke Fish
- Fluke can also develop a light tan color to blend in with the bottom on which they sit.
- The juvenile fluke begins life with an eye on either side, but one eye moves as it grows.
- They can live to be 14 in the wild.
- Fluke are one of the most popular tournament species in East Coast fishing derbies.
Conclusion
Fluke fish, or summer flounder as some call them, are one of the more significant bottom dwellers in marine ecosystems, and more importantly, in local fisheries. With their distinctive appearance, scrappy behavior, and delicious taste, fluke have achieved a place as one of the Atlantic Coast’s most desirable targets.
So the next time you’re casting a line or browsing the seafood counter, say a little thanks to the down-and-dirty fluke fish, nature’s salt-of-the-earth flat masterpiece.
FAQs
What is the difference between a fluke and a flounder?
Fluke (summer flounder) – A species of flounder common on the East Coast. Unlike winter flounder, fluke have both eyes on the left side and are aggressive predators.
Is fluke fish good to eat?
Yes! Fluke is a tender, mild-tasting fish that’s good for grilling, frying, broiling, or baking. It is low in fat and high in protein.
How big can a fluke fish get?
Fluke can reach sizes over 15 pounds and measure more than 30 inches in length, although the majority of those caught by fishermen are typically 2–5 pounds.
