Fluke Fishing in New York

New York offers fantastic fluke fishing stretching from the South Shore of Long Island through the Harbor and into Long Island Sound. The state's extensive party boat fleet makes this one of the most accessible fluke fisheries anywhere, with boats running daily trips from ports just a short drive from New York City.

The South Shore is the heart of New York fluking. Party boats out of Captree, Freeport, and Sheepshead Bay drift the inshore waters, channels, and near-shore structure where fluke stack up during summer. These trips are perfect for families and beginners, with experienced mates on hand to help with rigging, bait selection, and technique. The Captree fleet in particular has a long tradition of quality fluke fishing that goes back decades.

Montauk offers a different experience altogether. The deeper water, stronger currents, and rocky structure around the Point and along the South Fork produce some of the largest fluke in New York waters. Full-day trips out of Montauk are a step up in both challenge and reward.

New York's fluke season runs from May through September, with the best action from June through August when fish are established in their summer holding areas. The standard technique is drifting with bucktail jigs tipped with squid, spearing, or Gulp! baits. Finding the right drift speed and bottom contact is key. New York maintains competitive size limits with neighboring states, so keepers are always quality fish. The sheer number of boats and ports available means you can find a trip to fit any schedule and budget.