South Jersey Guys ? ? ?

[TimC2520]

Well, this is my worst fluke season yet. How are you guys doing?
It's July 7th and I still have not caught a keeper! Tons of shorts.
The bay is now 80 degrees, so from here on out to the end of the season, it's ocean reef and wreck hopping for me trying to get some meat! :evil:
It has gotten so bad, I have slip neighbors giving me fluke fillets! :shock:

 

[POGE]

some suggestions I tried with some success:
Ask others where they caught or at local bait shops when buying bait helps :wink:
use a chum pot and make sure it is on the bottom ( cheap canned cat food works for me, I leave food in can with lid off)
Lighten up on weights as much as you can , and use single hook rigs with needs
Clams for bait cut into good size strips, change bait and put old bait into chum pot
find good bottom, mud or mud and gravel mix in about 20-25 feet of water
slack tide is a dead zone, need some moving water
not the best but follow(with courtesy) charters or boats that "catch" to find spots

 

[Dylan'ssou'wester]

Two weeks ago I fished Great Egg Harbor in front of Ocean City, and inlet. Caught zero keepers but lots of 15" to 17" fish infront of Ocean City in back bay.. I use live bait I caught with cast net and Berkeley Gulp around middle of July to end of Fluke season . I'm used to a least six keepers per trip among my four sons and me. Fluke will be back in bay by end of July to end of Season. Maybe try inshore ,GE reef, AC reef, (Lobster pots off AC) you should be able to get keepers on near inshore reefs & wrecks .If you get bored try trolling feathers for 2lb blues & false albies. Going back out next weekend if weathers nice. Trolling for Tuna, Wahoo, King Mac in morning around 28 mile wreck south to Hot Dog and back in afternoon for fluke. Good luck Fluking .
(live bait works best all the time!!)

 

[bean]

Hi Tim,

This time of year live spot are the ticket for larger fish. Also Weakie or Bass can hit it. I have done well before the warm water now onto live bait.

" Bean "

 

[TimC2520]

Thanks Bean, giving it a shot tomorrow in deeper water with some fresh meat.
Someone else down your way is having a good year, I won't mention any names.... :mrgreen: