Fluke in East Hampton & Montauk: The Ultimate Summer Catch
Fluke in East Hampton & Montauk: The Ultimate Summer Catch
Fluke (Paralichthys dentatus), also known as summer flounder, are one of the most sought-after fish in the waters off East Hampton and Montauk. Known for their ambush-hunting behavior and delicious, mild-tasting fillets, fluke provide both an exciting challenge for anglers and a highly prized catch for seafood lovers.
How We Catch Them
Fluke are bottom-dwelling fish that prefer sandy or muddy bottoms near drop-offs, channels, and inshore structures. They are best caught using drift fishing techniques with bucktail jigs, soft plastics, or bait rigs tipped with squid, spearing, or live baitfish like killifish or peanut bunker. The key to a successful fluke trip around Montauk is covering ground, as these fish are ambush predators that wait for prey to pass by. Anglers often target them in areas such as Montauk’s rips, the sandy flats of Napeague Bay, and deeper channels leading out to the Atlantic.
Migration Patterns
Fluke are a migratory species, moving inshore from deep offshore waters in the spring as temperatures rise. They remain in the bays and coastal waters around East Hampton and Montauk throughout the summer, actively feeding before heading back to deeper waters in the fall. Their seasonal movement makes them a prime target for inshore anglers from May through September, with peak fishing in the warmest months.
The Fluke Fishery
Fluke are an essential part of the commercial and recreational fisheries in Montauk, with strict size and bag limits enforced to ensure sustainability. Their popularity among anglers stems not only from their challenging fight but also from their exceptional table quality. The fillets are firm, white, and mild in flavor, making them perfect for a variety of preparations, from pan-searing and baking to classic Long Island-style fluke sandwiches.
As one of the top game fish in Montauk and East Hampton, fluke fishing is a beloved tradition for local anglers and visiting sportsmen alike. Whether drifting along the rips off Montauk Point or casting into the bays of the Hamptons, catching a keeper fluke is a highlight of the summer fishing season.