In 2021 anglers set out to explore the world of headboat fishing, traveling to five states in pursuit of five different species. One of those trips led to the famed fluke grounds near Block Island aboard the Gail Frances, where the party-boat fishing culture thrives.
The Challenge of Landing Fluke
Fluke fishing demands a combination of skill, patience, and precise technique. Hooking one is just the beginning—giving a fluke even an inch of slack allows it to shake free, while reeling too aggressively can cause the fish to use its entire body to dislodge the hook. If the net isn’t ready when a big fluke surfaces, the fish may execute a last-second escape, shaking the hook loose and vanishing back into the depths.
Gearing Up for Fluke Fishing
For party-boat fluking, carrying two rods is ideal. A longer, moderate-action conventional rod helps maintain tension while absorbing powerful headshakes, while a spinning rod allows for precise jigging when positioned up-current.
Observing successful anglers on board can provide valuable insights—matching their rig setup, bait selection, and jigging cadence often leads to better results. A popcorn rig with ½-ounce Spro Squidtail jigs proved effective, while colorful bucktail rivet teasers rigged above Gamakatsu 5/0 baitholder hooks worked well when tipped with squid, spearing, and fresh-cut bait.
Fluorocarbon leader is a must, as fluke have sharp teeth and a keen ability to spot unnatural presentations. A 30-pound-test leader offers extra abrasion resistance on a conventional setup, while a 20-pound-test leader on a spinning rig allows for better control and jig action in strong currents.
Winning the Pool: Strategy and Bait Selection
Many party boats offer a pool where anglers can contribute money, with the largest fish of the trip taking the prize. Onboard the Gail Frances, the initial drifts produced black sea bass, with only a few fluke making an appearance. The most successful early catches came on a chicken rig, prompting an adjustment in lure selection.
A key moment in the trip came when a mate mentioned that a fluke had spit up sand eels. Adjusting rigs to feature greenish-blue skirted teasers mimicking the local forage quickly paid off. Later in the day, freshly caught chub mackerel were cut into strips and used as bait, leading to multiple keeper fluke and an exciting pool competition.
Late-Summer Fluke Tactics
August is a prime time for fluke fishing off Block Island. As summer winds down, fluke migrate offshore to feed on dense schools of sand eels near the Block Island Wind Farm. These bait-rich waters also attract chub mackerel, which have become increasingly abundant in the region.
Fresh-cut chub mackerel proved to be one of the most effective baits, drawing aggressive strikes from fluke and sea bass alike. The trip ended with a dramatic weigh-in, with the biggest fluke of the day determined by a razor-thin margin.
For anglers looking to maximize success on a party boat fluke trip, fresh bait, strategic rigging, and adaptability to changing conditions can make all the difference in landing a trophy catch.
Image/Source: OnTheWater
