Drifting Rips For Fluke
Shoals and rips are prime locations for targeting fluke. Drifting rips and shoals is fairly simple, but changes to your presentation will be necessary
depending on the depth and current.
Strategy: I typically find fluke around shoals and deep drop offs. Fluke are aggressive feeders and spread out into areas where distracted baitfish are likely to be swept down with the tidal currents. While some spots are better than others, textbooks suggest that a shallow shoal nearby a deep drop-off very close by will likely have fluke in season. Fluke are active fish and move around a lot so drifting with the current is best. I break down a fluke spot into two plays: the deep side of the rip and the rip itself, caused by tide running over the shoal. I usually start in the shallow area and make a few drifts over the shoal. Sometimes you’ll find more action in the rip but sometimes the fish
tend to be smaller.
Tactical Jig Hogy Flutter Pitch Jig or Sand Eel Jig: Either jig works particularly well for fluke and both com in sizes for the famously large Nantucket fluke in 100’ of water in strong currents. (8.5 to 12oz) Each of these jigs feathers the same “sabiki” style assist hook that matches the Hogy Jig Biki Rig. Many anglers will ad an inline single hook to the back split ring and tip it with squid.
Hogy Jig Biki Rig 3/0 or 5/0: There are probably hundreds of different styles of fluke rigs on the market, each of which is very effective, and often come rigged with a series of spinners, floats and teasers that are designed to attract fluke off the bottom. While I agree that these rigs are effective, I prefer a simpler rig with fewer tangles. I tip my teasers with one small piece of squid on the short line and one long piece on the top line. The beauty of this rig is that the “biki” style teasers will swim naturally in the water and will continue to be fishing, even when your bait is stolen.