Fluke Fish: A Complete Guide to Catching and Cooking This Flatfish

The fluke, also known as the summer flounder, is a predatory species in the North Atlantic Ocean. Many flounder species appear along the Atlantic Ocean and around the Gulf of Mexico.

Both its eyes are on the same side of the body. Summer flounder is one of the great commercial fish. Fluke is a popular target among recreational and commercial anglers due to its delicious taste and distinctive appearance.

The fluke is a difficult catch as well as a rewarding food species. Fluke fish biology, habitat, fishing techniques, and culinary uses are discussed in this article.

Biology and Identification

The fluke belongs to the flatfish family, which includes species such as flounder, halibut, and sole. One of the most distinctive features of Fluke is its asymmetrical body.

Flukes are typically olive green or brown on their upper side and are mottled with green, brown, and white shades to blend in with their habitat’s sandy or muddy bottom.

The underside of the fluke is white. The length of an adult fluke is 3 feet and weight is 20 pounds, but the most common fluke caught are between 2 and 6 pounds. 

People often do not differentiate between winter flounder and summer flounder and get confused, but you can easily recognize fluke. It is a predatory species of flatfish that is delicious.

Summer flounders is light brown with white spots. Flounders can change color to match their surroundings. A summer flounder has three ringed eye-like spots near its tail, and several more on its back.

Habitat and Feeding Behavior

Fluke are demersal fish, they live and feed on or near the ocean floor. It prefers sandy or muddy sites. Fluke migrate inshore to shallow waters during the warmer months, including bays, estuaries, and nearshore coastal areas, where they spawn and feed.

As fall begins and water temperatures drop, flukes move to deeper water and spend the winter months. Flukes are ambush predators that lie motionless and use camouflage to surprise prey.

When a suitable meal swims by, fluke quickly lunge upward to capture it with their large, sharp teeth. Flukes can camouflage on the ocean floor in search of food. They prey on minnows, squid, and crustaceans(shrimp and small crabs). 

Fishing Techniques

Fishing for fluke is a favorite pastime of anglers. The following are the most effective fishing techniques for enjoying the thrill of fluke fish.

Drift fishing is a good technique in which anglers let their boat drift with the current and their bait or lure bounces along the bottom. This method covers a lot of ground and mimics the movement of prey.

The rigging technique allows anglers to present multiple baits at different depths. In this method, the rig is weighted with a sinker to keep it close to the bottom.

Using scented live bait or cut bait is effective but you can also use soft plastic baits. Surf fishing anglers can catch fluke fish, especially when flukes move inshore to feed.

Anglers cast their rigs beyond the breakers and slowly retrieve them, keeping the bait close to the bottom.

To locate schools of fluke, trolling with a small rig along the bottom can be effective in some areas.

Seasonal Patterns

Understanding the fluke’s seasonal movements is a guarantee of successful fishing. Fluke is also known as “Northern Flounder.” They are also found in Carolina. During the summer fluke is a popular catch and versatile fish that attracts experienced chefs and seafood lovers alike.

Fluke spend all their summer inshore, which is a good opportunity for fluke fishing. They migrate in deep waters. In spring flukes move from deep offshore waters to inshore areas to feed and spawn.

This is a prime time for inshore anglers to target them in bays, estuaries, and coastal areas. As fall begins and water temperatures begin to cool, fluke moves from the offshore to deeper waters.

Fluke fishing in winter is a bit difficult because deep sea fishing is limited to those who can access these areas.

Taste and texture

The mild, delicate flavor and firm, white flesh of fluke, make them a versatile fish in the kitchen. They can be prepared in various ways, including Pan-Seared, Baked, Fried, and Sushi.

Fluke, if cooked optimally, retains its natural flavor and texture. Fluke can be baked and fried with various seasonings, such as lemon, garlic, and herbs.

Baking is a simple and healthy way to prepare this fish. In Japan, fluke is a popular choice for sushi and sashimi. A great raw fish option, it is mild in flavor and smooth in texture.

Flukefish is rich in nutrients such as protein, fats, and minerals. Fluke offers delicious adventure with delicate flavor and texture.  Poaching fluke is also a great option because the fish is low in natural oils. 

Conclusion

One of America’s favorite inshore fishes is the flounder, which is worth catching and eating. Anglers of all skill levels can target fluke fish. It is often difficult to distinguish between the different species of flounder.

Which includes summer flounder, winter, northern and southern flounder. Differentiation between fluke and flounder can be done but for this, you need to have complete knowledge about fluke’s habitat, appearance, diet, feeding behavior, and seasonal patterns.

This fish is an interesting and beneficial species. By understanding their habits, and the best fishing methods, anglers can increase their chances of success.