As my interest in fluke fishing has evolved into a passion, two
hard facts have revealed themselves. The first is that the easy,
early season fish go fast and as the season progresses fishing
virtually becomes hunting. In southern Rhode Island, my home
waters, Galilee's Harbor of Refuge along its inner East Wall as
well as along the channel markers on the west side are examples of
consistent spring time hotspots. Later in the season the fish
often fan out in pursuit of the prominent bait. |
Fact two is that bait movement, sport fishing pressure and the
ever increasing toll of inshore commercial dragging all have a
hand in making mid-season, as well as late-season, fluking a
guessing game. |
To become more successful an angler must avoid the pratfalls of
sticking exclusively to the popular and proven fishing grounds and
experiment on different turf. The most obvious path to explore is
simply heading to deeper water. |
This approach calls for a more specialized tackle. Those
largemouth bass type "fun" rods won't cut it out here. Those
softer rods combine with the stretch of most monofilaments to
severely impede the impact of the hookset. The striking power of
these rods can be adequate in depths to about 35 feet. They
become a mere shock absorber in 40 to 70 feet where you could have
a hundred or more feet of line in the water. |
A rod capable of transferring the maximum percentage of the
energy generated at the rod tip to the hookpoint is essential.
While I'm not advocating rods of "pool cue" proportions, it's
important to realize how much power is dissipated when an extended
distance to the bait becomes a factor. |
Two rods I've altered in an attempt to rectify this situation
are both Ugly Stiks. The CAL-1101 and the BWC1120 both started
out as seven footers and were cut back and re-tipped at right
around six feet. While these two have performed well for me, the
alternatives are almost limitless provided a stout tip is the
focal point. |
Line is also a critical player in this equation. A limited
stretch is the prime concern here. Trilene Big Game has been a
favorite of mine since its inception with Stren Hi-Impact Tourney
line another dependable choice. I'm not one who adjusts
gracefully to varying from products that have served me well, but
I'll be giving the newer braids a serious look this season. |
As for reels a sturdy baitcaster with ample line capacity and a
dependable drag are key. My favorite is the moderately prices
Penn Mag 10. It's 4 to 1 ratio is quick enough and the 30 pound
King Salmon on my wall will attest to its toughness. |
One last thought when heading for the deeper water is that the
effects of tide and wind are intensified. This requires, in most
instances, the use of more weight. Adjust your terminal tackle to
existing conditions to insure contact with the bottom. |
The solution to a mid- or late-season flukin' slump can be as
simple as refining your tools, then adding a few feet of water. |
