Fluke is actually a regional nickname for Summer Flounder. It is a wonderful addition to the abundant fishery found on Eastern Long Island!

Its characteristics make it easily recognizable as it does not look anything like other local fish. To start with, it is a flatfish with both eyes located on the top of its head. The top is a speckled color pattern that mimics the color of the bottom where it is found. Their bellies are white, but this matters little since they always sit on the bottom where the belly is hidden.

This ability to change coloration is one of the true wonders of nature and is crucial to its ability to survive in the “fish eat fish” world it inhabits. Fluke use their soft fins to burrow themselves into the bottom with only their eyes exposed. Accordingly, they are ambush predators that hunt by sight; they sit motionless waiting for their next meal to drift by. Once the prey is seen, the fluke lunges for it.  Its mouth has short, sharp canine-like teeth. Their jaws are not strong enough to sever a finger, but it is still a good idea to let one of the Captains handle these fish.

Fluke are found both in the ocean and the bays along the South Shore of Long Island. Areas with higher concentrations of dissolved oxygen will generally contain the larger fish.

Fluke eat other smaller fish: sand eels, killies, spearing, snappers (baby bluefish). Squid and grass shrimp are commonly found in their bellies as are other smaller fluke!  Cannabalism is common.

Fluke are most likely to be found sitting in a depression with fast-moving water overhead. An obvious example are the marked channels in the bays. Given the fact that they lie in wait, it is necessary to fish for them from a drifting boat. Chumming for them does not work. Fluke fishing at night is generally not productive given the fact that they are sight hunters.