[Joe D.]

What's the earliest anyone has caught a Fluke in the back?

 

[earlybird]

I usually start catching them while targeting
stripers and weakies sometime in April...

 

[Fin-Advisor]

yep early april on the flats and shallows

 

[striper2278]

March! and big!

 

[Far26]

End of March, during one of our mild winters a few years ago. My best trip ever was April 5th of the same year. The fish were stacked in a 12-foot hole surrounded by shallow flats. My buddy and I had 64 flounder in a 3 hour time-span, but could not legally keep one! Most of the fish were 18-24 inches too. Needless to say I dislike the May opening to the season. I'd like to see different regs for backwater vs ocean, but I guess thats just too complicated.

 

[Captain Phil]

Early April, end of March depending on the winter.

 

[game fish]

I agree with the previous post. Often my best flounder action ocurrs before the season opener. For that reason, I keep a legal fish before the season, and release a keeper during the season. Just kidding.

 

[Captain Phil]

Originally posted by game fish:
I agree with the previous post. Often my best flounder action ocurrs before the season opener. For that reason, I keep a legal fish before the season, and release a keeper during the season. Just kidding.

 

[LilFisherman]

early as April Ill get a few on storm shads. Always get a nice big fat one in november too, never fails.

 

[captainbadfinger]

Originally posted by striper2278:
March! and big!

Remember the trip in the Rain with all the 5 pounders,the warden watched us the whole time from land,that was around the 3rd week of march

 

[striper2278]

Originally posted by captainbadfinger:
</font><blockquote>quote:</font><hr />Originally posted by striper2278:
March! and big!

Remember the trip in the Rain with all the 5 pounders,the warden watched us the whole time from land,that was around the 3rd week of march </font>[/QUOTE]I remember...He didn't look under the (JK)

 

[Mike Grabbe]

Originally posted by striper2278:
March! and big!

yes! Back in the good old days (no dated season) used to put the boat in late March and catch some of the biggest thru April. Last few yrs. I haven't even put the boat in until late April, 1st week of May

 

[eelball]

I agree, mid to late March. The're arrival usually coincides the river run of herring.

 

[underdog]

What's your favorite backwater bait for those early fish?

 

[Far26]

Herring strip on a white bucktail with a chartreuse teaser tied above. A little shedder crab oil doesn't hurt either, it will leave a nice scent/slick trail behind. Works great all season in the backwaters.

 

[eelball]

BINGO.

 

[CaptG]

Yep, best fluking in the back bays most years, depending on water temps is in April! Our season could be lengthened this year, since we underfished but don't bet on it, our NJ fisheries managers will end up giving our underage to NY, despite public opinion in return for nothing, watch! Hey Frank, how bout them Eagles

 

[The Edge]

Originally posted by game fish:
I agree with the previous post. Often my best flounder action ocurrs before the season opener. For that reason, I keep a legal fish before the season, and release a keeper during the season. Just kidding.

Sounds fair to me

 

[The Edge]

All kidding aside the back bays are great in the early season(late March-Early April) but once the crowds arrive, forget it.