Fluke Fishing on Cape Cod

On Cape Cod, July, August and early September are peak season for targeting one of the tastiest and most sought-after flatfish in the region: the fluke, also known as summer flounder. With warm waters, abundant baitfish, and active fluke populations, July offers both shore and boat anglers a prime opportunity to hook into a fluke 5 lbs or more!

What Makes July Ideal for Fluke?

By July, the waters around Cape Cod have warmed enough (generally into the 60s and 70s °F) to bring fluke into shallower inshore areas in search of food. These ambush predators prefer sandy or muddy bottoms where they can lie in wait for unsuspecting prey like squid, sand eels, and small baitfish.

Fluke are especially active during moving tides and are often found along channel edges, drop-offs, shoals, and around structure such as jetties and reef systems.

Top Spots for Fluke Fishing on Cape Cod

Whether you're fishing by boat or from shore, Cape Cod offers plenty of productive areas:

• Vineyard Sound: This is a well-known hotspot for big fluke. The current-rich waters and diverse bottom structure make it ideal for drifting and jigging.

• Nantucket Shoals: If you’re willing to venture farther offshore, this area is famous for producing trophy-sized fluke, often exceeding 10 pounds.

• Buzzards Bay: Offers a mix of rocky structure and soft bottoms that hold decent numbers of keeper-sized fluke.

• Cape Cod Bay: While not as consistent as the southern areas, fluke can be caught around Barnstable Harbor and the edges of flats on an outgoing tide.

• Shore Spots: Places like the Sandwich Marina jetties, Monomoy Island flats, and East Dennis Beach can produce keeper fluke, especially early or late in the day.

Tackle and Techniques

Rod and Reel

• Medium-light to medium spinning or conventional setups are perfect for fluke fishing.

• Line should be braided (15–30 lb test) with a fluorocarbon leader (20–30 lb) for sensitivity and abrasion resistance.

Baits and Lures

• Bucktail jigs tipped with squid, spearing, or Gulp! soft plastics are classic and highly effective.

• Fluke Spinner rigs with two hooks, one above the sinker and one below, allow you to cover different parts of the water column.

• Drift fishing with squid strips or live killifish (mummichogs) is another go-to method.

Presentation

• Keep your bait just off the bottom and bounce or drag it slowly along the bottom.

• Fluke often hit as the bait pauses or moves erratically, mimicking a wounded baitfish.

Regulations and Tips

As of the 2025 season, Massachusetts has set the following fluke (summer flounder) regulations:

• Minimum size: 17.5 inches

• Daily limit: 4 fish per angler

• Open season: May 1 to September 29

Always check Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries for the latest regulations before heading out.

Tips for Success:

• Focus on tide changes—fluke are most active during moving water.

• Use scented baits or attractants to increase strikes, especially on slow days.

• Don’t ignore short strikes—fluke often bite tentatively before fully committing.

• Adjust your drift speed. If you're moving too fast, consider using a sea anchor or heavier weights.

Final Thoughts

Fluke fishing on Cape Cod in July offers the perfect blend of warm weather, scenic coastlines, and exciting fishing action. Whether you're hoping for a quick limit of keepers or that elusive 10-pound doormat, Cape Cod delivers. So grab your gear, pack some bait, and head to the water—you might just catch the fish of the summer.