Alright, let’s talk about them fishing reels, the ones you use for catching them fluke fish. I ain’t no fancy fisherman, but I know a thing or two about gettin’ the job done. You gotta have the right reel, or you ain’t gonna catch nothin’ but weeds.
First off, you need a reel that’s responsive. That means when you feel a little nibble, you can yank that line and set the hook fast. Them fluke, they ain’t dumb. They spit that bait out quicker than you can say “fish fry” if you ain’t on your toes. So, a reel that’s smooth and quick, that’s what you want.
Now, size matters, you know? Like everything else in life, I guess. For fluke, you don’t need no giant reel like you’re catchin’ sharks or somethin’. Something in the 3000 to 5000 range, that’s the ticket. Why? Well, it’s just the right size for the job. Big enough to handle a good-sized fish, but not so big that it’s heavy and awkward. You gotta be able to hold that pole all day without your arm fallin’ off, ya hear?
And the line, don’t even get me started on the line! You need that braided line, the kind that’s strong but skinny. Why skinny? Cause it goes down deep easier. Them fluke, sometimes they like to hang out way down there, and a thick line just drags in the water, makin’ it hard to feel what’s going on. 15 to 30-pound test, that’s what they say. Strong enough to pull up a big one, but thin enough to get down deep.
- Spinning Reels: These are good. Easy to use, even for a beginner like my grandson. You just cast ’em out and reel ’em in. Good for most fluke fishin’, especially with them lighter jigs.
- Baitcasting Reels: Now, these are for the fellas who know what they’re doin’. They sit lower on the rod, and you gotta use your thumb to control the line. Good for jiggin’ and usin’ that Berkley Gulp stuff, whatever that is. Fancy, I tell ya.
You gotta match your reel to your rod, too. Can’t have a big ol’ reel on a flimsy little rod, or vice versa. A light to medium action rod, that’s what they say, somethin’ around 6 or 7 feet long. You want a rod that’s fast, so you can feel that bite and set the hook quick. And it’s gotta be strong enough to handle a good fight, cause them fluke, they can put up a fuss sometimes.
When do you go fishin’ for fluke? Well, depends on where you are, I reckon. Down by the coast, they say you can start fishin’ in May or June, and keep goin’ all the way to September. That’s a long time to be catchin’ fish, ain’t it? Plenty of time to fill up your freezer.
Now, about them hooks. They say a 2/0 hook is a good all-around size. Not too big, not too small. You can catch them little whiting and pompano fish with it, but it’s also big enough to handle a good-sized fluke, or even a bluefish or mackerel if you’re lucky.
Some folks like to use them deep water techniques, fishin’ way down there where the big ones hide. For that, you need a special rod and reel, they say. A conventional rod, somethin’ rated for 30-pound braid, and a reel that can handle it. And you need a good swivel, so your line don’t get all twisted up. That deep water fishin’ sounds complicated to me, but those fellas who know what they’re doing seem to catch some big ones.
And speaking of rods and reels, some of them are so light, they feel like nothin’ in your hand. Hard to cast sometimes, but you can use a double rig with a medium casting rod, they say. Spinning rod works too, I guess. Whatever gets the job done, right?
Look, in the end, the best reel for you is the one you’re comfortable with. Whether it’s a spinning reel or a baitcaster, it don’t really matter. You’re gonna be doing a lot of twistin’ and jerkin’ when you’re fluke fishin’, so you need somethin’ that feels good in your hands. That’s the most important thing. And don’t forget the hook! You can’t catch a fish without a hook, now can ya?
Tags: [Fluke Fishing, Fishing Reels, Spinning Reels, Baitcasting Reels, Fishing Rods, Braided Line, Hooks, Surf Fishing, Deep Water Fishing, Fishing Tackle]
