Fluke season just opened, and the Marilyn Jean is running half day trips out of Sheepshead Bay starting this Sunday. Water temperatures in the New York Bight have been climbing steadily over the past few weeks, and summer flounder are moving into the inshore grounds where they’re accessible and active. Early season fluke fishing can be some of the most consistent action of the year — before the summer crowds arrive and before weekends start booking out weeks in advance.
If you’ve been waiting for the right time to get back on the water, this is it.
Why Fluke Are Worth the Trip
Fluke are one of the most popular fish in New York waters for good reason. They’re a genuine table fish — firm, white, mild — and they’re one of the better fights you can have on a half day trip for a flatfish. When you hook a decent doormat, it doesn’t come up easy. They make multiple runs, they use their width against the current, and pulling one over the rail is satisfying every single time.
From a technique standpoint, fluke fishing is approachable for anglers of any experience level. You’re bottom fishing — drop down, feel the floor, and wait for the sharp tap that means a fish grabbed your bait and is moving with it. The crew is on deck the whole trip and can walk you through exactly what you’re doing if it’s your first time out.
That said, fluke reward attention. A rig drifting naturally through the water consistently outfishes one sitting dead on the bottom. Once you start feeling the difference, you’ll understand why experienced fluke anglers put so much thought into their presentation.
What the Half Day Trip Looks Like
Half day trips run a few hours and give you solid time on the fishing grounds without the full day commitment. They’re a great option for anglers who are newer to party boat fishing, anyone bringing kids, or anyone who wants a productive morning on the water without clearing their whole schedule.
Here’s what’s included and what to know before you board:
- Bait Included — Quality bait comes with your ticket. You don’t need to source or bring your own.
- Rod Rentals Available — If you don’t have your own gear, rods and reels are available to rent for $5 on board.
- Dress in Layers — April mornings on the water out of Sheepshead Bay can be cool even when the afternoon warms up. A light jacket you can peel off once the sun is up is the right call.
- Bring a Cooler — The crew will clean your catch before you head home, but you need something to transport it in. Bring ice.
- Seasickness Medication — If you’re prone to it, take it before you board. The inshore grounds are generally calmer water, but chop happens, and after-the-fact doesn’t work.
Full day trips are also running for anglers who want more time on the grounds and a better shot at the larger fish that tend to hold a little further out.
2026 Fluke Regulations
New York’s minimum size for fluke in 2026 is 19 inches with a bag limit of 3 fish per person. You’ll be releasing some of the smaller fish you catch, which is part of what keeps this fishery healthy and productive year after year. Keeper-sized fish are very much in the mix right now, and as we move deeper into May, larger fish become more abundant on the grounds we fish.
Regulations can be updated during the season, so it’s worth checking the New York DEC guidelines before your trip. If you have questions about what’s legal to keep on any given day, the crew is happy to walk you through it.
Book Your Spot
Spring fluke trips fill up fast, especially on weekends. The half day schedule is posted on the calendar at MJ2Fishing.com, where you can see available dates and book in advance. Walk-ons are welcome when space permits, but if you have a specific date in mind, don’t wait on it.
Questions about what’s biting or which trip is the right fit — call us at (347) 952-1442. We’re happy to help you pick the right trip.