[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” top_margin_tablet=”20px” top_margin_phone=”20px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” centered_text=”true” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/2″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” content_layout=”default” gradient_type=”default”][nectar_cta btn_style=”curved-arrow-animation” heading_tag=”span” link_type=”regular” button_color=”extra-color-1″ button_color_hover=”#2FBF71″ text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_color_hover=”#FFFFFF” button_border_thickness=”0px” alignment=”center” alignment_tablet=”default” alignment_phone=”default” constrain_group_2=”yes” constrain_group_3=”yes” constrain_group_4=”yes” icon_gap=”5″ display=”block” display_tablet=”inherit” display_phone=”inline-block” url=”/chat/?omega_prompt=Light+Tackle+Fluke+Tackle” link_text=”Use Our Interactive Checklist & Where to Buy” padding_top=”20px” padding_bottom=”20px” padding_left=”15px” padding_right=”15px” font_size_desktop=”22″ font_size_phone=”18″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row type=”in_container” full_screen_row_position=”middle” column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” scene_position=”center” top_padding=”60px” constrain_group_1=”yes” bottom_padding=”60px” text_color=”dark” text_align=”left” row_border_radius=”none” row_border_radius_applies=”bg” row_position_desktop=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” overlay_strength=”0.3″ gradient_direction=”left_to_right” shape_divider_position=”bottom” bg_image_animation=”none” gradient_type=”default” shape_type=””][vc_column column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” column_position=”default” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_row_inner column_margin=”default” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” bottom_margin=”20px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”2/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” content_layout=”default” gradient_type=”default”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]Our recommended light tackle fluke outfit includes a spinning rod and reel combo suitable for 20lb fused line. The optimal rod is 6’6″ to 7′ feet long with a fast to extra-fast action and capable of handling lure weights up to 1 ounce. Most anglers prefer to use 20lb fused line as opposed to 30lb fused line because the slightly decreased line diameter can provide additional casting distance when flipping small bucktails.
Recommended Line, Leader, and Terminal Tackle
We recommend loading the reel with 20lb fused line as opposed to braided line or mono. Fused and braided lines allow for much greater casting distance than mono. This is because is the much smaller line diameter of fused and braided lines. In addition, the fused and braided lines have virtually no stretch which allows the angler to carefully work even the most difficult lures, feel the softest hits, and easily set the hook. Fused line is preferred to braided line because it has better abrasion resistance and is less likely to form a wind knot.
The line should be attached to a 3ft length of 30lb fluorocarbon leader using a 50lb barrel swivel. The small profile of the swivel virtually eliminates any chance of picking up debris and provides an easy connection point between the line and the leader. The angler needs to be careful not to reel the swivel into the rod as it can damage the guides. Some anglers use an albright or uni-knot instead of a swivel. This knot can be tricky to tie properly with braided and fused lines.
Bucktails for Light Tackle Fluke
Bucktails are universally effective for fluke especially when fished with a strip of pork rind or a preferably soft bait-tails. These can be worked in any condition at a variety of speeds. Many serious plug fishermen claim if they could just have one lure, it would be a bucktail. The standard colors are white, yellow, pink and green (chartreuse), yet it is always a good idea to try to “match the hatch”. Sizes range from 3/4oz up to 2oz.
Ensuring the Best Presentation (“Stemming”)
Light tackle is typically suitable for targeting fluke in depths of approximately 50ft or less provided the bucktail can still hold bottom and does not have to be so heavy that it overwhelms the rod. The wind direction/strength and current are the determining factor. Experienced anglers often run their boats slowly in reverse into the wind (when conditions permit) to get the boat drifting exactly with the current. This technique is known as “stemming”. The captain is responsible for making sure the angler’s lines are as vertical as possible. This ensure the best possible presentation.[/vc_column_text][nectar_cta btn_style=”curved-arrow-animation” heading_tag=”span” link_type=”regular” button_color=”extra-color-1″ button_color_hover=”#2FBF71″ text_color=”#FFFFFF” text_color_hover=”#FFFFFF” button_border_thickness=”0px” alignment=”center” alignment_tablet=”default” alignment_phone=”left” constrain_group_3=”yes” constrain_group_4=”yes” display=”block” display_tablet=”inherit” display_phone=”inherit” url=”/chat/?omega_prompt=Light+Tackle+Fluke+Tackle” link_text=”Use Our Interactive Checklist & Where to Buy” padding_top=”20px” padding_bottom=”20px” padding_left=”20px” padding_right=”20px” font_size_desktop=”22″ margin_top=”40px” font_size_phone=”18″][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” bottom_margin=”20px” top_margin_tablet=”20px” top_margin_phone=”40px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/3″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid” column_padding_type=”default” content_layout=”default” gradient_type=”default”][image_with_animation image_url=”7772″ image_size=”full” max_width=”100%” max_width_mobile=”default” animation_type=”entrance” animation=”None” animation_movement_type=”transform_y” hover_animation=”none” alignment=”” border_radius=”5px” box_shadow=”none” image_loading=”default”][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_row_inner column_margin=”40px” column_direction=”default” column_direction_tablet=”default” column_direction_phone=”default” top_padding=”20px” text_align=”left” row_position=”default” row_position_tablet=”inherit” row_position_phone=”inherit” overflow=”visible” pointer_events=”all”][vc_column_inner column_padding=”no-extra-padding” column_padding_tablet=”inherit” column_padding_phone=”inherit” column_padding_position=”all” flex_gap_desktop=”10px” column_element_direction_desktop=”default” column_element_spacing=”default” desktop_text_alignment=”default” tablet_text_alignment=”default” phone_text_alignment=”default” background_color_opacity=”1″ background_hover_color_opacity=”1″ column_backdrop_filter=”none” column_shadow=”none” column_border_radius=”none” column_link_target=”_self” overflow=”visible” gradient_direction=”left_to_right” overlay_strength=”0.3″ width=”1/1″ tablet_width_inherit=”default” animation_type=”default” bg_image_animation=”none” border_type=”simple” column_border_width=”none” column_border_style=”solid”][vc_column_text css=”” text_direction=”default”]
Fish Flipping/Release Tool
We always use a fish flipper or release tool. The 3ft leader is just long enough for the angler to get a couple of wraps on their arm to control the fish while it is still in the water. The release tool is used to quickly remove the hooks without exposing the angler to them. It also minimizes any harm or stress to the fish.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_row_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Frequently Asked Questions
The recommended setup includes a spinning rod and reel combo that supports 20lb fused line. The rod should be between 6'6" and 7' feet long with fast to extra-fast action, capable of handling lure weights up to 1 ounce. This setup balances sensitivity and strength for effective fluke fishing.
Anglers prefer 20lb fused line because its smaller diameter provides better casting distance when using small bucktails. Compared to braided line, fused line offers better abrasion resistance and is less prone to forming wind knots. Both fused and braided lines have less stretch than monofilament, which improves lure control and hook setting.
Use a 3ft length of 30lb fluorocarbon leader attached to the main line with a 50lb barrel swivel. The swivel's low profile reduces the chance of picking up debris and provides an easy, durable connection. Alternatively, some anglers use albright or uni-knots, but these can be tricky with fused or braided lines.
Bucktails are effective in various conditions and typically come in white, yellow, pink, and green (chartreuse). It's wise to match the hatch by selecting a color similar to local baitfish. Sizes generally range from 3/4 oz to 2 oz, allowing flexibility depending on conditions and desired presentation speed.
Stemming involves running the boat slowly in reverse into the wind to make it drift naturally with the current. This ensures the fishing lines remain vertical, providing the best presentation of the bucktails. Proper stemming takes into account wind direction and current strength, allowing the angler to maintain control and optimize lure movement.
A fish flipper or release tool helps anglers manage the fish safely by allowing quick hook removal while minimizing direct contact. Using the 3ft leader, anglers can wrap the line around their arm for control while the release tool reduces stress and injury to the fish during catch and release.