Nantucket Fluke Fishing with Salt Reaper Charters
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target summer flounder in deep offshore Cape Cod watersSmall group fishing with maximum 4 guests aboardBottom fishing using bait and jigs for delicious flatfish
Picture this: you're drifting over productive fluke grounds off Cape Cod with Salt Reaper Charters, lines in the water, waiting for that telltale tap-tap-thump of a doormat summer flounder picking up your bait. Our Nantucket fluke trips put you right where these prized flatfish feed, and with a maximum of 4 anglers aboard, you'll have plenty of room to work your rods without bumping elbows. These aren't your typical harbor fishing trips – we're talking serious offshore action targeting some of the tastiest fish swimming in New England waters. Captain and crew know exactly where to find the fluke when they're biting, and more importantly, how to put you on fish that'll make your drag sing.
Your fluke adventure starts with a ride out to proven offshore structure where these bottom-huggers like to ambush prey. We're not talking about a lazy drift along the shoreline – this is targeted fishing over specific drops, edges, and sandy bottom areas that consistently hold fish. The boat carries all the tackle you'll need, from bucktails and Gulp! baits to traditional squid strips and spearing. You'll be fishing in deeper water where the bigger fluke cruise, typically anywhere from 40 to 80 feet depending on conditions and where the fish are showing up. The crew will get you rigged properly and show you the techniques that work best in these waters. Don't worry if you're new to fluke fishing – these guys have been putting anglers on fish for years and know how to coach you through landing your first keeper or personal best.
Fluke fishing is all about feeling the bottom and reading what your rod tip is telling you. We use a combination of bucktail jigs tipped with soft plastics, traditional high-low rigs with squid and killies, and sometimes spinner rigs when the fish are finicky. The key is keeping your bait moving just off the bottom – fluke are ambush predators that love chasing down wounded baitfish. You'll learn to work your rod with subtle lifts and drops, letting the sinker tick bottom while keeping tension on the line. When a fluke hits, it often feels like you've snagged seaweed, then suddenly your rod loads up as the fish realizes it's hooked. The crew will teach you how to distinguish between a short fish and a keeper before you even see it, plus proper techniques for releasing shorts to fight another day. Circle hooks are the standard here – they increase survival rates for released fish and improve your hookup ratio on keepers.
Summer flounder, or fluke as every Cape Cod angler calls them, are the stars of this show. These flatfish are masters of camouflage, lying buried in sand with just their eyes exposed, waiting to pounce on unsuspecting prey swimming overhead. A good eating-size fluke runs anywhere from 18 to 25 inches, but don't be surprised if you hook into a genuine doormat pushing 5 to 8 pounds or more. The beauty of fluke fishing is you never know when that next drift might produce a wall-hanger. These fish are most active from late May through September, with peak action typically hitting during the summer months when water temperatures are in the sweet spot. What makes fluke so popular isn't just their fighting ability – though they'll give you a solid battle on light tackle – it's the fact that they're absolutely phenomenal table fare. White, flaky meat that's perfect for everything from fish tacos to beer batter, and the fillets freeze well if you want to savor that Cape Cod taste all winter long.
Salt Reaper Charters has built a reputation for putting anglers on quality fluke when conditions are right, and with only 4 spots available per trip, you're guaranteed personal attention and plenty of fishing room. The crew knows these waters like the back of their hand, from the productive edges off Nantucket to the scattered structure that holds fish throughout the season. Whether you're looking to put some fresh fillets in the cooler or chase that personal best fluke, this trip delivers the kind of fishing experience that keeps anglers coming back year after year. The boat is equipped with everything you need, so just bring yourself, some snacks and drinks, and get ready for some top-notch flatfish action. Book your Nantucket fluke trip today – prime dates fill up fast, especially during peak season when the fishing is hottest.
Cape Cod