The reopening of fluke season each spring stirs a familiar rhythm along the shorelines of New York. From east-end harbors to city beaches, the first few weeks of May signal something more than just the return of a favorite fishery – they mark the true beginning of another saltwater season. With rods dusted off, reels re-spooled, and hopes high, anglers across the state once again ready themselves to drift the bays and skates in search of the ever-popular summer flounder.
There’s a special kind of anticipation reserved for opening day. It’s not just about putting fish in the box – it’s about reconnecting with water that’s been dormant all winter, reuniting with fellow fishermen at the boat ramp or tackle shop, and savoring the early morning fog that lifts off the bay with every outgoing tide. It’s about tradition. Fluke season is woven into the fabric of coastal New York, and the start of it is as reliable as the lilacs blooming.
This year, that sense of tradition is bolstered by a fresh energy. Following a lengthy regulatory process that included public hearings and coordination between state and regional partners, New York enters the 2025 fluke season under the same rules as 2024. And in an era when stock assessments, harvest targets, and federal mandates often dominate the conversation, just having a season that anglers can work with feels like a win. But do be aware of potential changes to come in 2026.
For those who live for this fishery, early May can produce some of the most exciting action of the year. Shallow waters warm quickly, encouraging baitfish to move in and fluke to follow. The mouths of inlets, winding channels through the marshes, and even the open flats become prime territory as hungry fish take up ambush points on the incoming tide. The simplicity of the game –drift, jig, and wait for the telltale thump – belies the skill it takes to master.
It’s a fishery of finesse. Light tackle reigns supreme, and the choice of bucktail color, trailer style, or drift angle can mean the difference between a banner day and a shutout. And unlike some more technical pursuits, fluking is accessible. Kids can do it from docks or piers, seasoned sharpies can pick apart structure with surgical precision, and everyone in between can find success with a bit of luck and patience.
This opening stretch is especially meaningful for the businesses that rely on a strong start. For tackle shops, party boats, marinas, and waterfront restaurants, May brings renewed foot traffic and economic opportunity. After a slow winter and early spring, the fluke opener breathes life back into waterfront communities that live and breathe by the tides. It’s not just fish that return with the warming weather – it’s commerce, conversation, and connection.
Of course, the success of the season will depend on more than just optimism. Weather always plays a part – May can be tough, with spring winds and shifting fronts making boat access difficult. But when conditions align, early-season fluke fishing can be nothing short of spectacular. Reports of holdover fish from back bays, combined with an influx of migrating flatties from offshore haunts, often yield strong numbers during the first few weeks.
For those willing to put in the time and work the tides, there’s real opportunity. Early in the season, some of the best action can be had in less than ten feet of water. Quiet creeks, warm backwaters, and sandy shoals near estuary mouths all become likely hot spots. And while the biggest doormats may still be holding a bit deeper, it’s not uncommon to tangle with quality fish well within sight of the shoreline.
This year, perhaps more than most, the fluke opener feels like a moment to appreciate what we have. With regulations now in place and the fishery open for business, New York anglers can focus on doing what they do best – fishing. Yes, debates around access and allocation will continue. And yes, there will always be differing opinions about how best to manage this valuable stock. But for now, the tides are rising, the gear is ready, and the fluke are here.
So whether you’re working a local dock, hopping aboard a favorite charter, or solo-drifting a hidden cut in the back bays, take a moment to soak it all in. The start of fluke season isn’t just about filling coolers – it’s about reconnecting with a fishery that defines springtime in New York.
Welcome back to the water.
