Fluke, also known as summer flounder, are fun to catch. During the summer, you can find them in large numbers in the coastal regions. However, in the winter, fluke stay deep in under 200 to 500 feet of water, by the continental shelf. You can also find winter flounder in the shallow waters during fall, winter, and spring.
However, if you are a recreational fisherman and planning to catch fluke, then summer would be the best season for fishing. Take your boat and seek waters around 10 to 75 feet to unlock the best opportunities of catching fluke. This type of fishing is relaxing, and you can usually expect to catch 2 – 5 fluke on any given day. But timing is not the only thing that needs to go your way in order to successfully catch fluke.
Many people think that catching fluke is as simple as dropping a squid strip into the water, and a big fluke fish will eventually find itself on your hook. Being optimistic is always a better choice, but still, it is vital to familiarize yourself with a few simple tips and tricks for catching fluke. If you want to catch fluke, then you have to be very careful when choosing your rod and reel. In general, the rod and reel combination for fluke are made of strong materials that enable anglers to catch dwelling fish like these bottom fish.
According to your preference, you can be successful with all types of fluke rod and reels. As long as it helps to maintain the tension on the line, it is good to use. However, you have to do the proper amount of research while choosing the best fishing reels for fluke. In the section below, we will discuss the things that you need to consider while buying a suitable fishing reel for fluke. And after that, we will take you through a complete guide and reveal the top 10 reels for fluke fishing.
Things to Consider when a Buying Fluke Reel
Summer flounder or fluke is a marine flatfish. They are found on the East Coast of the United States and Canada. So, you need to understand that to catch this inshore fish; you will need a good quality saltwater reel. Reels that are ideally made for fluke fishing are also exceptional at chasing any kind of bottom-feeding fish. So, once you buy a good quality fluke reel, you can use it to go after any inshore fish you want. Consider the below factors while choosing a saltwater reel that is suitable for fluke fishing.
1. Line Capacity
Fluke, in general, are known for their large size and fast swimming ability. So, if you want to catch a fluke, then you will need a lot of fishing line. So, when buying a reel for fluke fishing, you have to ensure that its reel spool is larger in diameter so that it could accommodate more lines. So, consider buying a deep spool that has more line capacity for catching fluke.
2. Gear Ratio
The gear ratio of a reel is vital for improving the efficiency of the angler. While choosing reels for fluke, you have to ensure that its gear ratio is at least 5:1 or higher. Meanwhile, it is also essential to know that the higher the gear ratio is, the better your fishing performance will be. So, pick such a fishing reel for catching fluke that has a standard gear ratio of 5:1.
3. Drag Strength
As already mentioned above, flukes are larger, faster, and stronger than most of the freshwater species. Due to this reason, you should choose an excellent offshore spinning reel that has maximum drag strength. The average weight of fluke ranges from 10 pounds to 20 pounds. So, while buying a reel for fishing fluke, you have to ensure that its drag strength is at least 10 pounds. Meanwhile, it is also essential to understand that the higher the drag strength is, the versatile the reel will be. So, if you choose such a reel that has drag strength 20 or more, then you will be able to catch plenty of other types of inshore fish.
4. Corrosion Resistance
While buying any kind of reel, you have to ensure that the product is corrosion resistant. Here it is essential to understand that corrosion can significantly damage the durability of your reel and puts it workability into an end. If you choose metal reels, then it will get corroded faster in contact with saltwater. However, aluminum and some other composite materials have the ability to stand the corrosive environment of the coastal areas. But still, you need to pick such a reel that comes with protective coatings. Meanwhile, you should also look after the built quality of the reel. Only after checking these two things, you should make your final call.
5. Handles and Cranks
It goes without saying that the source of comfort in a reel is the way you manage the line spool. You need to choose a beefy and large handle that comes along with a strong crank. It will allow you to reel in the line when the fish loses its reins.
These are the five consideration factors that you need to check before buying a fishing reel for fluke.
Top 10 Fishing Reels for Fluke Fishing
In this section, we will talk about the top 10 fishing reels for fluke. But before we start our list, here’s a quick round-up comparison of our top five favorite picks with our overall ratings.
| Reels | Material | Gear Ratio | Bearings | Max Drag | Corrosion Resistance | Our Overall Rating | Price |
| Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel | Full metal body, rotor, and side plate | 6.2:1 | 6 | 12 lbs. | 9.7/10 | 9.8/10 | VIEW ON AMAZON |
| SHIMANO Stradic FK Spinning Reel | Aluminum | 6.2:1 | 7 (6BB + 1RB) | 24 lbs. | 9.4/10 | 9.6/10 | VIEW ON AMAZON |
| Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast Baitcast Low Profile Fishing Reel | Aluminum | 4.9:1 – 6.2:1 | 6 (5 HPCR™ Bearings + 1 Roller Bearing) | 26 lbs. | 9.4/10 | 9.5/10 | VIEW ON AMAZON |
| Penn Spinfisher V SSV5500 Reel | Heavy-duty aluminum | 5.6:1 | 5 (Shielded stainless steel bearing system) | 30 lbs. | 9.3/10 | 9.3/10 | VIEW ON AMAZON |
| Accurate TwinDrag SR Spinning Reel | High-grade materials | 6:1 | 5 (ABEC stainless steel bearings) | 35 lbs. | 9.2/10 | 9.1/10 | VIEW ON AMAZON |
1. Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel
Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel is available in many different variations ranging from 1000 to 8000. We would recommend you go with its 2000 model because its price-performance ratio is the best in the market. The full metal body of this reel makes the product durable. So, you can confidently use the product for more than 3 seasons. The product is also equipped with heavy-duty aluminum bail wire that makes dragging a flatfish like a fluke an easier job. You will also find HT-100™ carbon fiber drag washers in this reel that make fishing an easy job.
While choosing a reel, you should also check its gear ratio because it is an influential factor for your accuracy in fishing. The gear ratio of Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel 2000 is 6.2:1, which is more than enough for fluke fishing. The number of bearings is another crucial thing that you need to check while choosing a reel. This reel is equipped with 6 bearings, which will make your fishing experience smoother. When it comes to drag capacity, this reel supports 12 lbs. So, it is fair to conclude that by using this reel, you can easily drag a big flatfish.
One of its bearings is instant anti-reverse, which will make fishing a comfortable job for you. The solid construction of the reel will give you the confidence that you need while fishing fluke. However, there’s one thing that you might not like about this reel. The 5000 – 8000 models are much weightier than the other Battle II Spinning models. But we have already recommended you to go for the 2000 model. So, if you buy Penn Battle II Spinning Fishing Reel 2000, then weight won’t be an issue for you. So, you can confidently opt for this reel.
2. SHIMANO Stradic FK Spinning Reel
This is a high-quality fishing reel that is made of aluminum. The part that connects the reel with the arm is made out of high-quality composite material. So, one thing is fair to conclude here that this reel is durable for inshore fishing. The product is powered by Shimano’s latest technology, X-ship that makes this reel highly efficient. X-ship technology enhances the durability of the reel and reduces the friction between the gear and the spool shaft. The newest technology of Shimano makes this product one of the best fishing reels for fluke, and due to this reason, the product is also worth buying.
The product has a total of 7 ball bearings. 6 among them are BB, and 1 is RB. So if you use this reel, then fishing would become smoother for you. The gear ratio of this reel is 6.2:1. So, one thing we can assure you for sure – if you use this reel, then your efficiency is guaranteed. The maximum drag of SHIMANO Stradic FK Spinning Reel is 24 lbs. So, you can easily drag big fluke by using this reel.
One thing we didn’t like about this product which is its weight. The product is a bit heavy compared to the other reels of its similar size. However, if managing a heavyweight reel is not an issue for you, then you can confidently opt for this product because it is offering amazing features at this price range. Its super casting, smooth drag, and consistent rotor make this product an excellent reel for fishing fluke.
3. Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast Baitcast Low Profile Fishing Reel
This is an excellent fishing reel that is available at a reasonable price. The product has 4 variations that include T3 BST60, T3 BST60-HS, T3 BST61, and T3 BST61-HS. The gear ratio of T3 BST60 and T3 BST61 is 4.9:1. However, the T3 BST60-HS and T3 BST61-HS has a higher gear ratio than the other 2 models, which is 6.2:1. Due to this reason, it is recommended to opt for T3 BST60-HS or T3 BST61-HS, especially if you want to catch onshore fish like a fluke.
All the models of the reel have 6 bearings that will make your fishing experience smoother. 5 among them are stainless steel HPCR™ bearings, and 1 is roller bearing that protects against the corrosion. The reel is equipped with Power Stack Carbon Matrix Drag System™ that ensures excellent dragging capacity. The retrieve rate of the HS models of this reel is 86 cm, which is rated suitable for fluke fishing. And its braking system is magnetic or centrifugal.
The Infini™ brake system of this reel offers limitless adjustability that allows you to manage any kind of coastal fishing situation. So, overall it is fair to conclude that Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast Baitcast Low Profile Fishing Reel is an excellent product that you can choose for fishing fluke. But still, there are a few things that you might not like about this reel. Let’s start with its weight. Because of its metal body, the reel is pretty much heavier than the other products of its type. The bearings of the reels are not shielded, and its clickers are pretty loud. Finally, we would talk about its magnetic brakes. If you misconfigure them, then you will cut the cast distance.
If you think carefully, then you will understand that if you optimize your fishing practice sensibly, then the drawbacks of this reel won’t be a huge problem for you. On the other hand, when you look after its pros, then you understand that the reel is worth buying. The main thing that we would like to mention here is its full metal body that makes the product resistant to corrosion. The large capacity of the line and its titanium coating on the eye make this reel suitable for inshore fishing. So, finally, we would conclude that if you want to catch marine flatfish like a fluke, then Abu Garcia Revo Toro Beast Baitcast Low Profile Fishing Reel can be your best pick.
4. Penn Spinfisher V SSV5500 Reel
Penn is a leading manufacturer of saltwater fishing reels. If you are looking for a great reel, then you can’t ignore their Spinfisher V SSV5500 model. This is an excellent fishing reel that is made of heavy-duty material that makes this product corrosion resistant. Due to this reason, the product is ideal to use for inshore fishing.
The gear ratio of this reel is 5.6:1, which is perfect for fishing fluke. However, you can also pick other products from our list that we have already mentioned. Those products will take your efficiency to the next level, but Penn Spinfisher V SSV5500 Reel will also do the job. The maximum drag capacity of this reel is 30 lbs. So, you can confidently catch fluke by using this reel. In fact, the reel will allow you to pick other kinds of marine fish that are way too heavier than a fluke.
The reel has a total of 5 bearings, and all of them are well shielded and made of stainless steel. The mono capacity (yds./lbs.) of this reel is 240/15, and its braid capacity (yds./lbs.) is 250/40. So, finally, we would conclude that Penn Spinfisher V SSV5500 Reel is an excellent fishing reel that you can choose to catch fluke.
5. Accurate TwinDrag SR Spinning Reel
If you are looking for a reliable spinning reel to catch marine flatfish like a fluke, then Accurate TwinDrag SR Spinning Reel can be your best pick. There are several reasons that make this saltwater reel a great product to catch fluke fish. Let’s start with its corrosion-resistant, which is the most important factor that you need to check before buying a saltwater fishing reel. The product is made of high-grade materials that make this reel suitable for saltwater fishing. You can confidently use this product to catch fluke.
The gear ratio of this reel is 6:1. So if you use this reel, then your efficiency will be guaranteed. When it comes to bearings, the reel has total 5 ABEC stainless steel bearings that make fishing a smoother experience for you. The main thing that makes this product stands apart from its competitors is its drag capacity. The maximum drag capacity of this reel is 35 lbs. So, it is fair to conclude that the reel can drag even a big fluke. In fact, you can also use this reel to catch other types of marine fish that are heavier in weight than a fluke.
Most of the reels that you see in the market now are made in China. But this product is manufactured and assembled in the USA. So, the reel is highly reliable, and using the product will also be a matter of pride for you. The TwinDrag system of this product makes this reel far better than the other types of products that come in this price range. So, if you are looking for a high performing fishing reel to catch fluke, then you can confidently opt for Accurate TwinDrag SR Spinning Reel.
6. Daiwa BG Spinning Reel
This fantastic reel is known for its iconic look and excellent performance. The Black anodized machined aluminum housing of this product doesn’t just make this reel look beautiful but also improves its durability. The gear ratio of this reel is 5.6:1, so it is fair to conclude that the reel will give you enough efficiency so that you can catch fluke. The product has 7 (6BB + 1RB) bearings in total, and due to this reason, Daiwa BG Spinning Reel ensures utmost comfort while fishing fluke.
The reel has a total 10 models ranging from BG1500 to BG8000. We always recommend anglers to opt for BG3000 because this reel is ideally designed for fluke fishing. The max drag capacity of this reel is 15.4, and its line retrieve is 37.4 inches. These are the two main reasons that make Daiwa BG3000 Spinning Reel one of the better pieces of equipment for catching fluke. You can also choose its higher versions, such as BG4000 or BG5000. But in order to buy them, you have to spend much, and we don’t see any point in spending much as long as you aim to catch fluke fish.
However, if you want to catch other types of marine fish that are heavier in weight than a fluke, then you can choose the higher versions of Daiwa BG3000 Spinning Reel. In that case, you can opt for BG4000, BG5000, or even BG8000.
7. Shimano Baitrunner D Spinning Reel
This is a classic reel which is available in two different colors – gold and multicolor. Our personal favorite is gold because it looks more elegant. But according to your preference, you can pick any color you like. This reel features a secondary drag system that allows free spooling. The reel also utilizes an oval-shaped oscillation gear that ensures consistent spool speed.
Shimano Baitrunner D Spinning Reel offers excellent features in this price tag. And if you check carefully in the market, then you will understand that any other fluke fishing reels are not offering these features in this price range. So, if you are looking for a premium quality reel at a reasonable price, then you can opt for Shimano Baitrunner D Spinning Reel.
8. Okuma Avenger Baitfeeder Graphite Spinning Reel
This reel is made of high-quality material, and due to this reason, the product is highly durable. So, you can confidently take this reel for saltwater fishing and yet use it for more than one season. But as we all know that durability is not the only thing that you should check while choosing the best fishing reels for fluke. Anglers should also check the functionalities of the reel before making their final call. In the section below, we will discuss the key features of this reel in detail.
The reel has gone through several tests and passed all of them. So, it is fair to conclude that the reel is worth buying for fishing fluke. In fact, if you check the reels that professionals use, then you will find that many of them use Okuma Avenger Baitfeeder Graphite Spinning Reel. The reel is equipped with an auto trip bait feeding system, and it comes with an on/off feature.
The reel has a total of 7 bearings. 6 among them are ball bearings, and 1 is an anti-reverse roller bearing. So, one thing is fair to conclude here that if you use this reel, then your fishing experience would be smoother. Due to this reason we always recommend anglers to opt for this reel.
9. Penn Clash Spinning Fishing Reel
This is an excellent saltwater fishing reel that you can use to catch fluke. The full metal body of this product makes this reel durable. So, you can confidently take it for inshore fishing. Leveline oscillation system and CNC gear technology make this reel far better than its competitors. The product has a total 8 sealed stainless steel ball-bearing, which will make your fishing experience smoother. One of these is instant anti-reverse bearing, which will allow you to catch fluke in a hassle-free way.
So finally, we would conclude that Penn Clash Spinning Fishing Reel is one of the best fishing reels that you can choose to catch fluke. The price-performance ratio of this reel is excellent. At this price range, any other company can’t provide you a high performing product like Penn Clash Spinning Fishing Reel. So, if you want to catch big flatfish like a fluke, then you can opt for this feature-rich reel.
10. SeaKnight Rapid Saltwater Spinning Reel
This is a fantastic saltwater spinning reel that comes with anti-corrosive coating. This is the main reason that makes this reel suitable for saltwater fishing. The gear ratio of this reel ranges from 4.7:1 to 6.2:1. So, overall it is fair to conclude that if you use this reel, then your efficiency will be guaranteed, and you can easily use it to catch fluke.
The max drag of this reel is 33 lbs. So, it can easily handle a big flat fluke. In fact, if you have plans to catch some other type of marine fish that are larger in size and heavier in weight than a fluke, even then, you can confidently opt for SeaKnight Rapid Saltwater Spinning Reel.
Conclusion
All the reels that we have mentioned here are reliable and built to handle aggressive ocean fish like fluke or flounder. They can also withstand a harsh saltwater environment. So, according to your preference, you can certainly find the best reel for your needs based on our list. Now, go catch some delicious summer flounder!
