Doormat Fluke (Flounder) + Gulp vs Bait Strips with Boat Limit!

Our biggest Summer Flounder (Fluke) of the season capped off a phenomenal fishing trip that saw 17 keepers hit the deck while we tested Gulp against fresh bait strips. Supports my new book, Fishing the Edge - Techniques and Tales from Surf, Boat, and Kayak: amzn.to/3TQtFvq.
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[@njgrplr2007]

Kudos to you for releasing that big fish.

[@tmik7864]

I'm extremely happy you didn't mention where you were fishing , even though I know where you were . Greatly appreciate that John 👍🏻

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Thanks for the nice comment. I catch a lot of negative comments for not saying where I am.

[@duffmeister6480]

Halkias did last week, what’s the problem with that ?

[@tmik7864]

@@duffmeister6480 Clearly your a fleet chasher ,and unable to find fish on your own .

[@wormway_69]

Nice ending boy I was thinking what Rick was saying. Great sportsmanship!

[@joesmith6420]

John I think you guys should start tagging all the 10 pound plus fluke you guys catch keep track of the location caught and weight...that would be pretty cool information to have for your tournaments !

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

That's actually a cool idea.

[@vincebugatti]

I love how every fish is a good fish

[@donmeola5862]

A true dream trip! That double digit fluke still eludes me. I’ve had my chances yet… I fought the doormat but the doormat won. 😔 Always enjoy watching you guys fish. The camaraderie and joking adds to the atmosphere. Keep ‘em coming!

[@charmainevandiford6622]

Wow what a Fluke. Killing me down in Eastern NC with a very short flounder season. I just took a week of vacation on North Topsail Island. Too hot for much food fishing. I did catch a nice Spanish and My wife got a good Spanish same morning. Small blues and mixed bags of Black drum and Sea mullet and few spots and Croakers but with this heat wave I felt very fortunate. The house we rented was the nicest in three years. Good week. You remind me of myself with that big one hit and saying this is the one I usually lose. Didn’t lose that one and Super fishing trip.

[@gaswamper1479]

John it never gets old watching you catch fish.

[@kriswolff1106]

Rick needs to start his own KZbin channel. The chicken rig definitely has its place. Names to be considered Blue Jay Rick or The Rick set. First title out fishing the John's while on my phone. Love the ribbing you guys give to each other as much as the fish content. 😅

[@berelentless2572]

I went fishing with my dad on the Shinnock Star, and we had the best success yet using gulp. 5 keeps between the two of us and a sea bass. All on gulp

[@ReelTimeCapt]

Fkuke stripes, when fresh work amazingly well around the CBBT in VA. Congrats!!!!

[@163Pon]

That last fluke, geez!! Nice work as always John.

[@marianitobaltimore]

I am amazed listening theres buddys just having fun...

[@johnhughes1203]

Great video! I haven't fished for fluke in30 years or so (don't live near them anymore) but when I was living in Virginia we used to use a squid strip with killie on top with a 3way rig. Sometimes would use fluke belly strips. In Chesapeake Bay. Wish we had Gulp back then.

[@josephgyuricsko6722]

The nervous “ oh boy “ when he was head shaking on way up was awesome ! Great video

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

It's an unmistakable feeling.

[@patrickgregory1078]

Like a big redfish they put slack in a tight line for a split second!

[@googeelou]

Both versions (this one and the John Halkias version) are very educational, as well as entertaining.

[@mustluvkatina]

My biggest fluke to date came on a white glow spro white 6 inch gulp grub and a 7 inch fluke strip got a 11 lbr and a 10.9 back to back so is say it works lol

[@ciroromer7380]

Great fish John. Congrats, you never get tired of a 10 pound fluke or blackfish

[@jimk5893]

another awesome video and what a great release.

[@jasonstern6499]

Beautiful fish, congratulations!

[@JoseSilveira-newhandleforYT]

Great fluke, John!

[@pigsandapples]

I love hearing the banter and camaraderie on these trips. Thanks for another great video.

[@johnlanigan4130]

Great trip John, and what a trophy fluke as well.

[@robertcong-leton3275]

Wow - what sportsmanship to release a fish of that size! Way to go, mates, cheers!

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Not really. We do always release fluke > 10#, but this one was caught right after we reached our bag limit, so it had to go back legally.

[@John_Williams421]

Gulp all day skinner! Keeps you away from the sharks way more than fluke belly

[@williamfris3835]

Nice fish John!

[@RayA-rt6tp]

What an awesome day on the water...thanks for sharing guys! 👍😃

[@jayfish718]

Living the dream...enjoy my friends

[@v.hillegass4351]

Great video John! You guys all fish well together. I love the banter between friends. Reminds me of playing team sports when your teammates would cut up and jab.

[@tommyo8068]

Great fish John….

[@joshrussell9460]

You guys always catch such beautiful ,huge fluke. So awesome to see . Been catching then in nj too but you guys are on a totally different level.

[@Gramps55]

Great video as usual John, i tend to use both gulp and trimmings , this way my gulp lasts longer and i have both bases covered. They usually are hooked before they can beet up the gulp.

[@obxkoastie8170]

John...Fishing out of Barnegat Light we always tried to catch a couple sea robins and used their bellies for bait. Fluke hate sea robins and go after strips of belly and they are almost indestructible even with the sharp teeth of the flounder!

[@shawnsmith3604]

I’ve done well with fluke strips but haven’t done it in a while. I frequently will use bluefish strips and they work phenomenal but overall I am more of a gulp fan as well.

[@BStavFishing]

Hey Skinner! Congratulations on that car hood fluke!! Many, many years ago (pretty sure the statute of limitations are expired) I used to use the first short flounder as a sacrificial lamb for strips. They always seemed to produce well, but I haven't done that in several decades and can't tell you the last time I used an actual fluke (you got me saying fluke instead of flounder) belly for bait. Jersey is the same as NY in regards to requiring the strips to be from a legally caught and kept fluke on the same day you're fishing. Now, if I want to use any sort of strip, I highly recommend Jersey Fluke Strips from the makers of @lip glu fish attractant. They're easily fed up the teaser hook and really seem to produce in the ocean. Congrats to you, Rick, Halk and the crew for such a great day!! You keep me motivated!

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Besides the legal hassle of having to cut up a food fish for bait, I don't like the way the strips sometimes double over and get caught on the hook. This wastes precious time, and sometimes it causes a missed or dropped fish when it happens on a hit.

[@BStavFishing]

@@JohnSkinnerFishing truth!

[@matthewrosa540]

Nice fish John

[@zworm2]

I used to use the white belly of sand sharks with great success in New Jersey. That was back when sand sharks were every where. Really tough. Mahi skin strips are my favorite now. Again very tough. However as good if not better are the Gulps you advocate.

[@timrudy4359]

We use fluke strips, with a preference for blue fish and squid strips along with gulp. Works well for us

[@villagejammers]

I use em all sometimes just gulp sometimes gulp and strips and sometimes just strips.some combos work better than others at certain times..you guys certainly seem to have it dialed in....

[@TheNyfishguy]

The Master 🙌🏼

[@j121212100]

Your welcome, John. ❤

[@crispychris9492]

I always prefer to fish bucktail and gulp with the teaser, but some days we are just moving too fast and need 8 or 10 ounces to hold bottom, that is when I will switch to a fluke strip on a bait rig. 3 way swivel with 3 foot of leader to a hook with a glow squid skirt and tipped with a fluke strip and spearing, I don’t like fishing that way but there are days it outfishes the bucktails.

[@robtopham6095]

Fishing is unpredictable at times. I can say in shallow water in spring (in my area) cut and live bait beats gulp for me. Once the water gets above 70 and hatchlings are everywhere gulp wins hands down. Also (for me) in the ocean gulp is almost always the winner. Nice to see you catch a 10 lber twice since ...I watched the same trip in Jigging jeks... fun times!

[@workingclassdog3]

I’ve been watching you since your first video on KZbin. I still get amazed by your content. One thing I will say though is 45 miles for fluke is a bit of a trip.

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

It's such a high quality fishery out there.

[@nickdevereaux7920]

I always like to put a piece of strip bait on my jig with gulp and just gulp on teaser. Some days they don’t want the meat and just gulp works

[@ras124]

Flukin awesome!

[@jeffreysnyder912]

Great fishing trip and ending with a 10+ fluke

[@Lauranyyfan]

This was a fun video!! Haven't fished in 2.5 years due to some MAJOR Orthopedic surgeries. This is as close as I can get to the water and those flatties!! CAN'T wait to get back!!

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

I hope you recover soon!

[@anthonyocchiogrosso5519]

Great video John, you guys had a day. On those glass minnows you prefer the 3/8 or the 1/2oz Thanks

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

3/8

[@williamwiant5583]

Fantastic vid John. I enjoy watching your videos. I know that this may not be the place for this question, but here goes. My name is Will, and I'm 68 yo. I have been a salt water fisherman fo 65 of those years. I live in Ma. and fish all over, basically shore and kayak. My question is. Me being retired I can travel anywhere, any time. I would like to go fishing with you. I know you probably get asked all the time. I have years of experience, and I would just like to fish with someone you, who knows more than me. Thank you once again for providing all your knowledge. Tight Lines and safe journeys.

[@stephenleone2375]

Man, I want your life, LOL!!! Nice fish there at the end.

[@michaelkrimin3293]

Thank you John skinner for bringing the Fanny pack back.I thought it was dead.

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

My camera bag?

[@michaelkrimin3293]

@@JohnSkinnerFishing just messing with you.nice fish.

[@dirtydanthegarbageman4803]

Hey John was this Saturday the 15th was supposed to be in block but was canceled for weather forecast.

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

No.

[@KENHADOU]

Very nice

[@rhyoliteaddict7939]

Literally never witnessed a flattie put it in reverse and dive like that! What a beautiful glitch~

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

That's exactly what they do if you stop reeling when they get to the surface. That's why it's so important to keep them moving forward with some force when it's net time.

[@raystanley151]

We have many days here in Jersey. That the brown strips will outfish. Anything else? I think it's the greatest secret ever that have discovered in my days growing up on my dad's party boat in the 80s People wanted the fluke belly. And they caught a lot of fish back before Gulp. The World record fluke.was.caught on a fluke back

[@leesolomon7959]

Would love to hear more about your buddy's aluminum boat. Not so popular on the east coast, but quite popular on the west coast especially the Pac NW and Alsaka. How is the ride, weight, and planing speed? Looks like a lot of fishing room. How much horsepower power and fuel efficiency. Thanks for all the videos John.

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

32' Metal Shark Fearless. Awesome all around.

[@charlespolley3830]

My friends and I use strips of fluke, sea robin, porgies and bluefish when we lose the tail from the gulp. The body of the gulp with a strip of meat kills. Sometimes, we don’t even wait to lose the tail.

[@blibbster60]

hey John I just returned from a trip to the Nantucket Shoals, and I outfished other anglers 2-3x using gulp only on Michael Lang SST teasers and bucktails on salmon red gulp. I had high hook and pool fish (9lbs). Although I fish gulp 90% of the time, im now fully convinced thinner profiles with gulp is the only way to go - will never drag bait again!

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Awesome! I'm not surprised. Friends who have gone up there and fished jigs and Gulp on 10# or 15# braid have cleaned up. Nice work and thanks for sharing that!

[@misstyflip]

I use both gulp and strips at the same time and always have. Fishing the same area as you. Seen you guys out there a few times this year.

[@tylerpepe8226]

For the chicken rigs, do you work it similar to how you work a bucktail a few inches off the bottom or is it more of a drag and periodically lift method? Heavier sinkers 8-16oz, if that matters

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Same as bucktail.

[@liamhogan1797]

One of these days you gotta put a hook in those skins to get those dock stripers!

[@bh5094]

Hi John, have you ever tried the gulp shrimp on the teaser? I tried it this year for the first time and the fluke seem to really like it?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

That's what I use in the Sound and ocean bays. Just a 3-inch shrimp on a Gamakatsu 3/0 baitholder hook.

[@antidk1084]

Nothing better than waking up to a John Skinner video! Best way to start a day

[@mikeknottscreek8183]

I had already watched Halkias video the other day and it's kinda interesting having seen both from the same trip. Tremendous last fish and I'm sure you would have released it even if you hadn't reached your limit.

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Absolutely that fish was going back in no matter when it was caught. I've never kept a 10+.

[@patrickgregory1078]

It's good to release but what is the reason to release big fish beside being limited out?

[@mikeknottscreek8183]

@@patrickgregory1078 It's all about the fishery. Those large fish are the ones giving us the young ones.

[@tjaaw]

last fish was biggest and luckiest!

[@armenavetisian9136]

What dream day of flukin!! Is the salmon red you use on the teaser and the blue fuze also on the teaser during that doormat at the end both 6" grub? Or 8"? Also what is your most prefered size if you dont mind me asking?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Definitely 6''. I don't do well with 8. Salmon red or Blue Fuze on the teaser, white on the bucktail.

[@armenavetisian9136]

@@JohnSkinnerFishing thank you very much for the response!! I will definitely try that out this weekend

[@comfortablynumb9342]

I'm glad you're catching fish up there. So far I'm not having any luck around the Chesapeake Bay area from the beach or piers. I bought a bunch of bucktails to try. And I think the Z Man WillowVibes jig heads should be amazing for flat fish if they're around. Thise things have a great action and the vibration from the willow leaf chatterbait blade, and the flash, should be great for dirty water. But even the locals are striking out so I don't believe it's my technique. As far as using strips of fish, I wouldn't waste a nice fish for bait. Another species, sure, but not the fish I want for dinner. Would sea robbin strips be good? Or something else? Bonito or some other junk fish wouldn't bother me but not flounder/fluke. They're too tasty.

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

I've fished with many things over the year. I can't beat Gulp, especially against plastic-based artificials.

[@comfortablynumb9342]

@@JohnSkinnerFishing You should try Gulp on those WillowVibes jig heads. I think you'll be impressed. Truly. They might be a game changer. A Skinner bucktail with a chatterbait blade might be a good idea.

[@user-oc4tr7lp7z]

What is the jar everyone uses for their gulp

[@fishtanker33]

I fish ma and sometimes the fluke can be picky and want strips instead of gulp. But has only happened a few times.

[@normankatrobos8088]

Fluke strips work... everything works to an exstent... i use fluke strips more if im chicken rigging or using a longer leader ill add them to the grubs on the teasers but if im bucktailing i usualy will never add bait to the grubbs it adds more resistence for one and its just not needed most days in my opinion

[@Redcrown48]

It seemed like I saw this already but from a different perspective. It's a good thing that Rick doesn't film as well.

[@raystanley151]

I had a lot of luck last year using a white strip.And a brown strip at the same time. On a tandem rig

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Incredibly, using the brown strips is illegal in NY. You can only use the white side and you have to keep the carcass on board. I don't get the purpose for the brown strip rule.

[@matthewrosa540]

Where can I find the swing hooks jigs you use how many ft of water are you fishing in this video

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

70 feet. Not sure on the jigs. There's a hopefully temporary supply issue.

[@sidobx6600]

I can't wait to keep one or two extinct, rare, overfished flounder here in our two week season in the OBX. You should see how big they are getting here but you can't keep any. Shame. Nice fish at the end there. Love it. Top hook usually gets tossed overboard....No?

[@user-dc9bq1nn9n]

were you at the fat tony grounds from last week?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Not this video.

[@1BigMistakee]

John, what pound leader are you using??

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

30

[@zackrepo97]

John, why is the fluke so much better fishing on the east end then it is on the south shore LI?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Currents, structure, and bait I think.

[@zackrepo97]

@@JohnSkinnerFishing yeah because I live near Oceanside and fish Reynolds channel and rockaway inlet a lot and I get keepers but there only about 19-20inch max and that’s not common. Maybe I’ll have to try the east end soon. Thank you for your input, and the amazing vids.

[@ryanshupp8312]

Hey John, how comes you guys never come south to fish the big money tournaments? Like the $100 grand to win in delaware

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

That would be a lot of work. Other than the local tournament that is based in our town, we really don't do tournaments.

[@ryanshupp8312]

Understandable. Thanks for all your videos, I really enjoy watching them.

[@brooklynanglerfishing]

Do you see a difference using 10 lb braid compared to going with 15-20lb braid?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

I would never go to 20. I use 15# Berkley X9, some guys I fish with use 10. I want 15 to help pull out of the snags.

[@Devildoc2875]

What casting rod are you using?

[@jamesps7515]

His own, dark matter John skinner rod, they’re absolutely amazing for bottom fishing

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

bit.ly/3QsR6ch

[@chrismagory9423]

How many rigs were lost

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

I lost two this trip, one because I didn't reel up far enough when I went to net somebody's fish.

[@adamholston2269]

Im a firm believer of fluke strips preferably the white side, i fish on structure and feel it adds to my presentation with a 4 inch gulp

[@tomkelly1017]

Would love to fish with you

[@pennsyltuckyoutdoors2756]

i use gulp with a fluke strip as well and its always performed better than just the gulp alone

[@jameshill8548]

What a day! You could of thrown a ham sandwich and had a great day.

[@benw2569]

Regular sproat hooks vs khale hooks John? Which ones would you recommend for fluke?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Gamakatsu Baitholder 3/0-5/0

[@mustafabereket6108]

Hi from mersin Türkiye

[@beastmaster6963]

Do you guys limit out for the fun of it or can you actually eat 4 keeper fluke each?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

We collectively have no trouble eating all of those fluke. It's about the only fish that I eat.

[@joshuafigueroa6]

I personally think sea robins strips are far better..

[@bido8176]

Ive been using gulp for over 10 years. The product has gotten more expensive and poorer quality. The 6” grubs are often $8 a pack now. Gulp has also gotten softer and less durable. A seabass will rip off tail now in one bite. At $2/grub thats absurd. It used to be alot stronger. The batches sold in 2023 seem even softer than the last few years. The original product changed when they started putting the plastic trays into the packages years ago. The product packaging produces alot of plastic waste, and the Gulp is are not as biodegradable as they claim. For all these reasons, fluke strips are now my preference.

[@user-oc4tr7lp7z]

What is the jar everyone uses for their gulp

[@user-oc4tr7lp7z]

What is the jar everyone uses for their gulp

[@user-oc4tr7lp7z]

What is the jar everyone uses for their gulp

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Gulp recharge juice.