How to Rig a Fluke

Plastic fluke lures

A fluke is a soft-bodied, plastic lure that resembles a shad bait fish. Available in a crayon box of solid colors, in two-tones and with glitter and scent, flukes are very effective lures for catching large-mouth bass. Methods for rigging a fluke bait vary to match the fishing conditions. Catching bass in areas choked with lily pads, grass beds or in sunken timber requires a weed-less style of rigging. Fishing a fluke along docks, piers or rip-rap allows exposing the point of the hook for solid hook ups.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic fluke bait
• #3 or #4 hook
• Barrel swivel
• Sinker (optional)

Instructions

1. Tie a #3 or #4 hook to the end of an 8-inch length of leader. Tie the other end of the leader to a barrel swivel, and then tie the swivel to the end of the fishing line. The barrel swivel adds a small amount of weight to the rig, causing the fluke bait to sink a little faster while reducing line twist.

2. Hold the fluke firmly, and then drive the point of the hook through the end of the head section. Push the hook into the body and then out through the belly slit of the fluke. Slide the fluke head up and around the bend of the shank to the eye of the hook. A drop of cyanoacrylate adhesive secures the fluke in position, preventing it from slipping back down the shaft of the hook.

3. Rotate the tip of the hook 180 degrees, pointing it up towards the back of the fluke bait. Press the point of the hook into the fluke body until the tip just breaks the surface of the back. The fluke rig is nearly weed-less and ready for casting.

   If you are fishing in areas where weeds and grass beds are not a concern, push the hook up through the back of the fluke to expose the tip of the hook.

4. Cast the fluke rig upstream and allow it to sink to the bottom. Use a lift-and-drop retrieve to entice a large-mouth bass to strike at the fluke bait. Add movement to the lure presentation by twitching the rod tip, causing the fluke bait to dart back and forth to imitate a wounded or dying shad.

Tips & Warnings

• Add weight to the fluke bait with a small sinker, either pressed up against the eye of the hook or separated from the hook by 6 to 8 inches of leader.