These Fluke fishing tips will reduce damage

• Anglers can reduce damage to short fluke by fishing with release in mind and by following these tips: Always hold the rod to detect strikes and set the hook as soon as a strike is detected to lessen the odds of hooking smaller fluke.
• Use large hooks (3/0 or larger) and large baits to filter out the smaller fish before they become hooked.
• Bring dehooking tools along. A simple jaw spreader and Baker Hook-out are inexpensive, extremely easy to use tools that readily to remove hooks from any species with a minimum of stress and damage.
• Fluke recipe:Fluke fillets are among the most delicate, flaky white meat fish in our waters. A simple way to prepare an excellent meal is to cut fillets into pieces, dip in a combination of egg and milk, then coat with Bisquick, flour or bread crumbs.
• Let the breaded fillets sit for a few minutes on a paper towel, to allow the coating to set so it doesn't fall off while cooking. Then top with spices, a squeeze of lemon and a pat of butter to help brown and place in the oven at 375 degrees or fry in a light oil until golden brown.
• Leftover fillets can be chilled, then mixed with mayonnaise to make a delicious fluke salad. Add lettuce, tomato, cheese and anything else you like to create a terrific sandwich or wrap. A good fluke salad sandwich makes canned tuna taste like cat food.
• Fish story. Mark Lewchik of River's End Tackle said he was at the Department of Environmental Protection fishing pier in Lyme earlier in the week when a fisherman at the end of the dock caught into a 40-pound striped bass. The odd thing was this fish had broken another angler's line and the lucky angler's hook had managed to hook into the eye of the swivel on the first angler's leader.