AMBROSE CHANNEL (GPS 40’31.25 / 73’59.41)
Situated just east of Romer Shoal in the shipping lanes of Raritan Bay, the Ambrose Channel cuts a deep gully that runs from 21 feet on its ledges down a slope to the 45-foot range and eventually, down to 70 feet in its belly. A good mark to let you know you’re in the right area is the No. 8 buoy on the eastern side of the channel.

This deep channel attracts some of the largest fluke of the season to its ledges and trough. Ambrose is a bit hairy to fish at times, because you must be wary of the colossal supertankers that cannot -- and will not -- stray from their path. Always be aware of your drift surroundings. But the rewards of fishing Ambrose can be outstanding. Channel is my go-to spot in the mid- to late summer. The largest fluke of the year usually come from this particular area at this particular time. You may not have the quantity (of fish) here, but the quality of fish definitely outweighs the quantity.”

Kwolek’s fishing rig consists of a running line of 50-pound Power Pro braid, threaded through a fish-finder sleeve tied with an 8-inch dropper off of the sleeve, to which a 6- to 12- ounce bank sinker is looped on. Then a 75-pound barrel swivel is tied on via a Palomar knot, with a 36-inch piece of 30-pound Seaguar fluorocarbon leader is tied on via improved clinch knot. A 4/0 Gamakatsu Bleeding Bait Octopus hook is snelled onto the end of this rig.

BARNEGAT LIGHT REEF (GPS 39’45.30 / 74’01.50)
Located a mere 3.1 miles out from Barnegat Inlet, the Barnegat Light Reef exists as a fantastic low-profile artificial reef site containing .85 square miles of army tanks, reef ball units, assorted barges and smaller wrecks. Depths here range from 46 to 63 feet. Probably the hottest spot on this structure is the northwest section of the reef named the Tires, where hundreds of concrete tire units dot the ocean floor, offering literally tons of low-lying structure and hang-ups to drift over. Fluke love this type of cover, as it affords them the element of surprise.

Outgoing tides are best fished here, since the short distance from the mouth of Barnegat Inlet means that water rushing out of the bay brings all sorts of baitfish right past the reef itself. Your drifting techniques should allow for a run over the entire reef site, where fluke will be laying close to the structures alongside the tanks and debris.

Most anglers out for a day of drift- fishing for fluke try to start their drifts at the north end and gradually move south over the site. With a prevailing south wind in the afternoon and evening, early morning and noontime hours are your best times to get that special drift. For the most part, you’ll cover ground ranging from 46 to 58 feet of water. The right recipe for success is to be feeling the bottom when you bounce between all the various patches of tire units, tanks and concrete rubble.