SPRING CHOPPER BLUEFISH

Getting ready for the early season run of chopper bluefish in New Jersey? Nick breaks down his setup and techniques for tackling these brutes in this week’s blog post. The past two year’s bluefish bombardment of New Jersey’s Barnegat Bay, Manasquan Inlet and Barnegat Inlet has been unprecedented as a literal invasion of tens of […]

Getting ready for the early season run of chopper bluefish in New Jersey? Nick breaks down his setup and techniques for tackling these brutes in this week's blog post.The past two year’s bluefish bombardment of New Jersey’s Barnegat Bay, Manasquan Inlet and Barnegat Inlet has been unprecedented as a literal invasion of tens of thousands of choppers from 5 to 20 pounds stormtrooped into the waters starting in April and lasting through June. On the premise we have a repeat of that occurrence this spring, you had better be rightly prepared or be left in the maelstrom of tangled lines, busted lures and bitten fingers. Whether fishing by land or boat, start with a stout 7-foot Penn Rampage RAMBW3050S70 30 to 50-pound class spinning rod, matched with a Penn 5500SS class reel.Try to stray away from spooling with braided line, as it can create quick slicing cuts on your hands and instead opt to spool up with 14 to 17-pound Sufix or Yo-Zuri Monofilament line. Lures can span the gamut, but most importantly, you don’t want to bring you’re A-list lures to the party, use less expensive offerings as you will be inevitably losing a few. Start with rigging with a 100-lb barrel swivel, a 24-inch section of 40 to 50-lb monofilament Trik Fish leader, and then a 75-lb TA Power Clip to interchange lures.Poppers are hands down the most exciting way to hook up fish especially in the backwaters with offerings like the Williamson Popper Pro 160, Tactical Anglers Crossover Popper, and Guides Choice M80. If you’re fishing the rippy waters of inlets at Manasquan or Barnegat, toss out single hook metals such as Ava 007 or A17 jigs, #4 Deadly Dicks, or a Hopkins No-EQL 3-1/2 SB.Its recommended to wear gloves, such as the Deep Ocean or Pelagic End Game models to handle lines or to swing fish over a rail or wall as well as to get a good grip on the blue for a release. To unhook lures from the chomping maws of gator blues, pick up some extra long needlenose pliers such as the Mustad MT-011 pliers to insure you save all your fingers. Gator blues are no joke. Be prepared for some arm-wrenching battles this spring! [vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid element_width='6' grid_id='vc_gid:1485876128429-956a0435a2a0f25f6c84919907eacd12-3' include='4009,4007'][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][block_title style='column_title' inner_style='inline_border' title='Gear Used'][/block_title][vc_row_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Penn
SSV5500 Spinning Reel
A more advanced edition of the Spinfisher series reels. The Spinfisher V Series spinning reels are made with Penn's new Water Tight Design which protects the reel from saltwater making its way into the gearbox or drag system.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Penn
RAMBW3050S70 Rampage Boat Rod
Penn Rampage Boat Rods were designed for charter boats or anglers that need durability in a variety of fishing situations. Constructed with tubular glass blank for extra strength, Penn Rampage also features a solid glass tip that helps keep the rod tip from breaking even when high sticked.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Sufix
Siege Monofilament Fishing Line 17lb
Sufix Siege Monofilament fishing line has superior casting distance with pinpoint accuracy due to its proprietary extrusion process. It has up to 15X greater abrasion resistance then other lines on the market and has exceptional knot strength and smooth handling.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Tactical Anglers
CrossOver Popper Lure
Tactical Anglers CrossOver Popper SMART LURES have undergone extensive testing to ensure maximum durability and functionality. View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row] [instagram-feed id='3945030428'][vc_row full_width='stretch_row_content_no_spaces' type='full_width_content'][vc_column css='.vc_custom_1459892926495{padding-bottom: 10px !important;}'][vc_text_separator title='']" target="_blank">

Drop Shotting with Cody Barry

TackleDirect Pro Staffer, Cody Barry, shares a few tips and his recommendations on using the drop shot technique to put more bass in your livewell. Drop-shot fishing is normally known for deep-water applications and for using sonar to transmit what your bait is doing. I’m going to flip the table and explain to you the […]

TackleDirect Pro Staffer, Cody Barry, shares a few tips and his recommendations on using the drop shot technique to put more bass in your livewell.Drop-shot fishing is normally known for deep-water applications and for using sonar to transmit what your bait is doing. I’m going to flip the table and explain to you the equipment, baits, and logic behind shallow water drop-shot fishing. I have always heard of how good of a technique the drop-shot is but living in New Jersey really limited its applications. After some time of messing around with this rig for about two years, I finally found the right system for success and found out how effective it is, especially in tidal situations. I learned how to fish this rig on the Hudson and Delaware River, so this is slightly more suited for tidal water; however, it is definitely a killer in lakes and reservoirs alike.The rod, reel, and line are very critical for detecting even the lightest pick-ups. The set up I prefer is a Shimano Stradic 2500HGFK paired with a Shimano Zodias 270M Rod. This reel is very light but has an amazing drag and super smooth reeling, and the rod is a 7- foot, medium action with a moderate fast-tip. The tip allows excellent bite detection and accurate casts. The Zodias, even for being a medium action rod, has a great backbone for being able to turn the fish's head away from cover. I believe the line is the biggest player, as is took me the longest to find a line that would allow me to cast, and relay what I want my bait to do in an effective manner. I use 15lb Diawa J-Braid in chartreuse. The chartreuse is huge for tracking your bait. A lot of my bites I don’t feel, but I see my line “pop”, which is very similar to jerk bait fishing. This braid is very supple but for the knots I use, it is the best I have found yet.The next piece of the puzzle is the actual rig and knots I use. First off, I run a 3-4 foot leader of 12-16lb Sunlike FC sniper Flourocarbon. The Alberto knot was the strongest for me when marrying these two lines, as well as being extremely small. Because of the sleekness of the knot it runs through the guides nicely. When I first started fishing the drop-shot, I was doing what I read and nose hooked everything. Big mistake. I was hung up on every other cast and almost broke a rod over my knee because of it. I found the Owner Down Shot Offset worm hook is by far the best in terms of sharpness and perfect size for this. These hooks seem to run a little small, so I actually use a 3/0 hook for almost all the baits. You’ll notice it has a slightly odd shape to it, but my hook up to land rate is at least 98%. Besides line, the weight is the next most important factor. I use the absolute lightest pencil weight I can get away with because I want the current to move my bait very slightly. It makes for a super natural flowing action that smallies and largemouth cannot resist. This is a key factor in letting the bait work itself in current situations. I dead stick it 70% of the time, while the other 30% I’m slowly dragging it back to the boat while it is moving with the current. Also against the grain of conventional drop-shot fishing, I place my bait about 6-8 inches above the weight.The baits I found most effective in this technique are the Lake Fork Ring Fry, Reactions Innovations Flirt, Keitech Easy Shaker, and the Big Bite Baits Coontail worm. Each one has a different application in which I’ll break down my opinions why. I use the Ring Fry almost all of the time in the 4-inch version. This is my go to bait in the Delaware because of its slightly bulkier yet compact style. This bait is very soft and has ribs for pushing a lot of water which helps in stained water. The Reactions Innovations Flirt is my Finesse, summer time, high pressure bait. It is skinny and does not have crazy action in the current. The Keitech is my grass fishing drop shot worm because it is sleek yet soft so it doesn’t pull up grass. The last is the Big Bite Baits Coontail worm. This bait is a good size but ribbed like the Ring Fry. As the name suggests, I use this bait when I’m at big fish places such as lake Champlain, or the Upper Chesapeake Bay. Finding your own confidence-baits is a big part of fishing, but just note that it is very important to find a bait that doesn’t spin, because your casting and retrieving this technique a lot. Even with braid, line spin can be a real pain that is easily avoided.So now that the whole set up has been broken down, I’m going to give you different scenarios in which I fish it. First is around wood. This bait is absolutely deadly around wood. Pilings and laydowns are my main targets. It doesn’t get hung up you too often, so you can cast it into a nice tree and shake it until the cows come home without pulling it out of the strike zone. While fishing pilings, I use two tactics: 1) cast it right beside it and let it fall straight down; or 2) cast it upstream and let the current push it back to the cover. Both are highly effective. When getting a bite in wood, just keep pressure on it if it is hung up. It will eventually free itself and swim out. This rig is extremely effective in keeping fish attached so patience will pay off. When casting this rig you want it to fall straight down so slack line is essential. This isn’t a big bulky jig that if it gets hit on the fall you need to let them have it. That is why the bright line is a big player in this system. I’ve practiced for tournaments and sometimes cannot shake these fish off. All they feel is soft plastic, so it feels natural to them as well as in the Lake Fork and Keitechs case, taste natural too.Grass would be my second favorite place to fish this. You pretty much fish this rig the same way as you would say a Texas- rigged bait. It is a finesse approach in a power-fishing environment. The only changes I’d make was a little heavier line say 30 pound test braid and a little heavier weight to make sure it gets through the grass. I also like to sometimes throw this on a bait caster for the gear ratios purposes. You can fish this rig just about everywhere, so don’t let normal drop shot theories determine if you use it or not.Something I haven’t mentioned yet is the hook-set with this rig. You want to keep in mind you are using no stretch line with a sharp thin wire hook, so you don’t want to put them into orbit with your hook-set. I like to think about it like a balloon. If you take a fork and slowly press it into a balloon, it won’t pop. But if you hit it with a quick snap, the balloon pops. When I feel the bite, I give it a quick snap to drive that hook in and its buried. Let the fish run and tire itself out using the right drag and keep pressure on it. This will ensure you have an extra passenger in the onboard Jacuzzi (livewell).I hope some of you will take this information and make shallow water drop-shotting another technique for the water. Remember confidence in baits and rigs are the keys to success in fishing.[vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid element_width='6' grid_id='vc_gid:1485876128429-956a0435a2a0f25f6c84919907eacd12-3' include='3990,3991'][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][block_title style='column_title' inner_style='inline_border' title='Gear Used'][/block_title][vc_row_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Shimano
ST2500HGFK Stradic FK Spinning Reel
The Shimano Stradic FK Spinning Reels are designed for anglers who demand toughness and durability in their tackle. Shimano's Hagane reel design allows for these reels to be long lasting through your many fishing trips.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Shimano
ZDS270M Zodias Spinning Rod
The Shimano Zodias Rods are constructed with hi-power x construction process, which eliminates blank twist for better casting distance and accuracy.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Daiwa
J-Braid Chartreuse Line
Daiwa J-Braid Line is made in Japan and offers a pure round profile thanks to its ultimate quality-tight pitch 8 strand woven construction.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Sunline
Super FC Sniper Fluorocabon Line
The Sunline Super FC Sniper Fluorocarbon fishing line is the number one fluorocarbon line in the Japanese market and gaining popularity in the US. This line is a great choice for all techniques with spinning or casting tackle. This fluorocarbon line featrures high specific gravity for super sensivity even in deep water. View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]" target="_blank">

FLORIDA MARCH MADNESS

Your NCAA March Madness bracket is most likely in shambles after this weekend’s game, so why not get in on some dynamite fishing along Florida’s East Coast. The ides of March spark some serious fishing along the East Coast of Florida, enough that you might consider it March Madness in its own right. From the […]

Your NCAA March Madness bracket is most likely in shambles after this weekend's game, so why not get in on some dynamite fishing along Florida's East Coast.The ides of March spark some serious fishing along the East Coast of Florida, enough that you might consider it March Madness in its own right. From the Mosquito Lagoon through Indian River Lagoon to Sebastian Inlet, a bevy of backwater species are on the prowl including redfish, snook, black drum, tarpon and seatrout. Mosquito Lagoon is noted for holding big bull reds of 20 to 40 pounds this time of year as the reds chase down schools of mullet and pods of shrimp.Offerings include 4-inch DOA CAL jerk baits rigged weedless, 4-inch DOA shrimp, and Bomber 16A plugs. The Indian River Lagoon has been a hotbed of black drum activity, and you can hook into Clydesdales from 5 to 30 pounds with both live shrimp and cut blue claw crabs sent on a freeline with a size 6/0 Gamakatsu Octopus hook. Snook can be found hanging in the Indian River Lagoon off Port St. Lucie, banging on Mirr-O-Lure Top Dogs and Zara Spooks cast around the St. Lucie Inlet rocks, as well as around dock piling during sunrise hours. Those St. Lucie waters still hold plenty of nice trout on the remaining weed beds, which can be tricked up with very light 1/8 to 3/8-ounce jigheads tipped with 3-inch Berkley Gulp! New Penny shrimp.Sebastian Inlet is the epicenter for a potpourri of species with all the aforementioned fish available plus a chance at some permit, pompano and sharks. Sebastian can be fished from the North Pier or the South Jetty with the pier a prime spot to drop down live shrimp on fishfinder slide rigs with a 24-inch section of 30-pound Seaguar fluorocarbon, and size 2/0 to 4/0 Owner Octopus hook to claim permit, pomps and whiting. Heavy hitters will work the south side casting 1-ounce Spro or S&S bucktails tipped with a large 5-1/4 inch Zoom Super Fluke to trick reds, snook and tarpon. Look for schools of reds to get active on the outgoing tides, tarpon up to 100 pounds to be rolling of the tip of the south jetty and snook of 5 to 20 pounds to be hanging in the south pocket of the jetty. Don’t be afraid to work a TA Popper, rigged with a 200-pound barrel swivel, heavy duty 80-pound test with a 175-pound TA power clip to the popper. Cast right off the jetty tip where tarpon, bull and blacktip sharks and snook will crush it hard enough to buckle your knees. March Madness is alive and kicking on Florida’s East Coast! [vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid element_width='6' grid_id='vc_gid:1485876128429-956a0435a2a0f25f6c84919907eacd12-3' include='3976,3975'][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][block_title style='column_title' inner_style='inline_border' title='Gear Used'][/block_title][vc_row_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
DOA
Shrimp Select 1/2oz 4in 3 Pack
DOA Shrimp have a live shrimp look and swimming action. With their downward facing, vibration legs and consistent level drop rate DOA Shrimp Lures have successfully fooled almost every species of fish that feed on live shrimp.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
MirrOlure
94MR Top Dog Surface Walker Lure
The MirrOlure 94MR Top Dog Surface Walker Lure darts, dances, rattles, and flashes, to achieve monstrous strikes from both saltwater and freshwater fish. The MirrOlure Top Dog transmits a wounded minnow frequency and vibration that trophy fish find irresistible.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Tactical Anglers
BombPOPPER Smart Lures
Tactical Anglers BombPOPPER SMART LURES have undergone extensive testing to ensure maximum durability and functionality.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
SPRO
Chrome Bucktail Jigs
SPRO Chrome Bucktail Jigs are unlike any other jigs on the market. Their unique head shape and eyelet placement help bring these lures to life. With blazing color, a holographic finish, and bulging eyes, they put fish at your mercy. View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row] [instagram-feed id='3945030428'][vc_row full_width='stretch_row_content_no_spaces' type='full_width_content'][vc_column css='.vc_custom_1459892926495{padding-bottom: 10px !important;}'][vc_text_separator title='']" target="_blank">

Riverbank Stripers

Winter Storm Stella is over and it’s time to start thinking about spring stripers! The Delaware River striped bass run may not be what it was a few years ago, but there are still plenty of linesiders around to make the trip worthwhile. Migratory striped bass enter the Delaware Bay in March and make the […]

Winter Storm Stella is over and it’s time to start thinking about spring stripers!The Delaware River striped bass run may not be what it was a few years ago, but there are still plenty of linesiders around to make the trip worthwhile. Migratory striped bass enter the Delaware Bay in March and make the run up into the freshwater sections of the river through the month of April.Fishing techniques vary depending on which section of the “Big D” you’re fishing. In this entry, we’ll concentrate on Salem County, New Jersey – south of the Salem River. This portion of the Delaware River, south of the Salem River, is considered saline so a freshwater fishing license is not needed, there is no requirement of circle hooks and the April 1 to May 31 closed season is only for anglers fishing north of the Salem River up to the Trenton Falls. New Jersey state regulations allow for one striped bass over 28 inches to less than 43 inches and one striped bass over 43 inches per day. Please use common sense when targeting breeding striped bass – these fish are migrating into the river to breed and we’d all like to see a healthy striped bass population in the future.Access points along this stretch of the river are somewhat limited, but the fishing action can be amazing. The resident fish and males seem to be the first to show up on the flats. The smaller striped bass usually become active around March 20, but the bite can vary by a week or so depending on water temperatures. The big girls typically show up in force around April 10. Once word of a bite gets out, just about every access point from Penns Grove to Fortescue will be packed with anglers.Fishing for striped bass along this stretch of the river isn’t complicated. As a matter of fact, it’s a lot like fishing for catfish - which you’ll also likely encounter. Bloodworms are used almost exclusively and for good reason; I’ve tried some other baits and nothing else comes close. Casting distance can come into play as this portion of the river is made up of extensive flats. I use a pair of Lamiglas Graphite Surf and Jetty spinning rods: a ten foot XS 10 MHS and an eleven foot XS 11 MS. The extra foot provides a little more casting distance and allows me to stagger my baits without having to think about it. A Shimano Baitrunner D 6000 spinning reel is mounted on my 10’ rod and a Shimano Thunnus CI4 6000 spinning reel on my 11’ rod. The baitrunner feature works great on both reels, however when using circle hooks I do not engage the baitrunning feature. Both reels are spooled with 20-pound Power Pro Braided Spectra and I use 40-pound Seaguar Fluorocarbon leader material. Some anglers use a top and bottom rig, but I prefer a fish-finder rig. From my experiences catching is about the same, but I use less bait – bloodworms aren’t cheap! A Sea Striker Duo-Lock Snap makes a great fish finder slide. Hook selection varies, but most of the time I’m tying on a 5/0 Gamakatsu Octopus circle hook. The current can really get going on this portion of the river so weight selection will fluctuate between 3 and 6 ounces. Sputnik or pyramid sinkers work well.Tide and current play an especially important role when fishing the flats. At some locations, you could bomb a hero cast and you’d be lucky to reach 4 to 6 foot water depths. For this reason, I always plan my trips around high tide. Two to three hours before until two to three hours after high water usually provide the best action. Make sure to bring a couple dozen bloodworms because chances are you’ll be catching a mixed bag of catfish, white perch and small stripers while your waiting for that cow to come by.[vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid element_width='6' grid_id='vc_gid:1485876128429-956a0435a2a0f25f6c84919907eacd12-3' include='3960,3959'][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][block_title style='column_title' inner_style='inline_border' title='Gear Used'][/block_title][vc_row_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Shimano
Thunnus TU6000CI4 Spinning Reel
Lightweight and the power to stop big fish. Not a sentence you are used to hearing! Seemingly against the laws of nature. Thunnus takes a page from our Bicycle division using Carbon materials in high impact situations. Thunnus CI4 is a response to all the anglers out there in love with the ease of use and functionality that wanted the reel to shed some weight. Thunnus CI4 is up to 7 ounces lighter than its predecessor without sacrificing any power. Quite the opposite!!View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Lamiglas
XS 11 MS Graphite Surf & Jetty Spinning Rod
The blanks used in this premiere series of graphite surf and jetty rods are preferred over all others by custom rod builders. These super-sensitive graphite blanks are the ultimate in durability; ideal for the pounding surf environment.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Shimano
Baitrunner 6000D Spinning Reel
The Baitrunner D combines todays technology with legendary performance and durability. Incoporating all the latest techonology such as the Propulsion Line Management System to S A-RB bearings, the new compact profile lineup of Baitrunners can handle nearly any live-bait application from the new small 4000 size for freshwater and inshore species to the large 12000 size for Bluewater.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Lamiglas
XS 10 MHS Graphite Surf & Jetty Spinning Rod
The blanks used in this premiere series of graphite surf and jetty rods are preferred over all others by custom rod builders. These super-sensitive graphite blanks are the ultimate in durability; ideal for the pounding surf environment. View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row] " target="_blank">

COD BAIT BITE

Check out Nick Honachefsky’s tips on rod & reel combo and rigging for bringing home a cooler full of cod in this week’s TackleDirect blog post. Springtime cod fishing usually revolves around a bait bite, as cod are coming out of the deep freeze and are more apt to suck down a fresh bait than […]

Check out Nick Honachefsky's tips on rod & reel combo and rigging for bringing home a cooler full of cod in this week's TackleDirect blog post.Springtime cod fishing usually revolves around a bait bite, as cod are coming out of the deep freeze and are more apt to suck down a fresh bait than chase a jig. Start off by setting up right. High speed 6:1 ratio reels like a Shimano Torium 20 or Avet MXL are key to muscle fish off the wreck, spooled with 50-pound Power Pro braid, and a 10 foot top shot of 50-pound Trik Fish leader. Rods should be any 7 to 7-1/2 foot medium to heavy rod with moderate to fast action, such as a Seeker Black Steel G 6470-7 or a Lamiglas 7040CT. A three-hook dropper rig works best. Start with a 150-pound barrel swivel, 48-inch piece of 40 to 50-pound Seaguar fluorocarbon leader, tying a dropper loop every 16 inches with an overhand loop knot on the tag end to loop on a bank sinker anywhere from 6 to 16 ounces to hold bottom. On the dropper loops, pop on size 6/0 Baitholder hooks or 8/0 Octopus Gamakatsu or Owner hooks as both manufacturers have sticky sharp barb points that can easily pierce a cod’s maw. Before you bait up, lance on some red or green beads above the hook shank, or thread on 3 to 5-inch Curly Grub tails in red, white, purple or green, or slip on some surgical tubing above the hook shank in the same colorings.Freshly shucked clams are paramount to attracting hookups, but two schools of thought permeate the clam bait attack plan. When there is no current running, a gob of clam can work just fine, but if the current from a full or new moon is running hard, a well-manicured clam tongue, cut like a streamlined strip bait will not spin in the current and garner more strikes. Shucked clam shells can be dropped below for purposes of chumming cod to get a scent wafting below to incite their hunger strike. Other baits that can work well for cod include mackerel, herring or bergall strips. Work the wreck structure edges and bounce around on little sections of wreck and if you aren’t getting hits within 20 minutes, make a shift or move completely. Cod are curious creatures, if they spy commotion in the water column, they will come to inspect what’s happening. When bergalls are nipping at baits, control your instinct to swing and let it sit, as in a few seconds a cod will cruise by and push the little fish out to inhale the bait.[vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid element_width='6' grid_id='vc_gid:1485876128429-956a0435a2a0f25f6c84919907eacd12-3' include='3942,3940'][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][block_title style='column_title' inner_style='inline_border' title='Gear Used'][/block_title][vc_row_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Lamiglas
TFX7040CT Tri-Flex Graphite Inshore Rod
These Tri-Flex Graphite Inshore rods add power to move the most difficult Stripers, Blackfish, Amberjack and Grouper quickly away from line-parting wrecks. Tri-Flex stands for our proprietary blank designs in which three layers of material, each carefully chosen to provide specific characteristics, are integrated at specific intervals within each blank.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Shimano
Torium Star Drag Reels
The Shimano Torium Star Drag Reels are new to Shimano's Torium series reels. They are compact, rigid, and powerful saltwater conventional reels with excellent castability and durability expected by saltwater anglers.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Gamakatsu
Octopus Hooks
20,000 years ago, the invention of the fish hook marked the beginning of sport fishing. The first hooks were made of wood or bones. As technology improved, so did the hooks. Records show that copper hooks were made in Banchen 7,000 years ago and artificial flies were used in Egypt 4,000 years ago.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Seaguar
Fluorocarbon Leader Material
Incredible impact and abrasion resistance. Fast sinking. Superior tensile and knot strength. The original FC (Blue Lable) Seaguar 100% fluorocarbon leader material allows you to use a smaller test leader than comparable nylons or fluorocarbons for unmatched bait presentations. No wonder it's preferred by anglers the world over. View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row] [instagram-feed id='3945030428'][vc_row full_width='stretch_row_content_no_spaces' type='full_width_content'][vc_column css='.vc_custom_1459892926495{padding-bottom: 10px !important;}'][vc_text_separator title='']" target="_blank">

WINTER FLOUNDER POUNDIN’

Nick Honachefsky shares some early spring tips towards getting in on the hot winter flounder bite in New Jersey for this week’s TackleDirect Blog post. Winter flounder season is kicking off in New Jersey, and its not hard to get into the game, in fact, flounder poundin’ is quite simple to rig up, its more […]

Nick Honachefsky shares some early spring tips towards getting in on the hot winter flounder bite in New Jersey for this week's TackleDirect Blog post.Winter flounder season is kicking off in New Jersey, and its not hard to get into the game, in fact, flounder poundin’ is quite simple to rig up, its more a matter of finding fish to have a successful outing. To start, light tackle is the norm. A 6-1/2 to 7-foot spinning rod like a St. Croix TIS66MM, matched with a Shimano Stradic 2500 or Penn SLAIII 3500 slammer reel will be the tool. Spool up with 12 to 20-pound Power Pro braid.Rigs are simple, starting with a size #4 three way swivel with sinker clip. Clip on a 1 to 3 ounce coin shaped sinker or bank sinker to the sinker clip. To the remaining three-way swivel eye, loop on two snelled Chestertown size #10 to #6 hooks, or gold #8 baitholder hooks will also work with the small gap bend. Tip the hooks with tiny 1-inch yellow grubtails or yellow beads.You want to be looking for water above 50 degrees and up to 65 degrees or so in the spring time. Target back bay channels or flats in the 4 to 15 foot range depths as flounder will sun themselves in the spring, warming up in the sunlight to become active. Many guys rely on the hour before dead high and the first hour of the outgoing for the best bite, before the tides start running hard.Other schools of thought like the mid tide hours when chumming as the fast moving current brings disperses the chum far and wide to attract flounder to move in. Baits for flatties include bloodworms, sandworms, tapeworms, clams or artificial like yellow dyed Fishbites Bag ‘O Worms. To get a good chew going, anchor up on a ledge, fill a stainless steel can chumpot with mussel or clam mix, draping it over the side of the bow, and set your rod spread at the stern of the boat, allowing the chum to filter back in the current to where your baits are laying. Move your baits with little bumps of the sinker every minute or so and if you don’t get bit within 1 minutes, pick up and check the baits to make sure they are clear of any debris. Flounder poundin’ can be full of fun when you get ‘em chewing, and no doubt, their clean, white flaky meat is gold in the frying pan.[vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid element_width='6' grid_id='vc_gid:1485876128429-956a0435a2a0f25f6c84919907eacd12-3' include='3884,3885'][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][block_title style='column_title' inner_style='inline_border' title='Gear Used'][/block_title][vc_row_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
St. Croix
St. Croix TIS66MM Tidemaster Inshore Spinning Rod
Tidemaster Inshore Spinning Rods are handcrafted with St. Croix's exclusive SC graphite for strength and durability. St. Croix Tidemaster rods are fitted with premium saltwater-grade hardware including Batson Forecast hard aluminum-oxide guides featuring new 316 stainless steel frames for dramatically improved corrosion resistance. Tidemaster rods are meticulously finished with two coats of Flex Coat slow-cure finish.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Penn
Penn SLAIII3500 Slammer III Spinning Reel
The Penn SLAIII3500 Slammer III Spinning Reel is a part of the relaunch of one of the toughest spinner lines known to guides and captains the world over. Utilizing Penn's new CNC Gear Technology, with improved IPX6 sealing, and their proprietary Dura-Drag System, the Slammer is finally back!View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Shimano
Shimano ST2500HGFK Stradic FK Spinning Reel
The Shimano Stradic FK Spinning Reels are designed for anglers who demand toughness and durability in their tackle. Shimano's Hagane reel design allows for these reels to be long lasting through your many fishing trips.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Fishbites
Fishbites Bag O' Worms
Fishbites Bag O' Worms™ is an effective alternative to bloodworms, offering consistency and convenience. Every Fishbites Bloodworm bait will be the same size, same color and same thickness and, more importantly, the same price year round. Fishbites Bloodworm baits will not require any special storage while you fish and you can simply keep them in your tackle box between trips. View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row] [instagram-feed id='3945030428'][vc_row full_width='stretch_row_content_no_spaces' type='full_width_content'][vc_column css='.vc_custom_1459892926495{padding-bottom: 10px !important;}'][vc_text_separator title=''] " target="_blank">

OPENING DAY STRIPERS

Opening day of striped bass in New Jersey is here, get some tips from Nick to start off the season with a bang! Jersey anglers are delighted that striped bass season reopened in the backwaters on March 1st, and the good news is that the mild winter has had bass on the bite in the […]

Opening day of striped bass in New Jersey is here, get some tips from Nick to start off the season with a bang!Jersey anglers are delighted that striped bass season reopened in the backwaters on March 1st, and the good news is that the mild winter has had bass on the bite in the surf throughout January and February so far this year. Backwater temperatures are hovering around the 46 to 48 degree mark and historically, it’s a bait bite that kicks off March fishing, but artificial offerings should also be used.Bait wise, here’s the A to Z to rig up: Start with 30-lb Power Pro braid running line, to which a fishfinder slide rig with a braid friendly nylon slide and sinker clip is slid on, a 2 to 3-ounce bank sinker for weight, 75-lb Spro barrel swivel, 24 inch section of 30-lb Seaguar fluorocarbon leader and a size 3/0 Baitholder hook. Bait up with either a fresh clam tongue, or a whole sandworm or bloodworm, piercing the barb point through the mouth and threading the worm up the hook, then out the side of the worm, leaving the remaining worm to dangle enticingly.Plan your fishing hours around the start of the outgoing tide. Lure wise, small offerings are hard to beat to target those first wave schoolie bass of 18 to 26 inches long. 3-inch white Storm Shads, Tsunami shads, 4-inch Fin-S fish in Albino Shad on white ½-ounce bucktails will all fit the bill. Larger model bass up to 15 pounds and they will actively pursue larger plugs such as Bomber A-Salts, Daiwa SP Minnows, and Zoom 5-inch Super Fluke on 1-ounce Kalin leadheads. Work the rubber baits around bridge pilings, canals and in river systems, while cast plugs in the warmwater outflow areas where stripers up to 20 pounds have been wintering over.Historically, the first “keeper” bass over 28 inches comes by the second to third week of March, but this year, we could very well see that happen much sooner. Put one bait rod out and use one for casting lures, this way you have your bases covered. [vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid element_width='6' grid_id='vc_gid:1485876128429-956a0435a2a0f25f6c84919907eacd12-3' include='3861,3860'][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][block_title style='column_title' inner_style='inline_border' title='Gear Used'][/block_title][vc_row_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Storm
Storm WildEye Swim Baits Shad
These hand-poured PVC soft-plastic WildEye Swim Bait bodies are impregnated with Biosalt for added flavor that fish really love. The buried lead head won't give fish an odd, hard feel and cause them to spit the bait prematurely. The holographic flash matches natural forage colors for realistic detail. A prism eye in the front of the lure gives fish a place to target and hit hard.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Tsunami
Tsunami Soft Bait Swim Shad Lures
All of these lures are tank tested to assure proper performance and strike triggering action. Precise weight balancing designs in all models ensure a tumble free casting performance. The field testing is also apparent in a better-balanced swimming or jigging action. These models are available in a variety of sizes and colors.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Bomber
Bomber B15A Long A Lure
The Long A is one of the best lures on the market when it comes to replicating a life-like swimming action. With a tight wiggle and castable design, the Long A should be the first lure tied on when chasing aggressive, predatory fish.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Daiwa
Daiwa Salt Pro Minnow Saltwater Lures
The Daiwa Salt Pro Minnow is a versatile, long casting bait designed for a fast, ripping style retrieve that produces an erratic side-to-side swim action to draw predator's attention. The Salt Pro Minnow features: a weight transfer system for easier, longer casts; realistic scale pattern and 3-D eyes; heavy duty saltwater hooks.[caption id='attachment_3862' align='alignnone' width='150']View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row] [instagram-feed id='3945030428'][vc_row full_width='stretch_row_content_no_spaces' type='full_width_content'][vc_column css='.vc_custom_1459892926495{padding-bottom: 10px !important;}'][vc_text_separator title='']" target="_blank">

SPRING CHOPPER BLUEFISH

Penn

SSV5500 Spinning Reel

Penn

RAMBW3050S70 Rampage Boat Rod

Sufix

Siege Monofilament Fishing Line 17lb

Tactical Anglers

CrossOver Popper Lure

Drop Shotting with Cody Barry

Shimano

ST2500HGFK Stradic FK Spinning Reel

Shimano

ZDS270M Zodias Spinning Rod

Daiwa

J-Braid Chartreuse Line

Sunline

Super FC Sniper Fluorocabon Line

FLORIDA MARCH MADNESS

DOA

Shrimp Select 1/2oz 4in 3 Pack

MirrOlure

94MR Top Dog Surface Walker Lure

Tactical Anglers

BombPOPPER Smart Lures

SPRO

Chrome Bucktail Jigs

Riverbank Stripers

Shimano

Thunnus TU6000CI4 Spinning Reel

Lamiglas

XS 11 MS Graphite Surf & Jetty Spinning Rod

Shimano

Baitrunner 6000D Spinning Reel

Lamiglas

XS 10 MHS Graphite Surf & Jetty Spinning Rod

COD BAIT BITE

Lamiglas

TFX7040CT Tri-Flex Graphite Inshore Rod

Shimano

Torium Star Drag Reels

Gamakatsu

Octopus Hooks

Seaguar

Fluorocarbon Leader Material

WINTER FLOUNDER POUNDIN’

St. Croix

St. Croix TIS66MM Tidemaster Inshore Spinning Rod

Penn

Penn SLAIII3500 Slammer III Spinning Reel

Shimano

Shimano ST2500HGFK Stradic FK Spinning Reel

Fishbites

Fishbites Bag O' Worms

OPENING DAY STRIPERS

Storm

Storm WildEye Swim Baits Shad

Tsunami

Tsunami Soft Bait Swim Shad Lures

Bomber

Bomber B15A Long A Lure

Daiwa

Daiwa Salt Pro Minnow Saltwater Lures