NEW YEARS STRIPERS

During the luckiest of years, the striped bass run will last well into December and even into January. This may just be one of those years. Four days ago, I ventured out with Chris Driscoll on his Regulator off of Spring Lake in north/central Jersey searching for stripers. Our trip was surprisingly successful as we […]

During the luckiest of years, the striped bass run will last well into December and even into January. This may just be one of those years.Four days ago, I ventured out with Chris Driscoll on his Regulator off of Spring Lake in north/central Jersey searching for stripers. Our trip was surprisingly successful as we trolled up three 36-inch class bass, then hit the mother lode of fish where the fishfinder screen showed the schools stacked from bottom to top. We proceeded to drop Ron-Z eels and Hogy jigs on top of the fish, reeling in bass after bass until we hit the 30 fish mark and had to turn it in as we were both now 2 hours late for work.Late season striper tactics include trolling and jigging. Trolling set ups can include any Seeker Black Steel or Shimano Tallus 5-1/2 to 6 foot trolling rods matched with Shimano TLD 25 or Penn 4/0 reels spooled with Monel wire or 80-pound braided line. Mojo balling has been the hot ticket trolling option for stripers in recent years. Send a 20 to 24-ounce chartreuse or white Mojo ball down with a 10 to 12-inch rubber shad rigged on the ball, with another unweighted or 1-ounce paddletail or Hogy lure on the trailer behind. You can also opt to drag Rapala Magnum lures or Stretch 25 plugs. Troll lures at a 2.8 to 3.2 knot pace.When marking fish on the screen, its time to drop jigs. Depending on what the bass are feeding upon determines the type of lure you want to drop down to them. If bunker or herring are around, 5 to 8-inch Storm or Tsunami shads or 3-ounce Kroc spoons are top choices. If sand eels are the predominant bait, go with 8-inch RonZ on a 2.5-ounce leadhead or 3-ounce Hogy Harness jigs and for metals, drop a #4 Deadly Dick or Ava 47 jig with green tail.Start the new year off right. Get after those bass. Anyone else catching bass in NJ right now? Word has it the Ocean City and Cape May has been red hot.[vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid element_width='6' grid_id='vc_gid:1514396792346-9e8b7b3d39ccda6a41a94788d1d6e1ac-7' include='5015,5017'][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][block_title style='column_title' inner_style='inline_border' title='Suggested Gear'][/block_title][vc_row_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Shimano
TLC59MHSBBLA Tallus Trolling Rod
The Shimano Tallus Slick Butt Ring Guide rods are durable made with Shimano TC4 blank construction. The type of blanks that these rods have allow for increased durability while still being lightweight and comfortable to use.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Shimano
TLD-25 Triton Lever Drag Reel
The Shimano TLD reels are light in hand, so easy to shift they're almost mindless, and they're adaptable to any number of bluewater species from tuna to striped marlin.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
MagicTail
Mojo Trolling Lures
MagicTail Mojos feature super strong Mustad hooks, a solid lead head with a realistic eye, and a strip or two of reflective Mylar on each side of the skirt for a subtle amount of flash to help troll up the big ones.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Tsunami
SS7 Swim Shad HD Hook 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.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][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] [instagram-feed id='3945030428'][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width='stretch_row_content_no_spaces' type='full_width_content'][/vc_row][vc_column css='.vc_custom_1459892926495{padding-bottom: 10px !important;}'][/vc_column][vc_text_separator title='']" target="_blank">

PARTY BOAT TOG TACTICS

Jersey toggers still enjoy a 6 fish bag limit until December 31. If your vessel is already on dry dock, that doesn’t mean you can’t be fast into action on eagerly chomping tautog. Party boats such as the Norma K III out of Point Pleasant NJ www.normakfishing.com are dropping down to target tog every single […]

Jersey toggers still enjoy a 6 fish bag limit until December 31. If your vessel is already on dry dock, that doesn’t mean you can’t be fast into action on eagerly chomping tautog.Party boats such as the Norma K III out of Point Pleasant NJ www.normakfishing.com are dropping down to target tog every single day. Captain Matt Sosnowski of the NormaK III offers up a few tips on how to score with a limit of blackfish from the decks of the headboats.“The number one party boat tog fishing tip is patience. We usually set up on a larger spot, or a section of real estate that may have 3 or 4 pieces within the spot. Sometimes we set up and it happens right away, othertimes it takes awhile to snag a bite,” says Sosnowski. “But don’t overlook any opportunity to make a move onboard as there is usually plenty of room to run around deck to find a spot if one area on the boat is not producing.” Many times tog will only be stuck on a 10 foot or smaller section of structure and if you’re not on it, you’re not on fish. “If you’re not getting any bites on green crabs, switch up the bait to a whitelegger or even a clam.,” adds Captain Matt. “Tog sometimes simply are fickle feeders and will only eat something that they fancy at the time.”For charter and head boat togging, a 7 to 8 foot conventional rod rated medium/heavy with a moderate action matched with a Shimano Talica 10 class reel, spooled with 50-pound Power Pro braid is the go-to set up. While party boats usually supply green crabs its always smart to buy a few whiteleggers at the local tackle shop just in case the boat is out of the premium baits. Important gear to also pack for the trip include a pair of shears to cut the crabs, plenty of Virginia style size #2 to #4 as well as Gamakatsu Octopus hooks ranging from size 3/0 to 6/0. A good spool of 50 to 60-pound Triplefish monofilament leader and an array of 6 to 12-ounce bank sinkers are also required. Mates on the boats will do the netting obligations for you as well as clean your fish, and as Carl Spackler said to the Dalai Lama in Caddyshack, just be sure to tip them well for their efforts![vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid element_width='6' grid_id='vc_gid:1513976691880-39b403677969b83015676b5b50ef0a0a-9' include='5001,5000'][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][block_title style='column_title' inner_style='inline_border' title='Suggested Gear'][/block_title][vc_row_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Cuda
18854 Titanium Marine Shear
The 8' Cuda 18854 Titanium Bonded Detachable Marine Shear features detachable handles for easy cleaning. Blades are Titanium Bonded High-Carbon Steel which is 3x harder than untreated steel and will stay sharper longer.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
TackleDirect
TDSSC701MHT Silver Hook Conventional Rod
This TackleDirect TDSSC701MHT Silver Hook Series Inshore Conventional Rod offers an excellent blend of power, sensitivity, and durability, making it an ideal option for many applications up and down the East Coast.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Shimano
TAC10 Talica Reel
The Talica Single speeds are specifically designed for fishing heavy PowerPro Hollow-Ace with short Fluorocarbon topshots. The 8 & 10 sizes will fish 50 pound PowerPro Hollow-Ace with ease, while the 12 & 16 sizes can utilize up to 100 pound Hollow-Ace!View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Power Pro
Maxcuatro Braid Line 300 yd. Moss Green
PowerPro Maxcuatro Microfilament Braided Line is 25% thinner than existing PowerPro lines with equivalent strength. Maxcuatro line optimizes your casting distance while increasing your reel's capacity.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][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] [instagram-feed id='3945030428'][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width='stretch_row_content_no_spaces' type='full_width_content'][/vc_row][vc_column css='.vc_custom_1459892926495{padding-bottom: 10px !important;}'][/vc_column][vc_text_separator title='']" target="_blank">

Beach Mugging

If you’ve fished the surf long enough, you know what “mugging” is. Loosely defined, it’s the direct, uncomfortable encroachment of the area you are fishing area by another angler. Mug – (verb) to hold up, knock-off, loot, plunder, hijack, swindle. If you’ve fished the surf long enough, you know what “mugging” is. Loosely defined, it’s […]

If you’ve fished the surf long enough, you know what “mugging” is. Loosely defined, it’s the direct, uncomfortable encroachment of the area you are fishing area by another angler.Mug – (verb) to hold up, knock-off, loot, plunder, hijack, swindle.If you’ve fished the surf long enough, you know what “mugging” is. Loosely defined, it’s the direct, uncomfortable encroachment of the area you are fishing area by another angler. The situation can lead to expletive laden verbal exchanges, fistfights, and even missed fishing time, all of which destroy a fishing outing. So how do you know if you’ve been mugged or if you’re doing the mugging? Here’s a few quick guidelines to follow to keep you on the straight and narrow.FIRST COME, FIRST SERVEDThe Golden Rule. If you are the first one to get to a spot, then that spot is yours to fish. No other angler has the right to mug you. Get up earlier if you want to put claim on a spot.DEADSTICKERS/BAIT FISHERSAn angler is the first to the beach and sets up two sandspiked clamming rods in a hole. Other anglers should not fish anywhere between the deadstick rods but should stay and fish on the outermost sides of the rods.30/50 YARD RULEIf a deadsticker is set up in a hole, and I want to plug, it is not considered mugging to walk 30 yards down either direction from his outermost rods and start making casts. However, if you are also deadsticking/bait fishing its best to go down to the next hole to set up camp and stay at least 50 yards away. When anglers are plugging or snagging bunker, a comfortable distance between anglers actively fishing is usually around 30 to 50 yards.BLITZ CONDITIONSThis one can get really combustible in the heat of the moment, so its best to keep it ultra-simple. Don’t “cut in”. An angler walks up to the beach to see bass and blues busting the surface all over. If the pack of anglers is tight, don’t walk down and begin casting between two anglers already spaced evenly apart. You’ll encroach their already established personal space and screw up the whole dynamic. Walk to either end of the pack anticipating the school’s movement and begin casting. The school moves, then the other anglers pick up and leap frog hop to the forward motion of the end of the line to begin casting again. Its bad karma to “cut in” between anglers.BEACH BUGGIES VS. WALK-ONS90% of my surf fishing is walking on, 10% by Beach Buggy. Beach buggies have the decided advantage to chasing blitzes and scoping out spots, but this is how it goes. Most mugging will happen via beach buggies to walk-ons. Too many beach buggy anglers sit in the comfortable heat of the truck with binoculars without making casts. Once a walk-on has a bent rod, many times the buggy will scream on over, run out of the truck, and start casting 20 yards away. Bad move. Drive-by muggings suck.Got any good mugging stories? Let the world know, comment below….[vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid element_width='6' grid_id='vc_gid:1513606229600-46e33c9254e043812af51e8489576360-0' include='4982,4981'][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][block_title style='column_title' inner_style='inline_border' title='Suggested Gear'][/block_title][vc_row_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Cuda
Carbon Fiber Gaff
The Cuda Carbon Fiber Gaff with Hook is lightweight and strong. The patented stainless steel hooks include an integrated tip protector for safety and convenience. These gaffs also float so you won't need to worry about losing one if it goes overboard.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Yeti
LoadOut Bucket
The YETI Loadout Bucket is a 5 gallon bucket. It's an injection molded plastic utility bucket. It's made from high density polyethylene material. It's a must have for any outdoorsman. Perfect from the backyard to the boat.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Mustad
MT-7.5KNF Fillet Knife
The Mustad MT-7.5KNF 7.5' Deluxe Soft Grip Handle Fillet Knife features an ultra sharp corrosion resitant stainless steel blade, ergonomic grip handle, angled boning tip design, and also comes with a durable nylon sheath with belt strap and lanyard included.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Shimano
Bluewave Surf Bag
The Shimano Bluewave Surf Bag features a front drop-down opening for easy access to lures, with wall-separated jig holders in both sides and a durable rubber mesh bottom for fast drain and dry.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][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] [instagram-feed id='3945030428'][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width='stretch_row_content_no_spaces' type='full_width_content'][/vc_row][vc_column css='.vc_custom_1459892926495{padding-bottom: 10px !important;}'][/vc_column][vc_text_separator title='']" target="_blank">

SPOONING STRIPERS

Once the big chill hits NJ saltwaters, striped bass will enter the twilight of their fall run, but make no mistake, there will still be pig bass around pushing the 30 to 40-pound caliber. These late season bass always have a hankering to pounce on slow moving bunker spoons. Spooning for stripers is a little […]

Once the big chill hits NJ saltwaters, striped bass will enter the twilight of their fall run, but make no mistake, there will still be pig bass around pushing the 30 to 40-pound caliber.These late season bass always have a hankering to pounce on slow moving bunker spoons. Spooning for stripers is a little more technical based than simply dragging a shad bar or Stretch Plug. Legendary NJ angler Tony “Maja” Arcabasio has mastered the system of spooning. First off, grab some EZ Outrodders to stick in each side of the gunnels to hold the rods at the appropriate perpendicular angler you need when trolling. Set up with 8 foot Maja Custom Spoon rods or Seeker brand rods will also do as both rods have a fairly soft tip to allow the spoon to work its magic.Reel wise a Shimano TLD 25 or Penn 113H2SP have always been standard. For line, start with 200 feet of 50-pouund mono backing, then 300 feet of 40-pound Monel wire line, marked every 100 feet with colored thread, to which is haywire twisted a 300-pound Spro barrel swivel then a 15-foot section of 60-pound Seaguar fluorocarbon or monofilament leader, then a 200-pound Sampo snap swivel to a size #3 to #4 Tony Maja Bunker Spoon. Chartreuse, white and silver have always been top color choices for spooning stripers.When spooning, a rule of thumb is every 100 feet of line let out drops the spoon 10 feet. So dumping the wire at 300 feet will get the spoon down to 30 feet. Troll at a pace, usually between 2 and 3 knots, that shows the tips of the rods pumping like a steady heartbeat. The key to spooning correctly is to see that perfect rhythm to the rod tip as the spoon waffles from side to side down below. If you don’t have that heartbeat, adjust your speed or check the spoon to make sure it isn’t snagged up on any debris. Spooning claims more 40-pound plus stripers than virtually any other tactic, especially during December. Try it out and see what pigs are still lurking about.[vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid element_width='6' grid_id='vc_gid:1513008348875-7f3cd8882c723bb9c2e48369d442bc92-10' include='4964,4972'][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][block_title style='column_title' inner_style='inline_border' title='Suggested Gear'][/block_title][vc_row_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Penn
113H2SP Special Senator Reel
Combining the toughness of the legendary Penn Senator reel with higher gear ratios, the Penn Special Senator gives serious saltwater anglers the best of both worlds: power and speed. Penn Special Senators are ready for your next challenge.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Tony Maja
Pre-Marked Monel Trolling Wire
The Legend of Bunker Spoon fishing now makes it even easier to use wire line to troll his spoons. Tony Maja's Pre-Marked Trolling Wire is available in both stainless steel and monel, and is color marked in 100', 150', 200', and 250' sections.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
E-Z Out-Rodder
Rod Holders
The E-Z Out-Rodder has been tested by professional guides since 2004 with wire line for Striped Bass and Bluefish, as well as Tuna and White Marlin. The E-Z Out-Rodder has also been successful for Salmon and huge Lake Trout.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Tony Maja
Custom Bunker Spoon Rod
Tony Maja's Bunker Spoons Rods are designed specifically for trolling bunker spoons for striped bass. Rod features an E-Glass blank with a soft tip to give the spoon the required action, Pac Bay Aluminum reel seat, gimbal, and slick butt.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][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] [instagram-feed id='3945030428'][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width='stretch_row_content_no_spaces' type='full_width_content'][/vc_row][vc_column css='.vc_custom_1459892926495{padding-bottom: 10px !important;}'][/vc_column][vc_text_separator title='']" target="_blank">

Surf Shorties

As we slide into December, the Fall Run of stripers is still running strong along the Jersey Coast, but will begin to tail out near the middle to end of the month. In the suds, larger bass are generally replaced by shorties ranging from rat size of 10 inches up to schoolies of 17 to […]

As we slide into December, the Fall Run of stripers is still running strong along the Jersey Coast, but will begin to tail out near the middle to end of the month.In the suds, larger bass are generally replaced by shorties ranging from rat size of 10 inches up to schoolies of 17 to 23 inches and “old slot” class of 24 to 27 inches. That means its time to scale down your gear to near light tackle proportions to get your money’s worth with the spunky stripers.I employ a St. Croix Tidemaster TIS76MF rod with a Shimano Stradic 5000 reel, spooled with 30-pound green Power Pro. A general rig consists of a 50-pound Spro Barrel swivel, with a 30-inch section of 25-pound Seaguar fluorocarbon leader to which a dropper loop is tied 12 inches below the swivel, then on the end, a 30-pound DuoLock snap swivel. On the dropper attach a size 2/0 Gamakatsu Octopus hook with a Vision rainfish or Felmlee eel, or 2/0 white hair bucktail.There are many interchangeable lures to switch on and off the DuoLock swivel, all depending on bait present in the area. If sand eels are present, then the Ava 007 jigs with green or black tails work, as do the Tsunami sand eels and Deadly Dick metals. Peanut bunker dopplegangers include 3 to 4-inch Storm and Tsunami shads. Bomber plugs and Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnows are fine offerings when herring and spearing are in the surf. Surf shorty action has been intense lately up and down the coast.I’ve been bailing short bass for the past two weeks straight, with average catches about 8 to 15 fish each outing. No, they’re not the 40-pound pigs we like to brag about, but man are they fun to catch on light gear. Put in your time during false dawn and just after sundown for the best shot when the shorties are most active.[vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid element_width='6' grid_id='vc_gid:1512395587621-da155539958cdb148036d9d479806ad9-10' include='4953,4954'][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][block_title style='column_title' inner_style='inline_border' title='Suggested Gear'][/block_title][vc_row_inner][/vc_row_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
St. Croix
Tidemaster TIS76MF Spinning Rod
Tidemaster Inshore Spinning Rods are handcrafted with St. Croix's exclusive SC graphite. Tidemaster rods are fitted with premium saltwater-grade hardware including Batson Forecast aluminum-oxide guides featuring 316 stainless steel frames.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Shimano
ST5000XGFK 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]
Tsunami
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.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Deadly Dick
Long Casting / Jigging Lures
Deadly Dick Long Casting / Jigging Lures are excellent for surf casting, deep jigging while drift fishing and even trolling. They are very popular along the east coast of the the USA for Striped Bass & Bluefish.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][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text] [instagram-feed id='3945030428'][/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row full_width='stretch_row_content_no_spaces' type='full_width_content'][/vc_row][vc_column css='.vc_custom_1459892926495{padding-bottom: 10px !important;}'][/vc_column][vc_text_separator title='']" target="_blank">

NEW YEARS STRIPERS

Shimano

TLC59MHSBBLA Tallus Trolling Rod

Shimano

TLD-25 Triton Lever Drag Reel

MagicTail

Mojo Trolling Lures

Tsunami

SS7 Swim Shad HD Hook Lures

PARTY BOAT TOG TACTICS

Cuda

18854 Titanium Marine Shear

TackleDirect

TDSSC701MHT Silver Hook Conventional Rod

Shimano

TAC10 Talica Reel

Power Pro

Maxcuatro Braid Line 300 yd. Moss Green

Beach Mugging

Cuda

Carbon Fiber Gaff

Yeti

LoadOut Bucket

Mustad

MT-7.5KNF Fillet Knife

Shimano

Bluewave Surf Bag

SPOONING STRIPERS

Penn

113H2SP Special Senator Reel

Tony Maja

Pre-Marked Monel Trolling Wire

E-Z Out-Rodder

Rod Holders

Tony Maja

Custom Bunker Spoon Rod

Surf Shorties

St. Croix

Tidemaster TIS76MF Spinning Rod

Shimano

ST5000XGFK Stradic FK Spinning Reel

Tsunami

Swim Shad Lures

Deadly Dick

Long Casting / Jigging Lures