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BUNKER CHUNKING BLUEFISH

    Spring choppers are ripping up the Eastern Seaboard shores as we speak, with action on bluefish coming from North Carolina up to New Jersey. The bluefish bomb usually hits Jersey in May and its prime time to target the gators in the surf using bunker chunks as hungry blue dogs are keyed in on the […]
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    • Spring choppers are ripping up the Eastern Seaboard shores as we speak, with action on bluefish coming from North Carolina up to New Jersey.The bluefish bomb usually hits Jersey in May and its prime time to target the gators in the surf using bunker chunks as hungry blue dogs are keyed in on the bunker schools. Obtain the freshest bunker possible at your local tackle shop or by cast netting your own, but if you can only get frozen bait, grab a quart of bunker oil and marinate the chunks in the slurry before you cast the chunk bait out so it acts as a virtual chum slick dispersing scent in the water to attract the voracious choppers from all around the area.As the spring gators have been fat and aggressive in the past few years, you need beefy rods and reels to tackle 12 to 20-pound blues from the sands. I employ a 12 foot Shimano Tiralejo matched with a Shimano 14000 Ultegra reel as the combo is feather light and can handle the bruising blues put on tackle. Spool up with 50-pound Spiderwire, then a basic chunking rig consisting of a #4 Three-Way Swivel with sinker clip with a 3 to 5-ounce Pyramid sinker, then a 24-inch section of 50 to 60-pound Triplefish mono leader, (no need to waste fluorocarbon here) and a size 10/0 Gamakatsu Octopus hook snelled on the tag end.Simply cut a chunk of bunker off the whole fish, slicing a 1-1/2 to 2-inch wide piece and hooking it through the fat of the back, making sure the bend gets around the bunker back and the point is clear out the other side for a surefire hookset.When setting chunks out, always have your drag set a pull above medium drag. If the drag is too tight that blue will absolutely claim the rod for its own into the ocean. As well, invest in the heavy duty Sea Striker metal foot push sand spikes as they root deep into the sand and hold tight whereas regular PVC sand spikes always seems to pull out with the wrecking ball force hit of a big blue. Blues will hit during all times of day and night and through all tides, but as always general rule is to fish around the high tide mark. Good luck and watch those rods![vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid element_width='6' grid_id='vc_gid:1485876128429-956a0435a2a0f25f6c84919907eacd12-3' include='5370,5368'][/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

      Tiralejo Surf Spinning Rods
      The new Shimano Tiralejo Surf Spinning Rods are made with the all new Shimano C4S blank construction which utilizes high modulus blank and wraps 4 outer layers of 90 degree graphite. The C4S construction is a unique design that uses Carbon and slit carbon tape.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]

      Shimano

      Shimano ULT14000XTD Ultegra XTD
      The Shimano ULT14000XTD Ultegra XTD Surf Spinning Reel is designed for the serious surf caster. This surf reel provides consistent long-casting performance and Shimano X-Ship for improved durability even under the heaviest loads.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]

      Spiderwire

      Spiderwire Stealth Braid
      SpiderWire Stealth Braid is made from Dyneema, The World’s Strongest Fiber! Each size is uniquely constructed to provide the ultimate strength with the thinnest diameter for smooth and quiet performance. The no stretch properties of Dyneema PE fibers.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]

      TackleDirect

      Pyramid Sinker
      Pyramid Sinkers are often used in the surf or in situations needing your bait to hold in heavy current. The pointed edges help prevent your bait from rolling away with the current, and typically buries itself in the sand for an ideal hold.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 KEYS BRIDGE BASHING

      There cannot be a more satisfying moment in fishing then when cruising a worn out highway in the Florida Keys and pulling up to a bridge without a plan, casting a line and coming up big. On a recent trip through the Keys, Sean Reilly and I were heading from Oceans Edge Resort in Key […]
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      • There cannot be a more satisfying moment in fishing then when cruising a worn out highway in the Florida Keys and pulling up to a bridge without a plan, casting a line and coming up big.On a recent trip through the Keys, Sean Reilly and I were heading from Oceans Edge Resort in Key west to the Cheeca Lodge in Islamorada for some gratuitous luxury, but of course, we stopped on the way at Channel #2 bridge in Islamorada with a pack of frozen shrimp to see what was up. We each were armed with a three-piece St. Croix 7 foot TISMHF70 travel rod matched with Shimano 5000 Stradic reel, spooled with 30-pound Spiderwire Braid and a uni to uni knot to a 30-pound 30-inch section of Seaguar Fluorocarbon Leader. Tied on the tag end was a 3/8-ounce leadhead, sent out with fresh shrimp.We made casts and bounced our way over the bottom on the west side of the bridge. Hoooo…Mama, did the hits come fast and furious. Jack Crevalles and Yellow jacks, barracuda and Spanish macks absolutely smoked our reels and tested the rods and drags for all they were worth. Bridge fishing along the Route 1 Highway through the Keys can be flat out phenomenal if you have the right gear.In general terms, rig up with a 100-pound Spro Barrel swivel, a 30-inch section of 30-pound Seaguar fluorocarbon leader, then you have all the options in the world for hooks and lures, including a size #2 hook for yellowtail, mangrove, mutton, and lane snapper along the bridge structures, or a 3/8 to ½-ounce yellow lead jighead to tip with a whole fresh shrimp with head pinched off and threaded on for jacks, macks, snook and redfish, or we could go into myriad artificial offerings including 30-inch Storm Shads, Zara spooks, TA poppers, Yo-Zuri Crystal Minnows, Williamson Gomoku jigs and the like just to tempt a passing snook, jack, tarpon, Spanish mackerel and other beasties to bite.Bridge fishing the Keys isn’t like anywhere else on the planet. You’re almost guaranteed to get a bite, just be sure you’ve got the backing and the stones for a heavyweight fight as one of our mangrove snappers was promptly inhaled by a 300-pound goliath grouper on the way up. We had the stones, but didn’t have enough backing.[vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid element_width='6' grid_id='vc_gid:1485876128429-956a0435a2a0f25f6c84919907eacd12-3' include='5360,5359'][/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

        ST5000XGFK Stradic FK
        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]

        St. Croix

        TIS70MHF3 Tidemaster Travel Rod
        The new handcrafted Tidemaster Inshore Spinning Travel series rods are made with premium SCII graphite for strength and durability. Batson Forecaste hard aluminum-oxide guides feature new 316 stainless steel frames for dramatically improved corrosion resistance.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]

        Spiderwire

        Stealth Braid 30lb
        SpiderWire Stealth Braid is made from Dyneema, The World’s Strongest Fiber! Each size is uniquely constructed to provide the ultimate strength with the thinnest diameter for smooth and quiet performance. The no stretch properties of Dyneema PE fibers.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]

        Mustad

        Shrimp Jig Head Lure 3/8oz
        Mustad Shrimp Jig Head lures are part of the elite jig head system by Mustad. They are the product of intensive work with the Mustad Pro-staffers. A special injection molding technique has been used on these jigs to ensure quality.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">

      ISLAMORADA REEF MIX

        I just walked in the door from a sunny week in the Florida Keys and the smile is still plastered on my face. The reefs were alive. Cruising out on the 34 foot Bn’M battle wagon with Rich Stanczyk, owner of legendary Bud ‘N Mary’s Marina in Islamorada, Captain Charlie Scoble put us up over […]
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        • I just walked in the door from a sunny week in the Florida Keys and the smile is still plastered on my face. The reefs were alive.Cruising out on the 34 foot Bn’M battle wagon with Rich Stanczyk, owner of legendary Bud ‘N Mary’s Marina in Islamorada, Captain Charlie Scoble put us up over a wreck that laid on the coral reef near Alligator Light. Mate Max Gaspeny set up the Shimano Saragosa 20000 reels and 7 foot Ugly Stik Big Water rods spooled with 30-pound monofilament, dropped down a bottom rig with a 6-ounce egg sinker, 200-lb barrel swivel and a 10 foot section of 60-pound fluorocarbon leader with a size 5/0 Octopus hook. A live pilchard was hooked through the nostrils and sent down. It was a total hit job all day long as pilchards were being assaulted by large mutton snapper, black grouper, and flag yellowtail snappers, with a few grouper bites we couldn’t turn the heads of.Bottom bouncing was an absolute blast, but reefing also meant there was a shot at toothy speedsters that patrol the area looking to pick off any baits or snapper being reeled in. Max sent out a freelined live pilchard on the surface and as we trolled by Alligator Light, the rods went off with scissor-toothed king mackerel taking the baits and smoking the Shimano 25 TLD reels. Another pass of the Light had me hooked into a mongo barracuda that pushed 20 pounds.Post-Irma fishing on the reefs seems not to have waned one bit, in fact, it appears fishing may even be getting better as Stancyzk suggested the top layer of silt on the reefs was washed away with the surge, promoting new coral and vegetative growth that is providing cover and forage for fish.When reef fishing in Islamorada, be prepared to bring essentials to cover snapper grouper and toothy species such as AFW fishing wire, size 5/0 to 7/0 Gamakatsu Octopus hooks, 40 to 60-pound Seaguar Fluorocarbon leader, and sabiki rigs to insure you have plenty of the freshest live baits available. No doubt, the Florida Keys reef fishing scene has not lost a step since Irma. My sore arms can attest to that fact.[vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid element_width='6' grid_id='vc_gid:1485876128429-956a0435a2a0f25f6c84919907eacd12-3' include='5321,5320'][/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

          Saragosa SW Spinning Reels
          The Shimano Saragosa SW Spinning reels are saltwater reels made to be durable with new 'Cam' oscillation system. These reels are water resistant and provide a comfortable drag. These reels are dedicated to the Blue Water angler.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]

          AFW

          Tooth Proof Single Strand Wire
          Made from specially controlled Type 304 stainless steel alloy, Tooth Proof is hard but not brittle, delivering both flexibility and strength. Our unique pre-straightening process eliminates cast - giving you a straighter leader with improved kink resistance.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]

          Gamakatsu

          Octopus Hooks
          The Gamakatsu Octopus Hook has long been known for its durability and strength. The Octopus hook comes in a wide variety of sizes, colors and finishes, including fluorescent finishes.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 the competition.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">

        TRICKS TO CLAMMING SPRING SURF STRIPERS

          Before bunker schools move into the area, fresh or salted clams are a solid bet to score your first fish from the surf in April. Jersey’s spring striper run is just kicking off. Generally shorter in stature, April bass average in the 20 to 26-inch bracket and can be fickle when feeding at the start […]
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          • Before bunker schools move into the area, fresh or salted clams are a solid bet to score your first fish from the surf in April.Jersey’s spring striper run is just kicking off. Generally shorter in stature, April bass average in the 20 to 26-inch bracket and can be fickle when feeding at the start of the season. Even though clamming is relatively simple, there are some tricks to the trade.Start off with a general Hi-Lo rig, tied with a 75-pound Spro Barrel Swivel, a 36-inch section of 40-pound Triplefish monofilament leader to which a dropper loop is tied 16 inches down from the swivel, with another dropper tied 16 inches down from that and with the remaining tag end a double overhand knot is tied to cinch on a 3 to 5-ounce Pyramid sinker. On the droppers, loop on size 3/0 to 4/0 Gamakatsu Baitholder hooks.Early season bass tend to mouth baits more often than not, so a hi-lo rig, when planted firmly into the sand with the Pyramid sinker, helps to set the hook immediately as there is no give as with a slider rig. The key to success is not to overload the hook with a gob of bait. Use a slender 2 to 3 inch cut of clam tongue as bait. Small bass will have a much easier time sucking down a bite sized morsel.Focus on lower tides and set up in a nice hole or slough three hours before the dead low tide and the three hours of the incoming the skinny waters will warm up considerably faster than deeper waters, encouraging bass to feed. Spring shorties tend to short strike clam baits. It can be frustrating to see the rod getting hit and not hooking up. If you have the rod in a sand spike, you’ll miss the hit most times. Hold the rod in your hand and when you feel that first tap hit, immediately set the hook.Spring shorties are notorious for hit and run tactics and a quick hookset is warranted. Though morning and evening tides are always considered best times to fish for stripers, do not overlook mid-day afternoon hours during the colder month of April. When the sun is high in the sky from noon onward, the waters and surrounding air warms considerably faster, sparking bass to feed during what is generally considered unconventional times. Put all this intel into play, and you’ll be tied tight to your first surf striper of the season.[vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid element_width='6' grid_id='vc_gid:1485876128429-956a0435a2a0f25f6c84919907eacd12-3' include='5301,5302'][/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]

            Spro

            Power Swivels
            These amazing swivels are made of high-grade stainless steel with a gunmetal black finish. They offer super smooth rotation and unbelievable strength at 1.5 times stronger than standard barrel swivels despite their tiny appearance.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]

            Triple Fish

            Monofilament Leader 50yds Clear
            Triple Fish Monofilament Leader is the perfect combination of great quality and great value. As an angler, you don't have to give up reliability or spend a boat load, as this mono leader is economy priced. This monofilament leader is long lasting and dependable.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]

            TackleDirect

            Pyramid Sinkers
            Pyramid Sinkers are often used in the surf or in situations needing your bait to hold in heavy current. The pointed edges help prevent your bait from rolling away with the current, and typically buries itself in the sand for an ideal hold.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]

            Aqua-Clear

            ST-8 Striped Bass High/Low Rig
            Aqua-Clear ST-8 Striped Bass High/Low Casting Rig. The Rig comes with 2 6/0 Bait Holder Hooks with 18/9'' Leaders. Long sturdy hooks ensure catching and holding your fish. This rig is great for striper. Be prepared with Aqua-Clear.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">
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