BUCKTAILING OCEAN FLUKE

Bucktailing has taken ocean flukers by storm as the slick hairy leadheads always seem to hook some of the largest flatfish. The real key to bucktailing for fluke is in the presentation and choice of weights. Generally, you want to use anywhere from a 1 to 6-ounce Spro, Andrus or Magictail bucktail, getting away with […]

Bucktailing has taken ocean flukers by storm as the slick hairy leadheads always seem to hook some of the largest flatfish.The real key to bucktailing for fluke is in the presentation and choice of weights. Generally, you want to use anywhere from a 1 to 6-ounce Spro, Andrus or Magictail bucktail, getting away with the lightest weight possible to maintain contact with the sea floor. Color choices usually revolve around white, white/chartreuse, green/white or pink. Anglers will also add a stinger hook to the bucktail hook, trailing with a size 3/0 Gamakatsu Octopus hook to better secure the strip bait you will be affixing to the bucktail.Strip baits should be finely tapered and can include legal fluke belly, sea robin or bluefish flanks, and even false albacore or salmon belly. Cut the strip bait with a Mustad fillet knife in a thin profile, roughly an inch wide and anywhere from 8 to 12 inches long, tapering it at the top and bottom to a point so that there is minimal water resistance. You want a bait that “swims” naturally through the water. Pierce the tip of the strip bait with the main buck hook, then on a straight line, hook the second stinger hook through the middle of the meat so the strip lays flat.The entire bucktail rig consists of 30-pound Yo-Zuri Fluorocarbon leader, from the top which is tied a 75-pound Spro Barrel swivel, then 18 inches down a dropper loop fixed with a bucktail hair 3/0 teaser or small ¼-ounce bucktail, then 18 inches down the main bucktail tied via loop knot. Bucktails are most effective in a slow current and with a vertical up and down approach. If at any time on a drift you reach a 45 degree angle, you’ll just be dragging the bait, so reel up, cast upcurrent and start over, gently tapping the bucktail on the seafloor and over structure.Fluke are suckers for bucks and will hit with serious aggression. Once you feel a whack, set back for a solid hookset. If you miss the set, drop it back and vibrate the bucktail on the bottom to get the fluke to come back on it. Find water depths in the 40 to 60 foot depths now off Jersey to score, and the bucktail bite should pick up big time in the heart of the summer months.[vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid element_width='6' grid_id='vc_gid:1485876128429-956a0435a2a0f25f6c84919907eacd12-3' include='5516,5515'][/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
Prime Bucktails
The Prime Bucktail Jig is not like any other jig on the market. The unique shape of the head and placement of the eyelet help bring this lure to life. With bulging eyes, holographic finish, and blazing color, it puts fish at your mercy.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Andrus
Ball Jig Buckatails
The Andrus Lures Ball Jigs Bucktail is great for fluke fishing and feature quality hair that holds up. Andrus Lures, the makers of premium jigs. Great for targeting fluke, striped bass and weakfish in the bay, surf, inlet and inshore waters.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Yo-Zuri
HD Fluorocarbon
Yo-Zuri HD Fluorocarbon is a brand new fluorocarbon leader that maximizes the advantages of fluorocarbon and a Disappearing Pink tint. Fluorocarbon is virtually invisible in the water and red is the first color to disappear in the water column.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_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 and durability. SPRO Power Swivels are 1.5 times stronger than standard barrel swivels.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]" target="_blank">

MAKO SHARKIN CHECKLIST

New Jersey’s offshore waters are bustling with marine life right now, like true Nat Geo type of situations with thousands of dolphin, whales, tuna and sharks proliferating in the bluewaters. I just stepped off the boat from a mako trip, and after releasing a small 55-inch mako shark, it brought attention to me to list […]

New Jersey’s offshore waters are bustling with marine life right now, like true Nat Geo type of situations with thousands of dolphin, whales, tuna and sharks proliferating in the bluewaters.I just stepped off the boat from a mako trip, and after releasing a small 55-inch mako shark, it brought attention to me to list the little things you need in shark fishing to make everything run smoothly. Besides the obvious rods, reel, line and rigs, here’s a basic checklist of accessories needed for a successful trip. Starting with chumming, be sure to obtain a Canyon Chum Bag with some special juice from Aquatic Nutrition to spice up the slick. Always have on hand a Bubba Blade chunking knife to cut baits and use for any cutting or chunking needs.To build rigs, J-hooks are now federally outlawed for shark fishing and Circle hooks are mandatory. Go with VMC or Mustad brands. Bring a pair of AFW crimpers to secure AFW or Hi-Seas crimps respective of the size leader and/or cable you are crimping as well as sturdy pliers to complete a haywire twist on rigs. Also, don’t forget to bring clack floats or balloons to properly float the baits and manage lines in the spread.When it comes to the fight, every angler could benefit from utilizing a harness matched with a gimbal fighting belt from Aftco or Braid. During the end game its necessary to be streamlined with a landing plan, whether your objective is to keep a shark or release it. The leader man should be equipped with wiring gloves, an ARC dehooking device or pair of AFW wire/cable cutters to clip the wire at the hook.To properly measure a mako at boatside, mark the 83 inch minimum size with a piece or duct tape on the stern gunnel by the transom, and another piece up along the gunnel, so a shark can be brought along boatside to get a fairly exact measurement to make the decision to catch or release. If a mako is to be kept, a 5-inch gap Aftco gaff will fit the bill for any gaffing needs, along with a bang stick to dispatch a keeper mako. Basic accessories described here will most assuredly help your mako trips into successful ventures.[vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid element_width='6' grid_id='vc_gid:1485876128429-956a0435a2a0f25f6c84919907eacd12-3' include='5490,5488'][/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]
Mustad
39950NP-BN Demon Perfect Circle Hooks
Mustad Demon Perfect Circle hooks are ultra point hooks, designed with an opti-angle needle point. They are chemically sharpened. They are nor-tempered with point curved in. They are ringed, and are two extra short, and three extra strong.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
AFW
Econo Crimping Pliers
American Fishing Wire Tools are commited to solid design and construction. These pliers are durable and can become a handy favorite in your toolbox when you need something quick and easy with which to manipulate or crimp. View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Aftco
Stand-Up Fishing Belts
Aftco Fighting Belts are designed to be the ultimate fighting belt with its advanced design, materials and comfort. The super-thick, closed-cell EVA foam back pad is engineered to maximize both comfort and leverage.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Aftco
Maxforce Harness
For fighting big game fish stand-up style, the AFTCO Maxforce is the ultimate in harness design for 30-130lb tackle. The combination of lumbar and sit-in pads distributes the load below the hips, allowing the lower body to exert maximum pulling leverageView[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]" target="_blank">

ACCESSORIES FOR BLUEFIN TUNA

With recent bombastic action on 50 to 100-pound bluefin tuna on the midshore grounds, know your end game once you get the tuna near boatside. Everybody should understand their responsibilities beforehand so an organized, tight operation is enacted to insure full success and thick tuna steaks for the summer grill. You see color. The tuna […]

With recent bombastic action on 50 to 100-pound bluefin tuna on the midshore grounds, know your end game once you get the tuna near boatside.Everybody should understand their responsibilities beforehand so an organized, tight operation is enacted to insure full success and thick tuna steaks for the summer grill.You see color. The tuna is coming up as it enters its death circles. This is the crucial time to have the proper accessories to finish the battle. The wireman should be primed and ready to grab the leader. Donned with Deep Ocean gloves and a strong grip, hand over hand, palms down, the wireman pulls the leader up to control the tuna just under the water surface. Its time to deploy the gaff. Various sizes of gaffs should be on deck to stick and get around the girth of the tuna you are targeting. Generally, a 5 to 6-inch gap 6-foot hand gaff by Aftco will fit the bill. Once the first gaff is sunk into the head, another gaff can be sunk into the same area to insure the tuna is secured.Obviously, before you gaff it, with a quick visual look you must determine if it falls into the legal marks with regulations of two bluefin of 27 to less than 47 inches, and one between 47 and less than 73 inches. If it’s too close to call, try and pull the tuna onboard sans gaff. Have a proper Cuda measuring ruler on deck, which can easily be folded up for storage and stays taut and true even with plenty of tuna slime and/or gook on the ruler. Release the fish it if its undersized. Once a legal tuna is on board, you will need to bleed it and keep iced down. Insert a Cuda knife right behind the pectoral fin to bleed it out. Next, its time to break out the fish bags for storage such as made by Reliable. Be prepared with plenty of fresh ice on hand to pad the bag or cooler to keep the tuna cool and to not spoil any of the hard-earned meat. If you have the budget, and if you don’t have a proper tuna hold on deck, procure a large tuna chest such as the Yeti Tundra 250 cooler.Once at dock, an expert cut is needed to properly loin the fish and steak it out with a Bubba Blade 9-inch stiffie knife and Cuda 18090 fillet knife to cut the proper loins off it, then you can skin it or cut it into Ziploc bag sized steaks.Its tuna time! Fire up the engines….[vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid element_width='6' grid_id='vc_gid:1485876128429-956a0435a2a0f25f6c84919907eacd12-3' include='5472,5470'][/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]
Deep
Leadering Glove
The Deep Ocean Lightweight Leadering Glove is compatible with all touch screens. This glove will not limit you from using your electronics or texting/taking a picture of your catch, even works wet! The specialized palm grips those slippery gaffs.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Aftco
Aluminum Gaffs
The slim, tapered shape of AFTCO's Tapper-Tip Aluminum Gaffs make them lightning fast in the water - easier to maneuver and deadly accurate. They're stronger and lighter too, so they bring fish into the boat with less flailing and confusion.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Aftco
Fiberglass Gaffs
AFTCO fiberglass, tapered gaffs feature a special thick-walled, extremely strong but lightweight e-glass handle construction custom made for extreme strength and rigidity. All of our fiberglass handles are made on proprietary mandrels using specific tapers.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Cuda
120in Tape Measure
Cuda 18135 120in Tape Measure is designed with waterproof nylon material. Made for accurate measuring up to 120in.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]" target="_blank">

PROPER PROTECTION

Preparation of tackle and technique is one thing, but you gotta be ready to protect your body when putting either 4 hours or 24 hours on a fishing trip. From Florida’s 4 PM daily thunderstorms to a whipping Nor’easter in Jersey to oppressive sun in Cabo san Lucas, anglers should always be dressed to be […]

Preparation of tackle and technique is one thing, but you gotta be ready to protect your body when putting either 4 hours or 24 hours on a fishing trip.From Florida’s 4 PM daily thunderstorms to a whipping Nor’easter in Jersey to oppressive sun in Cabo san Lucas, anglers should always be dressed to be protected from the elements. Since it is summertime, let’s focus on what you need to keep you comfortable and protected during the sunny, sultry months whether in the surf, back bay or offshore. Just because its hot out don’t think you don’t need a good pair of Grundens bibs to keep you clean from all the fish poop, bait and blood. A pair of low cut Extra Tuf Boots will prevent soggy, sunburned feet and keep you protected from any sharp knives or heavy lead that falls on deck. For a light, airy feeling that gives you the sunblock protection you need for your upper body and arms, go with any long sleeve or button-down Columbia PFG apparel which generally has built in sunscreen and plenty of airholes to allow wind to ripple through to keep you cooled. For lowers when wading the flats or running 40 knots, don a pair of light Columbia Blood “N Guts pants and when fishing, you can’t beat a pair of Salty Crew Wheelhouse shorts with assorted pockets to keep all necessary tools at hand. Being sunblind is no fun after spending 8 hours on the water and no doubt, wraparound Costa Sunglasses such as the Blackfins offer polarization to see through the water and prevent any sunblindness. Coppertone Sunblock of 20 to 50 SPF is standard to use, even with any protective apparel, and though we don’t use ‘em up in the Northeast a bunch, the Buff neck and face wraps are needed down in climates such as the Keys to stave off the brutal summertime sun punishing your ears, neck and face, (just take them off before you take a fish picture). Dress not only to impress this summer, but to protect from the sun and rain excess.[vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid element_width='6' grid_id='vc_gid:1485876128429-956a0435a2a0f25f6c84919907eacd12-3' include='5459,5460'][/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]
Grundens
Grundens Petrus 116 Bibs
The Petrus 116 Bib Pant is made from a knitted polyester base material (2.6 oz. per yard), laminated to a PVC polyurethane layer (2.4 oz. per yard), for a total weight of 5 oz. per yard. The strength to weight ratio of this fabric is remarkableView[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Xtratuf
Ankle Deck Boots
Xtratuf Ankle Deck Boots are designed for the recreational fishermen and hardcore angler. These boots are performance deck boots. They are lightweight with non-marking, slip resistant Chevron outsoles.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Columbia
Blood and Guts III Pants
The Columbia Blood and Guts III Convertible Pants are easy to put on with a quick zipper pull on. These pants convert to 8.5in inseam shorts. So whatever the temperature you're prepared. They are designed with lightweight nylon ripstop fabric.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Costa
Blackfin Sunglasses
The Costa Blackfin sunglasses are the best non slip sunglasses. You can trust them to stay put no matter what. They stay due to the co injected lining. The Blackfin sunglasses have a flexible frame providing the best comfort.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">

SLINGIN SEA BASS

Black sea bass fishing is firing along the Jersey coast. There’s a very tight window to get in on the action as the season closes on June 22 with an instated bag limit of 10 fish at a 12-1/2-inch minimum size. I hopped aboard the Dauntless party boat in Point Pleasant this past Tuesday to […]

Black sea bass fishing is firing along the Jersey coast. There’s a very tight window to get in on the action as the season closes on June 22 with an instated bag limit of 10 fish at a 12-1/2-inch minimum size.I hopped aboard the Dauntless party boat in Point Pleasant this past Tuesday to check out the rumors of “drop and reel” sea bass fishing for myself, and I was not disappointed. Captain Butch Egerter anchored us over some concrete rubble piles roughly 8 to 12 miles off the coast as nearly all the boat’s patrons had their 10 fish limits. There were scores of short fish, and a good bet is to change your tactics a little bit to target keeper class fish so you can weed out the throwbacks on each drop.Generally a three-hook dropper rig made out of 40-pound Triplefish leader is preferred, with droppers spaced every 16 inches and a snelled size 3/0 Gamakatsu Baitholder hook on each dropper. The snelled hook allows the baits to flutter in the current naturally. An appropriate 6 to 12-ounce bank sinker is looped on the bottom. I noticed many of the larger sea bass were hitting rigs tricked out with green or red beads ahead of the hook.As well, any hook that was tipped with a Chartreuse Berkley Gulp! 4-inch swimmin’ Mullet seemed to attract bigger sea biscuits. Fresh clam bait strings on the hook were top choice baits. The key to swinging on sea bass with snelled hooks hanging on droppers is when you feel the tap-tap-tap strike, lift up on the rod with a gradual pull before you jolt the rod at the pinnacle of the raise to set it.Reason being, you need to take out the slack of those snelled hooks to come tight first and then plant the hook in the mouth of the sea bass. If you feel the tap of a smaller sea bass hooked on the line, leave the rig down there with the smaller bass flailing on it as the activity will alert bigger sea bass around to jump on the other two baits you have out. Get out there now to load up a cooler full of sea bass. Its on, and you better be on it.[vc_row][vc_column][vc_media_grid element_width='6' grid_id='vc_gid:1485876128429-956a0435a2a0f25f6c84919907eacd12-3' include='5448,5449'][/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]
Triple Fish
Monofilament Leader
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]
Berkley
Gulp! Swimming Mullet
Ideal for all saltwater species! Swimming tail action irresistible to fish. Lifelike detail and appearance. Berkley Gulp! Saltwater baits are made from natural ingredients that release 400 times more scent than plastic baits.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
Gamakatsu
Baitholder Hooks
Gamakatsu has taken the ever-popular baitholder hook to new levels! Incredibly sharp and strong Gamakatsu's Baitholder Hook is used for a variety of fish and comes in either a bronze finish or a corrosion resistant NS Black finish for use in saltwater.View[/vc_column_text][/vc_column_inner][vc_column_inner width='1/4'][vc_column_text]
TackleDirect
Bank Sinker
Bank Sinkers are typically preferred for bottom fishing applications, where its tapered hexagonal shape will help to prevent it from becoming snagged in wrecks, reefs, hard bottom, and other structure.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">

BUCKTAILING OCEAN FLUKE

Spro

Prime Bucktails

Andrus

Ball Jig Buckatails

Yo-Zuri

HD Fluorocarbon

Spro

Power Swivels

MAKO SHARKIN CHECKLIST

Mustad

39950NP-BN Demon Perfect Circle Hooks

AFW

Econo Crimping Pliers

Aftco

Stand-Up Fishing Belts

Aftco

Maxforce Harness

ACCESSORIES FOR BLUEFIN TUNA

Deep

Leadering Glove

Aftco

Aluminum Gaffs

Aftco

Fiberglass Gaffs

Cuda

120in Tape Measure

PROPER PROTECTION

Grundens

Grundens Petrus 116 Bibs

Xtratuf

Ankle Deck Boots

Columbia

Blood and Guts III Pants

Costa

Blackfin Sunglasses

SLINGIN SEA BASS

Triple Fish

Monofilament Leader

Berkley

Gulp! Swimming Mullet

Gamakatsu

Baitholder Hooks

TackleDirect

Bank Sinker