Rigging Big Metals

Big bait = Big Fish. This simple formula holds true for all species all over the world. When fishing big water, big metals reach fish down deep. Rigging big metals is challenging. You can tie direct, but then you have to re-tie for every lure exchange. For fast exchanges I exploit specialized techniques.

Fish360 Hopkins Deadly Dick Kastmaster

The first method is the simplest and fastest. Secure a number 10+ heavy duty split ring on the metal via split ring pliers. Then slip on a 310 lb Kork barrel swivel onto the split ring.

The second method uses a clip and a swivel. I slip on 310 lb Kork barrel swivel on to a 175 lb Tactical Anglers power clip. Then patiently and carefully slip the big metal onto the clip. This operation takes time.

The third method takes a little more time to rig, but provides the strongest connection. Cut a 12″ length of 200 lb Ande monofilament line. Pass one end through the metal and crimp a 1.7 mm aluminum sleeve. Pass the other end through a 310 lb barrel Kork swivel and crimp a 1.7 mm aluminum sleeve

When targeting big fish in big water, I pull out my big metals. I exploit these rigging methods because they allow me to change up my big metals as quickly as plugs. Time is fish.

 

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Fish360 Team Cuttyhunk Trip ~ 2018

I had the opportunity to fish with the Fish360 Team on Cuttyhunk Island during the June new moon.  The conditions were tough.  On-shore, in-your-face wind.  The water was so weedy that one of the surfcasters on the island took a shower with his wetsuit on!  We hiked through marked roads.  We hiked through un-marked trails.  We eventually found clean water!  The wind was still in our faces!!  But, we found fish!!!

Fish360 Cuttyhunk Striped bass

During the day, we scouted new spots and field tested plugs, gear, and methods.  One of the key lessons learned was the relationship between tide and structure at various spots.  At the same stage of a tide, the water depth varies greatly at each spot.  Depth is a key factor in determining what plug to fish; particularly near rocks with seaweed dreadlocks.  My fishing journal has all the lessons learned on this trip! 😉

Fish360 Cuttyhunk Striped bass

During a scouting trip, Jonathan O’Connor got a VMC treble hook driven into the palm of his hand while unhooking a bluefish terrorizing schoolie.  He used his split ring pliers to remove the VMC treble hook from his YoZuri Mag Darter.

Fish360 Cuttyhunk Striped bass

When we got back to Pete’s Place, we tossed the salad and filled the bowl with water and ice.  I applied downward pressure on the eye of the hook.  Clay Patels held Jonathan down.  James Jeweks wrapped a length of 80 lb Ande mono-filament line around the bend of the buried hooked.  We started the count down: 1…BANG…the VMC treble hook hit the floor!  Clean hook removal!!  No blood!!!  Neosporin antibiotic cream, Band-Aid, water proof first aid tape, and we were ready to fish again.

Fish360 Cuttyhunk Striped bass

The top producing plugs were needlefish and darters.  I carried a spectrum of needlefish and darters that ranged in side, color, weight, and profile.  I had great success with the Surf Asylum Flat Glide Needlefish and the High Hook B1 Needlefish.

Fish360 Cuttyhunk Striped bass

We found, hooked, and landed more and bigger fish on this trip than last year’s trip.  We are not satisfied.  We remain hungry.  We are already planning next year’s trip.  With 23+ lessons learned, fish beware! 😉

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Shadows and Structures

Shadows provide cover for fish. Fallen timber, vegetation, and rocks provide cover for fish.  When shadows cast over hard structures, you have a super structure.  Super structures are fish magnets.

Fish360 Shadows and Structures Frog Large Mouth Bass

Today I had an opportunity to fish.  But, I only had a 1 hour window.  To maximize my time on the water, I fished a series of super structures.  The water depth ranged from 2 feet to 10 feet, with varying vegetation and timber. Weedless soft plastics was the presentation of choice.

I got to my first spot at 6:00 AM.  I started with a Stanely Jigs Bull Ribbit frog rigged with an Owner Beast hook.  I had fish exploding every other cast.  At 6:10 AM I caught a well fed 4 lb largemouth bass.  This fish put a bend on my 8′ heavy/fast action rod!

Fish360 Shadows and Structures Frog Large Mouth Bass

At 6:15 AM, I switched over to a Gary Yamamoto senko with a weedless VMC hook.  I got hits on every other cast.  At 6:30 hooked a landed a pickerel terrorizing largemouth bass.  This fish was fearless and full of vengeance!

Fish360 Shadows and Structures Senko Large Mouth Bass

The super structure pattern produces fish at any time of the day (TOY).  I have had the most success at the light transitions (sunrises and sunsets).  Time is fish! Fish smart!!  Fish shadows and structures!!!

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Fishable Wrecks and Rock Piles

Tim Coleman spent two years researching and navigating the sea to find fishable wrecks and rock piles.  He used the most advanced tracking technology he had at the time: Loran sat-c.  He published “Fishable Wrecks and Rock Piles” with Charley Soares in 1989.

Fish360 Fishable Wrecks and Rock Piles

Tim Coleman and Charley Soares identified 75 wrecks and rock piles worthy of an angler’s attention.  For example:

“Fishable Wrecks and Rock Piles” is out of print. You can buy a used copy online or at used book shops.  The descriptions and the nautical maps are of great value.  I recommend getting a copy and doing some research on these wrecks.

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Kayak Fishing Check List

When I first got into Kayak Fishing, I was overwhelmed with all the “stuff” that can be used for kayak fishing.  What I have learned over the years is that do not need bring everything on every trip.  I bring what I need for the specifies I am targeting, the water I am fishing, and the time of year that I am fishing.  All of my gear is organized and ready to go.  I print up my Kayak Fishing Check List and cross out the items that I will not need on my trip and check off the items as I load them into my Suburban.  Time is fish! 😉

Fish360 Kayak Fishing Check List

General Gear

  1. Kayak
  2. Cart
  3. Paddle
  4. Seat
  5. Crate
  6. Rods / Reels
  7. Pole Anchor
  8. Drop Anchor
  9. Rod Holders
  10. One Gallon Zip Lock Bag (for trash)
  11. Digital Camera (Fully Charged)

Safety Stuff

  1. PFD (a.k.a. “Life Vest”)
  2. Float Plan
  3. Flare Gun
  4. Pea-less Whistle
  5. Air Horn
  6. Plastic Mirror
  7. First Aid Kit
  8. Sunscreen
  9. Bug Spray
  10. Submersible VHF Radio vith GPS (Fully Charged)
  11. Safety Flag with Light
  12. Knife
  13. Compass
  14. Hydration (e.g. Water, Gatorade, Poweraid)
  15. Food (e.g. Protein Bar, 5HR Engery)
  16. Step-Rope
  17. Throw Rope
  18. Hand Bilge Pump
  19. Head Lamp
  20. Laminated Chart of Area
  21. Wrist Watch

Outerware (depending on weather)

  1. Paddling Gloves
  2. Dry Top
  3. Dry Pants
  4. Dry Gloves
  5. Dry Suit
  6. Booties
  7. Water Shoes
  8. Wetsox

Fishy Stuff

  1. Rods/Reels
  2. Leaders / Rigs
  3. Plyers
  4. Lip Gripper
  5. Scale
  6. Net
  7. Bait
  8. Lures
  9. Lure Retriever
  10. Rod Holders
  11. Fisher Finder / Chart Plotter (with fully charged battery)
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American Shad

One of my goals for this year was to catch an American Shad.  This month I targeted American Shad exclusively.  My fishing journal is full of trips without fish.  On each trip, I learned something new and applied it to my next trip.  Today all the pieces of the puzzle snapped into place and I could see the big picture.

Fish360 American Shad

I started fishing pre-sunrise.  After a few casts, I saw a fish break right in front of me.  The adrenaline rush enhanced all of my senses.  I made a cast up current and allowed my pink/gold flutter spoon to drift into the spot where the fish broke the water’s surface.  Nothing!  I then made a cast right at the spot where the fish broke the water’s surface.  Nothing!!  I made a third cast down river from where the fish broke the water’s surface.  Nothing!!!  I moved 10 yards down river.  On my third cast, a fish hit my flutter spoon like a run-away bus without breaks.  BANG!  I instantly felt the full weight of the fish on my St. Croix rod.

The fish did not jump; it swam towards deep water.  A fter several runs, I landed an American Shad. I handled the fish with care.  The fish was 21″ in length and weighed 3 lb 3 oz.  For an American Shad, the fished looked HUGE!  Roe is not my dish.  She swam away to spawn.

 

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Old Metal, New Fish II

Today I took a break from building my custom Gloucester Light Dory and setting up my new workshop.  I went fishing with a friend and fellow member of the Plum Island Surfcasters to Wachusset Reservoir.  We arrived at 5:45 AM to find the prime parking already taken.  We treked to our spot and set up quickly.  With my bait rods resting on my bite alarms, I rigged up my 8′ St. Croix Mojo Surf rod with the Kastmaster that I winched from the depths of the Wachusset Reservoir last fall.

Fish360 Kastmaster Loon Outdoors Sharpie

After a few casts of my restored Kastmaster into deep water, a lake trout came in chasing my old metal.  As soon as the fish saw me, it turned and disappeared into the dark water.  I said to my friend, “OMG…did you see that?”  As he nodded and smiled: “Oh yah!”  I made another cast and reeled my old metal to my feet, nothing.  I made another cast and continue to use my “jerk-and-pause” retrieve; as my old metal started to transition from deep to shallow water…fish on!

Fish360 Lake Trout Kastmaster

This fish put a bend on my rod.  This fish pulled drag.  This fish swam off like it was not even hooked.  Wow!

I have caught multiple species on Kastmasters with tails.  The flash of the metal and the color profile of the tail seduce fish into striking.  Based on all of my fishing journal entries, I can say with confidence that fish like booty! 😉

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Sinker Sliders

Last season I took some friends surfcasting.  We were fishing chunks on my custom fish finder rigs.  With our rods fully loaded, my custom fish finder rigs out-casted traditional fish finder rigs.  They also caught fish.  Mysteriously, the plastic sinker sliders kept breaking!

Fish360 Sinker Sliders

I now use Sea Striker Sinker Sliders (model number: BFS-6P5).  These sinker sliders are made with a strong and hard plastic.  They also have thick walls for added strength and abrasion resistance.

Fish360 Sinker Sliders

Your rig is only as good as it weakest component.  The Sea Striker Sinker Slider is strong.  They cost more than pedestrian sinker sliders.  But!  The additional cost is pence compared to lost sinkers. 😉

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Running the Coast

Running the Coast by Jamie Howard was one of the most anticipated films on striped bass.  The production of this film was epic.  We are fortunate for Jamie Howard’s perseverance!

Fish360 Running the Coast

When you start watching Running the Coast, the story telling and the vivid imagery hooks you instantly.  You forget about reality and feel like you are part of the experience.  The film transports you to amazing locations on the east coast:

  • Chesapeake Bay, MD
  • Susquehana River, PA
  • Hudson River, NY
  • Seasdie Heights, NY
  • East Hampton, NY
  • Martha’s Vineyard, MA
  • Nantucket, MA
  • Portland, ME

I enjoyed seeing my friends Greg Myerson from World Record Striper Company and “Crazy” Alberto Knie from Tactical Anglers.  I also enjoyed seeing Bill Wetzel, Bill Schulken, Tyler Snuffer, Tyler Noun, Lefty Kreh, Joe Shastay, Ken Hinman, Peter Laurelli, Bob Popovics, Paul Dixon, Bob Hines, Greg Bostater, Eric Wallace, Jeff Heyer, and Lynne Heyer.  These top anglers target striped bass from boat and surf via plugs and flies.  There is no shortage of fish being caught on this film!  The largest fish was caught by Tyler and Tyler on one of their fish hunting trips.

If you are new to striped bass fishing, if you are a seasoned striped bass hunter, or somewhere in between, then buy a copy of Running the Coast.  Running the Coast is require viewing for all who target for striped bass.

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Tying Dropper Loops

Dropper loops at great for teaser rigs and for chunking rigs. The easiest way to tie a dropper loop is by using a jig; for example, the Fish360 Dropper Loop Jig. 😉

STEP 1
Wrap the line around the two bottom pegs; then around one of the top pegs; and then back around the two bottom pegs. Secure the tag end on the clip. In effect, you have formed a triangle.

Fish360 Dropper Loops

STEP 2
Using your two hands, wrap the two lines between the top bottom pegs until you can only fit the tip of your finger between them.

Fish360 Dropper Loops

STEP 3
Remove the loop from the top peg and pass it through the gap between the two twisted lines on the bottom. Secure the loop back on the top peg and tighten the knot.

Fish360 Dropper Loops

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