Jollyrodger

I have always pried off the shell of Green Crabs for Blackfish, but recently saw a Skinner youtube where he kept them on. What method do you prefer and have you noticed a difference in hookups?

Thanks Cary- Great information and pictures!

I have both, but shorter models, more boat rods than surfcasting, both about 7'. Can go wrong with either one.

I found a "like new" AH Dookster in an old plug bag, and do not remember fishing it. Have any of you had good luck with this lure- looks beautiful! Thanks in advance.

This is good to hear, let's hope it continues, and that there is ample bunker available.

Thanks Steve- going to stick with it.

Having started to read this thread on Friday, I went out Sunday morning to see if I could catch on a sluggo. The wind and surf were pretty high ( I was in a boat) and I started with one of my "go to" lures, a Yo-zuri hydro pencil, thought I would have a problem with top water, but that was not the case. In short order I caught 3 schoolies (20-24), so decided to go to the sluggo, knowing fish were present. I was using a 9" white sluggo on a Beast Owner 1/4 oz. swim bait hook. It was riding fairly high in the water and would occasionally break the surface. After about 20 casts, and not a touch, I started to cast a Rebel Spook and connected on the first and second casts. So I don't get it, let me know if there was an obvious error in my method. Thanks.

This is a follow up question to one asked earlier. I have a wedding in Orleans next weekend and wondering which lures to throw. Will probably bring 2 bags of lures, but for all of you experienced in the area, what 5 lures would you throw first? Thanks in advance.

Please let us know how you make out!!

27Conch- What size sluggo are you using, and what id the size / weight of the swimbait hook in the picture?

Hi: How are things down under? If you are referring to a fishfinder rig, it is a rig used when using baits, especially bunker chunks to get the bait to the bottom. The rig has a clip that attaches to the sinker, and the main line is run through a hole in the rig. When the fish picks up the bait, your line runs freely and so the fish does not feel the weight of the sinker. Terrible explanation- I'm sure if you google it there will be lots of photos.

Nice catch, what did you get him on?

Very similar to the above suggestion, I have caught Sea Bass on a small teaser attached by a dropper loop, with a large diamond jig being the main weight.

I usually go out every opening day with my son. We hit our local "fall" spot on 7/1 with Asian crabs and it was very slow. In an hour we only boated 3 and they were all small. Last year on opening day I think we had about 30 in an hour. 10-20 FOW.

Ian: I am in the western LIS and the last 3 trips we have only caught dogfish and sea robins. It is very frustrating. Getting to the point where I would rather sleep in and then fish for Sea Bass or Fluke.