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.

 

Facebooktwitterlinkedin

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! 😉

Facebooktwitterlinkedin

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!!!

Facebooktwitterlinkedin