Light Tackle Weakfish
The rod and reel combo we recommend for light tackle weakfishing consists of a Shimano Stradic 2500FH reel on a 7′ Clarus rod rated for 10-20lb (model CSS-FL70M). This is a very versatile spinning outfit and is perfect for working light bucktails on the bottom.
We recommend a reel loaded with 14lb Berkley Fireline which is attached to a 2ft length of 30lb Berkely Big Game Fluorocarbon leader using a Mustad Rolling Swivel. The small profile of the swivel virtually eliminates any chance of picking up debris.
The rig is topped off with either a 1/2oz HookUp ST Series Bucktail in either white or chartreuse tipped with a white or pink Berkley Gulp Alive Swimming Mullet.
Angling Tips:
Know when to go
This bite usually begins and mid May and the best action can continue for several weeks depending upon several factors including water temperature, salinity and the phase of the moon (tides). Big weakfish enter the bay and can spend several weeks waiting for the right combination of factors to make a run to the various creeks to spawn. The best action occurs before and just after the spawn. Read the local fishing reports to get an idea of how the run is progressing. Be sure to stop in at the local tackle shop the day of your trip to get the most recent info on where and on what stages of the tide the fish are being caught.
Tide runner
Weakfish are frequently called tide runners for a very good reason. They are most active in areas with a strong running tide or current. These are powerful fish and their body type and broad tail give them an added advantage over the bait in a strong current. The geography of the bay creates a tidal difference of more than two hours from one location to another. When the tide is high at the inlet, there are still a couple of hours of flow left at the mainland beaches and creeks. This means that there is always a decent current running somewhere.
Water temps
It is also important to pay attention to the tidal flow and its effect on water temperatures. The bay is very shallow and warms quickly in the spring and ocean temps lag far behind. There is also a power plant discharge that adds even more warm water. We found water temps of 78 degrees in one spot on the mainland and just three miles away at the inlet the water was 56 degrees! The fish are clearly affected by these extremes. Even if the fish don’t more to stay in a specific water temp, they certainly shut down. Once feeding fish are found it is important to note the water temp. If the bite ends, move to other areas with similar water temps. These extreme temperature fluctuations can also have a significant effect on bait concentrations.
Find the bait
Spring weakfish typically feed on spearing, shrimp, crabs, and several other small baits that can be found on the flats and along the creek channels throughout the bay. When the tide is flooding over a flat, the fish run with the tide picking up whatever they find. As the tide falls they retreat from the flats and tend to congregate in the deeper depressions. They also patrol the creek channels and use the deeper water for security and to ambush their prey. The spring weakfish run is also accompanied by a bluefish run. Hordes of 2-5lb bluefish can found just about everywhere. Their feeding habits are quite visible and even though they may rip your tackle to shreds it pays to attempt to find the weakfish nearby. These weakfish are more than large enough not to be intimidated by the blues.
Spooky
The shallow water can make these fish extremely spooky. Anglers on boats should avoid running motors any more than is absolutely necessary. Position the boat carefully and let the wind and tide to move the boat within casting range of targeted areas. It sometimes pays to run the boat the extra distance so that it enters a creek with the wind and tide rather than running up-tide through the creek and then drifting back. There are some narrow creeks and channels that simply cannot be fished effectively under certain tides and wind directions. However, there is so much productive bottom in the bay that there is always somewhere to go regardless of the conditions. Have an anchor ready to stop the boat from drifting directly over a productive spot. A small vinyl coated mushroom anchor is a great way to control the boat and to temporarily stop or slow the drift.
Break out the light stuff
Barnegat Bay is a light tackle angler’s paradise. The most productive weakfish presentations are quite light. A light spinning rig or small bait-caster with a matching 6-7 rod rated for 8-12lb line will allow the angler to throw small jigs and still have just enough muscle to handle 10lb+ weakfish. Braided line with its thinner diameter and reduced water resistance provides an added advantage. The lack of stretch means that even the softest hits are registered. A 24” inch 20lb test Fluorocarbon leader attached via a small Mustad Rolling Swivel to the main line and tied to a small jig head completes the rig.
Jig heads from ¼ to ½ ounce are needed to keep the presentation just off the shallow bottom and looking natural. Bucktail jigs have a little more buoyancy and water resistance and can very effective in the shallows. In the deeper holes and hard running currents naked jig heads provide less resistance and allow the jig to be presented deep in the water column. The jigs can be tipped with pork rind, squid, or soft plastic. Pork rind is the most durable and will stand up to the bluefish. Red, white, and yellow Uncle Josh 240-S is the most effective and has an enticing split tail action. A squid strip has a little more scent but will take less abuse when casting and needs to be changed frequently. Soft plastics have unique actions and colors that can enhance a presentation but are easily destroyed by bluefish. A serious weakfish angler typically has at least two of these three choices in several varieties and in good quantities on hand at all times. Be prepared to experiment, it can make a big difference at the end of the day.
Presentation
It is critical that the jigs are presented just off the bottom. Once the rigs get up in the water column, the baits will quickly fall prey to the Bluefish. Always carry a good selection of different size jig heads and be prepared to switch to the lightest jig or bucktail that still holds the bottom. Cast across or slightly up current, let the current sweep the jig across the bottom. This is the same way that bait is swept across the bottom as the fish feed. A slight bump may be the only thing that is felt when the fish picks up the jig. Quickly reel out the slack and set the hook. Be careful, Weakfish have thin mouths, excessive hook sets can create a large hole and the hook can easily slip out.
