Snagging bunker is a great way to get bait for striped bass. Unfortunately, many anglers make the mistake of using an old rod with bad line to snag bunker. Sooner or later, you’ll catch something! But you need to make sure that your gear is ready for your next adventure or you’ll lose it.
Tackle
We always want to make sure that we put together the correct line, reel and rod combination. Use a very stout 7′ rod with 30lb braid and a 5000-8000 size spinning reel. A setup of this size has enough muscle to fight any fish that you might come across. Our preference is to use a naked treble in to 10/0 or 12/0 size. These trebles without weight are actually going to be more effective than a weighted one. When fishing from a boat you can usually get close enough to the bunker that you’re going to have enough casting distance, especially when using braided line.
Occasionally you’ll need a little extra casting distance, especially when using a smaller hook ( like a 10/0). What typically works best for us is to keep soldder on the boat and tightly wrap it around the shank of the hook as many times as needed to get the appropriate weight.
The retrieve part of the fishing process is something that many anglers struggle with. Generally, they will cast out without aiming, take a furious swing, hoping that something will pop up on the other end of the rod. Instead, we make it very simple! Let the treble sink, take a moment…. breathe… the fish is coming! Once you feel the little tickle from the fish, swing up! You’ll notice fishing is a lot more fun when you know what you’re snagging in the water, without having to lose your fish, line, or tackle!
Here is a list of all the tackle seen.
Rod: Penn Torque TG2040S70
Reel: Penn Conquer 7000
Line: 30lb Berkley Fireline
Hooks: Mustad 3549D 12/0 or 10/0
A very stout 7-foot rod paired with a 5000-8000 size spinning reel is ideal for snagging bunker. This combination provides enough power and control to handle any fish you may encounter during your fishing adventure.
A 30lb braided fishing line is recommended when snagging bunker. Braided line offers strength and durability, giving you better casting distance and helping you handle larger fish without breaking your line.
Naked trebles in sizes 10/0 or 12/0 are preferred for snagging bunker. These hooks, without any added weight, are more effective at catching fish as they sink naturally and improve hook up ratios.
To increase casting distance with smaller hooks such as 10/0 trebles, anglers can tightly wrap solder around the shank of the hook several times to add the necessary weight. This technique helps achieve longer casts without sacrificing hook efficiency.
After casting, allow the treble hook to sink, then pause and wait patiently. When you feel a slight tickle indicating a fish has taken the hook, perform a quick swing to set the hook. This method ensures better hook sets and reduces tackle loss.
Using old rods and worn-out lines can lead to losing fish and tackle because they may not withstand the fight or casting demands. Ensuring your gear is in good condition enhances your chances of landing fish and enjoying your outing.
Yes, when fishing from a boat, you can usually get close enough to the bunker to avoid adding extra weights. This allows you to use naked trebles effectively without the need for additional casting weight.