For live-lining large baits (bunker/pogies, porgies, herring, shad, etc.) for catching big striped bass on live bunker, we recommend a conventional rod and reel combo rated for 30-40lb mono. The optimal rod is a 6’6″ to 7′ rod with medium-fast to fast action and medium to medium heavy power. The rod needs to have enough backbone to pull the hook out of a large bait and into the mouth of the striped bass. This is a very versatile conventional outfit and is perfect for nearly all northeast live bait applications.
We recommend loading the reel with 30-40lb mono line attached to a 3-4ft length of fluorocarbon leader using a 100lb barrel swivel. We prefer monofilament for the following reasons:
- The stretch ensures that the angler has a few extra moments to free-line the reel when the fish picks up a bait because of the stretch and belly in the line. The bigger fish can be very sensitive to quick to drop a bait that seems unnatural.
- Some of the biggest fish are found around structure and there is a very good chance the line will make contact. The monofilament line will get nicked or scuffed when braided line will simply break. Braided lines has very poor abrasion resistance.
The rig is completed with a 8/0-9/0 circle hook with a turned-down eye. The turned down eye is particularly useful to complete a snell knot. We filmed nearly all of our shows using either J-hooks or Octopus hooks. We have since switched to using only circle hooks! See the video below on exactly how to create this very simple rig.
Should I be Using a Wire Leader?
When they are alot of blues around we switch to 80lb fluorocarbon leaders, but never to a wire leader. Wire leaders tend to greatly reduce the chance of a pickup and the 80lb leader is typically tough enough to get the blues to the boat for a quick release.
Hooking Baits
The best hook placement for swimming live bunker is on the top of the bait just behind the dorsal. This will allow the angler to steer the bait and keep the bait in the hit zone when a fishing is chasing it. This method is best for very slow drifts or when anchored in shallow water with very little current or none).
When drifting deep baits an egg sinker (typically 4oz or more) should be placed on the main line ahead of the swivel. The hook must be placed in the nose of the bunker. However, a very big hook set is needed to pull the hook out of the bait and into the striped bass.
Snagging Bunker
We typically use a 7 foot spinning outfit loaded with 30-50lb braided line. The thin diameter of the braided line allows use to easily cast an un-weighted 10/0 classic treble hook over a bunker school. We reel very slowly and when we feel a slight tick on the line we take a swing to set the hook. This works nearly every time. If we feel a lot of vibration in the line that suggests we have snagged the bunker well behind the head and will leave that bait in place to see if it gets picked up.
Frequently Asked Questions
For live-lining large baits like bunker, pogies, porgies, herring, or shad to catch striped bass, it is recommended to use a conventional rod and reel combo rated for 30-40lb mono. The ideal rod length is between 6'6" and 7' with medium-fast to fast action and medium to medium-heavy power to provide enough backbone for hook sets.
Monofilament line is preferred because its stretch provides a more natural bait presentation, which helps keep big fish from dropping the bait prematurely. Additionally, monofilament has better abrasion resistance compared to braided line, which is important since the line may come in contact with underwater structure that can nick or damage the line.
An 8/0 to 9/0 circle hook with a turned-down eye is recommended for live-lining striped bass. The turned-down eye facilitates making a snell knot, and circle hooks are effective for hooking the fish while minimizing harm. This rig is simpler and more effective than traditional J-hooks or octopus hooks.
It is not recommended to use wire leaders because they tend to reduce the chance of a fish picking up the bait. Instead, use an 80lb fluorocarbon leader when there are many bluefish present, as it is strong enough to handle them while maintaining better bite detection and natural bait movement.
When live-lining a swimming bunker, the best hook placement is on top of the bait just behind the dorsal fin. This placement allows the angler to steer the bait effectively and keep it in the strike zone while the bait moves, especially during slow drifts or when anchored in shallow water with little or no current.
When drifting deep bunker baits, use an egg sinker weighing 4oz or more placed ahead of the swivel on the main line. The hook should be placed in the nose of the bunker, and a strong, very big hook set is necessary to pull the hook out of the bait and into the striped bass to ensure a secure catch.
For snagging bunker, a 7-foot spinning outfit loaded with 30-50lb braided line is effective. The thin braided line allows easy casting of an unweighted 10/0 classic treble hook over bunker schools. Slowly reel and when a slight tick is felt, swing to set the hook. If the line vibrates strongly, it means the bait is snagged well and should be left in place for a potential pickup by striped bass.