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 rig is completed with a 8/0-9/0 offset octopus (beak) style hook with a turned-down eye. The turned down eye is particularly useful to complete a snell knot. See the video below on exactly how to create this very simple rig.
Wire Leaders?
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.
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.
Please contact us if you have questions about our recommendations!