Bunker vs Clams ?

[Cardshop]

By observation it looks like more people fish with bunker than clams. Which do you use and why?

Now that the water temp is dropping is there an advantage to one or the other?

Many people post questions on how to rig a bunker bait. But they don't seem to ask HOW DO YOU FISH with a bunker head. DO you leave the bail open and let the fish run? Circle hooks on fish finder rigs?

How successful is bunker to clams? This past week I fished with both baits and clams won hands down.

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Charlie
Seaside Park rentals units available. GO FISH.

[clamchucker]

Cardshop, look at my handle, nuf said. IMO

[candyman]

Tis the year of the clam. Dirty ,stinky,ugly clam.
You can thank all those clam boats for making clam the way to go this year. I ,for one, prefer technology over bait but you can't argue with the results.
Yozuri is not going to like this.....

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Catch More Fish...
While Your Better Half Is Munching On Some Jagielky's Home Made Candies. (http://www.thebassbarn.com/jagielky.htm)

[neverbetter]

How do you use the clam as bait? have used eels and metal, but I have never had any luck with clam.

Never better

[Cardshop]

Clams are a natural bait for stripers and they love them. During NE storms clams are bashed by the wave action and the stripes know this and come right upto the beach to get those clams.

There are a number of ways to use clams as bait. Ask anyone with a surf pole. Some people use a fish finder rig. Others use a bottom rig(12 to 32 inch leader).

I make my own hi/low rigs. The low rig is just a few inches above the weight and seems to get most of the fish. The high hook varies from 12 to 20 inches off of the bottom. The hooks are secured to the line using dropper loops. If you need more info on making rigs check out "egghead" as he comes up with these great pictures to show you how.

I like to use elastic thread to tie my clams on. The smaller stripers can't pull the bait off as easily. Makes it harder for the crabs to get it too. There are different methods to hooking a clam. I likje to use the whole clam. I go through the tough part of the clam twice and through the soft part once. Then I wrap the clam(Using about 12 inches of the elastic clam thread). Try to make a "Clam Ball" with the point of the hook exposed. I don't like to leave any clam dangling as I feel that I get fewer hits that way or they miss the hook.

I also use circle hooks since I fish with more than one rod at a time and I leave them in the sand spikes. For large sized clams I use an 8/0 for smaller clams I use a 5/0.

One thing that i do different than most others is this: "I use bells at the tip of my rod". I can easily hear a hit that I would not have seen as I can't watch all of my rods all of the time. The bells alert me EVERY time i get a hit. At night I add a red eye light too.

When surf fishing i use clams. When fishing from a jetty or a boat i prefer eels but will still have clams with me. I save the metal for when the water is simply to rough for me to bottom fish.

Find a hole along the surf line and toss the clam into it. Make sure that your rod spike is secure as the fish will sometimes pull it and your rod right into the ocean.

One last tip. Many times i catch fish while the guy fishing next to me doesn't get a bite. Why? we're both using the same bait. basically the same spot at the same time. Most time the difference is in the cast. At high water the fish are in real close. I make this little "Sissy" cast just to where the waves are breaking. The other guy is casting as far as he can. I see this time after time. Don't misunderstand this as there are times when i want to make a long cast and i do(mostly at low tide to get over the bar or to a cut) but i always have at least one of my rods in close.

<BLOCKQUOTE>quote:</font><HR>Originally posted by neverbetter:
How do you use the clam as bait? have used eels and metal, but I have never had any luck with clam.

Never better<HR></BLOCKQUOTE>



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Charlie
Seaside Park rentals units available. GO FISH.

[Brian E. Mullaney]

Bunker, bunker, bunker. I have had very little luck with clams. Live lining bunker or throwing bunker heads or chunks have produced very well for me. This spring up north on Flynns Knoll (right of Sandy Hook) we killed bass on bunker while boats clamming had a slim pick. I'm sure alot of it has to do with the location you are fishing.

My lifetime cow - 47.4 - was on a bunker head. My biggest on clams was just short of 20 pounds/ 38".

The wild card is eels. I've always done better w/ bunker but my friend Dan's father won the Fisherman's headquarter tourney using eels. He won with a 40 something - and also had the next two biggest at 35 lbs plus. As they say - to each his own. Go with your confidence bait/lure/fly http://www.thebassbarn.com/ubb/smile.gif


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Brian E. Mullaney
http://www.geocities.com/bubbaphotos

[FuzzyClam]

i like clams the best ones have small beards on em...

[theREELmasterBAITER]

GOTTA AGREE WITH BRIAN---

BUNKER, BUNKER, BUNKER!!!!

mike
theREELmasterBAITER

MISS PRINT
LONGREACH MARINA

USCGC FINBACK
CAPE MAY, NJ

[Partnership]

I've read this post for a few days now...and I've been thinking about it.

I truly feel that clam is an excellent, all around bait. Most fish LOVE it! We've had success with it in the rips at certain times, and also up the bay. Now, most of you know that I am a diehard Bunkerman, but I believe that clam has a place in the bait arsenal. I always like to have clam on board.

In fact, one day, when we were catching mostly larger cows, we put on some clam and got some slot fish. This was very desirable to us and helpful. I've had days that clam has outproduced eels at the rips, but not many days.

So, I suggest that it does not hurt to have a bit of clam on one of your rods on any given day.

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Tom-Partnership
Merighi's Savoy Inn (http://www.savoyinn.com)
Wishin' for good Fishin'
PROUD RFA MEMBER & ADVERTISER OF THEBASSBARN.COM!

[TWIN D'S]

1) It depends where you're fishing and what bait to use. Clam beds,boats, use clam.

2)surf- many use one bait rod and a head etc. DE Bay chunkers typically fish up to four rods with DIFFERENT KINDS AND SIZES OF BAITS. If you're in the surf with only head on the hook on one rod, many, many fish could be swimming by without you knowing it.

So, it depends.

Phil

[candyman]

It also helps to have 3 clam boats beating up one specific area( off Longport) every-day...well almost everyday. But when they are there, those with clam are getting them. And you have to get them early 'cause by 10 they're too stuffed to eat anymore.

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Catch More Fish...
While Your Better Half Is Munching On Some Jagielky's Home Made Candies. (http://www.thebassbarn.com/jagielky.htm)

[NIGHTSTRIKES]

Bump !

[Brian E. Mullaney]

Well this spring in the Raritan there where days clams outfished bunker but the bigger bass came on heads and livelined bunker once they left the bay and where stacked off of Momouth County's beaches.

[Dr. Bass]

I am almost exclusive clam form the surf. Bunker heads for me brought in big Sand Sharks. I like ALIVE and FRESH surf clams out of the shell. The best indicator is if I get a burst of juice when shucked, they are the best. And they stay on the hook without a problem. The tongue should actually contract a little when hooked. Teice through the tongue then wrap the thin strip of tissue around the tongue and hook the filter on top. Good for 2 throws which is all you should need.

This year, I have live-lined adult bunker probally for a total of 10 hours in, around and upstream form a school. One time was 2 guys out ie 2 rods in. Only one 34. I have chunked bunker and Noggined it around deep water bridges, a lot of blues no real big stripers to speak of. One JIGANTIC slap and run off that broke a reel was on a fresh herring head. Damm Okuma's. LOL

My biggest, a 31 pounder and 39 pounder BOTH on clam from the surf in Spring and Fall respectively.

I will say I have taking a FEW 20 pounders from back bay locations you wound never think held big fish and they have all been on live-lined Peanuts which were bigger in size.

Clam is striper candy, I am convinced of it. They can't turn it down.

[thediehardfisherman]

clam for inlets and calm waters. Blood worms for the delaware river(a must). EEls for the ripps. Bunker for the delaware bay. Bunker/eel for fishing 0-3 miles from the shore.

[PAWayne]

IBSP I fish clams mostly. Sometimes I have a clam on the bottom hook and bunker on the top. Slow days have been livened up by a bluefish eating that bunker on top.

[Capt Lew]

Clams do work! :D ;)
http://images.snapfish.com/33%3B3%3B5%3B923232%7Ffp64%3Dot%3E2328%3D369%3D837 %3DXROQDF%3E23235923%3B%3A6%3A%3Bot1lsi

[Dr. Bass]

Nice catch Capt.

[Capt Lew]

Thanks Dr.

Here is a shot of another claming day on the 'Finishing Touch', with Pat (Cyclops) & John (basshound). :D ;)
http://images.snapfish.com/33%3B3%3B94323232%7Ffp63%3Dot%3E2328%3D369%3D837%3 DXROQDF%3E23235928%3A4%3A93ot1lsi

[nocturnal]

Bunker will catch the biggest,eels will catch
the most,but I always bring clams.Somedays thats
the saving grace.

[Dr. Bass]

Nice catch again Capt. Yup, your a clam lover!!!

LEWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW

[Capt Lew]

nocturnal, I agree, bunker will catch bigger fish. Most times eels (rips) will catch more, but that wasn't the case this spring. ;)

[CaptG]

Clam, generally will catch more fish, more consistently and in more different spots than bunker, but bunker generally attracts bigger fish. Clam draws em in like no other. I've been catching bass after bass to 30 inch off the bow of my boat at night, while it's tied to the slip! Just cast it out there, put it in a rod holder w/ the clicker on, have a beer and w/in 10 minutes you're on!

[Capt Lew]

Originally posted by CaptG:
Clam, generally will catch more fish, more consistently and in more different spots than bunker, but bunker generally attracts bigger fish. Clam draws em in like no other. Totally agree. http://www.p2p-zone.com/underground/images/smilies/2thumbs.gif

[BMC]

I just started Striper fishing this spring, we started by taking both baits out with us, and after a couple of weeks, we only took clam. Me being a rookie, my question is, whats the best bait for the fall season?
Bruce

[junkmansj]

Clams in the Surf, but bunker in the Bay!

[Capt Lew]

[ 08-01-2004, 08:33 PM: Message edited by: Capt Lew ]

[Capt Lew]

Originally posted by junkmansj:
but bunker in the Bay! But don't forget some clams. :D ;)

[Brian E. Mullaney]

BUNKER - LIVE LIVELINING OR HEADS = BIG FISH!!! :D tongue.gif :D smile.gif

[Re-Bait]

Silly question...Answer.....Both! :D

PS THIS is a long winded conversation, 21 months and counting!

[Fin-Advisor]

In the back bay I prefer clams and eels while inshore or inlet fishing I would add the bunker to my arsenal. Moving off the beach jigging and eels on the inshore lumps.

[striper_man131]

Depends on what I'm fishing for

Clams for stripers and Drum

Bunker for sharks and any other things that will take it

[Cardshop]

If you are new to surf fishing I would recommend using clams. And use the elastic thread to tie them on. It's the easiest way to get started. For an added twist, soak you clams in bunker oil. Use a Hi/Low rig. Can't go to far wrong(Except learning how to read the surf and not casting too far)

Once you've mastered clams move on to Bunker. There are many ways to cut and rig a bunker but if you don't do it right it will twist in the current. Crabs will be all over it. Bunker heads have to be hooked right and you have to get the knack of setting the hook at the right time.

In the fall when the bunker are running you can snag a bunker and use it for bait. Or use a lure that matches the bait.

I don't recommend eels from the surf. Boat yes! Jetty Yes!

PS: Seems to me that when I use the soft parts of the clam I get more fish than when I use just the tongue. Could be just me.

PSS: I also use frozen bunker as it's alot cheaper and I can always get it. It is softer.

[Bunka Chunka]

Bunka Chunka,The Breakfast Of Champions,Fish With the Chunk,The snot balls are for the Birds,HRL P.S. Bunker-FALL Clam-SPRING

[dusky]

Try the Bunker Clam ! Gut a bunker hook the guts ! If your a chunka you won't be disappointed. Me ? You can keep both gimme a swimmer. Never had any luck live lining a clam. Should I take the shells off ? :confused:

[dusky]

Try the Bunker Clam ! Gut a bunker hook the guts ! If your a chunka you won't be disappointed. Me ? You can keep both gimme a swimmer. Never had any luck live lining a clam. Should I take the shells off ? :confused:

[dusky]

Try the Bunker Clam ! Gut a bunker hook the guts ! If your a chunka you won't be disappointed. Me ? You can keep both gimme a swimmer. Never had any luck live lining a clam. Should I take the shells off ? :confused: