PLEASE -- some advice on setting up to chunk

[Squid pro quo]

All:

PLEASE send me some "how-to" advice on setting up to chunk. The bottom line is this: I've been dragging eels through the rips for years (and sometimes use bucktails or troll stretchers), but I've finally had enough of those slimy little b*stards. I've been striper fishing three times this year and have NO FISH to show for it. (There's some honesty for you). It's just time to try another method -- and yesterday's world-record-setting tangle of three lines (and three eels) was beyond comprehension. Any information on how -- and WHERE to -- would be immensely appreciated. For what it's worth, I'd be happy to take any of you fishing on my boat (28 Mako) if you'd just give an eel-dragger some lessons on how to chunk for stripers successfully!

Thanks.

Tom

[finally]

As for where, just keep reading the Barn and you will see where the hop spots are. But I usually like to stay away from the fleets if possible, look for edges of the sloughs or some structure or changes in bottom contour.

As for setting up, I use medium weight rods with conventional reels, the Baitrunner spinning reels work nice also, I spool my reels with 30lb Spiderwire Stealth. I use 8/0 Gamakatsu circle hooks on 3 ft of 40lb mono leader with a fish finder slider for the sinker. I primarily use bunker to chunk with and will vary the size of the chunks from 1" to almost half a bunker, usually about 1 1/2" though. I usually use 4 rods if the tide and w*** will allow me to sit straight. I keep them at different distances from the boat. Some guys chum heavily some don't, I have done both, this means taking bunker and cutting them up in pieces about the size of a quarter and throwing them out every few minutes so they drift back creating a slick. I have also cut up the heads that have been washed out into small pieces and placed them in a bucket with water to create a soup and ladle it over every so often.
I leave the reels with the clicker on and usually let the fish run for 10 seconds before engaging the reel and taking the slack out of the line and start reeling, you don't need to give a hard hookset with circle hooks, if you use j hooks a hookset is usually done.

I hope this helps and I know there will be plenty of more advice on the subject coming your way.

[VDAWG]

Good advise Finally,
Just want ta add this for ya,when anchoring,you want to have the boat headed into the tide,let down the anchore till she drops bottom let out some extra hold on till she sets,continue to let out rode till ya have out 3X the depth of the water that your are fishing .......Good luck ,catch um up,Vinny

[Squid pro quo]

Much thanks for the chunking details! I'm going to try and sneak out this week (Thurs. or Friday) and I'll let you know how the "Chunkin' Rookie" did! God knows I won't miss those eels!

Tom

[agita]

Squid, try to get the freshest bunker you can find, it really can make the difference.
JB

[Offshore Custom Tackle]

Tom
Give me a call if you need a hands on how to..
My partner and I would be more then happy to show you the proper techniques...You supply the boat and We'll bring the rods,bait and of course, Tackle...

Joe
O.C.T.
856-264-3005

[RodFather]

Squid it sound likes your getting some great advice. Best of luck on your next trip out. Once you conquer the basics send me an emial and I'll give you some things you can try to help improve your catch.

[bailboy2]

Hey Tom, this all sounds very familiar??!!! Good luck-

[LBI SurfRat]

dont forget the almighty clam bellies!

[DONNY O]

Squid,
The info you were given hit it on the head. I only want to add a couple of things. If you use the soup you might try adding some bunker oil to it. If you do though make sure you have a rag or towel under the bucket and one on the gunnel to catch any spillage. it will help keep the boat cleaner and the deck from getting slippery. Good luck.

[Squid pro quo]

Gents: Again, much thanks for the great advice. Timing is everything: yesterday I got the new issue of Saltwater Sportsman and right there at the top of the cover is "Striper Chunking 101." Of course, the author gave the same advice/info. that all of you provided. So, I may be giving it a shot this Friday, though the weather looks better for Saturday -- and we all know how 100% accurate those reports are ...

With gratitude,

Tom