jersey bluefin

[3ccc's]

i was just wondering if anyone tries the in shore spots off of south jersey for bluefin. reading all of the reports up north of the giants being caught, makes me want to give it a try.the 19lump or the trunk seems like a good starting point.just looking for opinions.

[whitey]

i was just wondering if anyone tries the in shore spots off of south jersey for bluefin. reading all of the reports up north of the giants being caught, makes me want to give it a try.the 19lump or the trunk seems like a good starting point.just looking for opinions.

If you run that far you will be overshooting them. They pass thru every year 5-30 miles off the beach.

[dunn6253]

Find a bait ball, bring a flat of something to chunk, and let us know how you make out.

[3ccc's]

do you guys think the same chunking setup will work this time of year or should go heavier with leaders and larger hooks. i usually fish 60lb flouro and 6/0 owner live bait hooks.also can't decide on anchoring or drifting. ijust can't get the tuna bug out of me.thanks

[dunn6253]

If you guys get the same bluefin that are running off of Chatham, then you are going to need some 130's, 200 mono/flouro, and a poon. Best of luck, hope you get out there and catch one. Looking forward to your reports if you get out.

[chumtini]

I've never fished down there other than the canyons (eg block, 100 sq). So take my comments like you would another crackpot in the internet

We had footballs to the S, mediums to the E and a few different classes of giants. The bulk of the fish we caught out E were 55-60" class fish and not leader shy (while trolling). I caught most on the troll and some casting. But that's just the way I fish. Other guys were just as effective the other way (more casting vs troll). Bars were effective thoughout the summer. And I know a lot of guys were very effective on sluggos Most boats (myself included) switched to ballyhoo or sluggos with some bars mixed in when the water starting cooling off. Run those hoos WWWTFB. And when you think its back far enough, dump a bunch more.

6/0 sounds a little small. I was using 9/0. But I don't know schitt. Bring the kitchen sink

Giants are a different television program. Spin the wheel and cross your fingers

The water is getting cold and the bait is getting thin up here. It's just a matter of time. Hope that helps. Good luck!!!!

[wide open]

last year, 1st week of december 14 mi east of cape may. hope to repeat this year.... 14 oz. hammered diamond jig...these fish were on the move and very mixed in with the bluefish...i think the best bet is to look for sooo much marine life that it looks like a scene from nat. geo....(sooooo many birds, bait/bft on surface

[sportfishingusa]

do you guys think the same chunking setup will work this time of year or should go heavier with leaders and larger hooks. i usually fish 60lb flouro and 6/0 owner live bait hooks.also can't decide on anchoring or drifting. ijust can't get the tuna bug out of me.thanks

if your wanting to go let me know!! lol

i will make the run anytime man!

[MAKO19]

I put a thread up here on that subject a few weeks ago. Just picked up 1-1/2 dozen select baitmasters and 1 dozen large last Sunday. I got the Ilanders ready to go and the hooks are sharp. We will dedicate one day this fall (hopefully get good weather soon) to try and catch one of these fish. Plan will be to start at East Lump, work out to Misty, then up the 20 to the Cigar. That is a lot of ground and a lot of good structure. I would think we could find one somewhere in there.

Good Luck and post if you go.

[Big Jay]

First off, a lot of time these fish are

1) On the move
and/or
2) Feeding on rainfish

Having said that, they don't move very far off. You'll often see them in 70-90 ft. of water around the wrecks and reefs. Your best bet is to get on the tower while trolling and looking for them pushing.

If they are feeding on rainfish you need to match the hatch, so to speak. Casting with surface plugs on spinning gear with braid is very effective but if they are over 150# that's like spitting in the wind.

I would definitely use fluoro even on the troll. Couple tricks if they are feeding on rainfish.

Slide a drinking straw about 4" long over a hook. Drag it WWWWWWWWB through the school. In other words, set it way the hell back, then sharp turn so your hook goes through the feeding frenzy.

You can also find them underneath bunker sometimes. if thats the case, snag a bunker. Rig a LONNNNNNNGGGG leader of about 20'-30' (yes i know this sucks). At the top of the leader above the barrel, thread a big egg sinker (8 oz.) on there. Do like you do with the rainfish, drag this rig over top of the school, then STOP the boat and let line out. The rig should drop quick to the bottom below the blues. Worst case you'll get yourself a nice big ole bass. Best case, Mr. BFT will be down there.