1- By far the biggest mistake is using scaled down tackle. For the majority of people the same rod used for fluking will not cut it when it comes to jigging. The rods simply don't have the back bone required to keep you out of tangles and properly present the jig to the fish. You need a medium-heavy rod and a reel filled with top quality 30 - 40 pound line. This may seem extreme but when fish miss the jig they hit and fray your line, the heavier tackle and line handle this as well as the other above problems.

2- Allowing the jig to rest on the bottom before reeling in will cost an angler a lot of fish. Bait fish don't hang around to long when a Bluefish is around so it is unnatural for the jig to stop on the bottom too long. Also, the fish are attracted by the flash and the change in direction that happens when the jig comes off the bottom, the faster you can make this happen the better off you will be.

3- If you can't flip the jigs out using a conventional reel, please bring a spinning rod. People can get injured when backlashes occurs while jigging. For everyone’s benefit don't try to pitch out a jig unless you are able to do so easily. Flipping the jig out when we are in shallower water allows for a better presentation so be careful and make sure you are comfortable with the tackle you are using.

4- Don't use wire leaders. Using a wire leader while jigging destroys the action of the jig. because of the stiffness of the wire and the snap swivel at the bottom of it the tight wobble of the jig becomes a wider swing which is less appealing to the fish.

5- Not having drags set properly could cost you the fish of a lifetime. If the drag is too tight the line will snap, if it is too loose you may not hook the fish that well or be able to fight it without much difficulty. You never know when that big striper or blue may hit your jig so you want to be sure that it is set properly all the time. If you have any question about your drag ask one of the mates and they will make sure you are set up correctly.

 

If you follow these guidelines you should have a much more productive and enjoyable trip. If you have any questions about how to set up just see me or one of the other mates and we will get you set on the right track.

See you on the boat.

Big Joes Bluefishing Tips

    Here is a run down of the top mistakes I see and how to correct them

Go fishing with us and meet Big Joe

Expanded Line of Big Joes Fluke Rigs

You no longer need to worry about those last minute trips to the tackle shop or scrambling to find your tackle box in the dark garage the morning of the trip. In addition to the High-Low Teaser rig that has been used successfully for years on the James Joseph, I will also have in stock hand tied "Terminator" Fluke Bullet rigs available as well as a Bullet Teaser Combo rig. For those that may want to tie their own Bullet rigs plain Bullets will also be available. There are sizes up to 5 ounces and come in the most productive colors green and white. Remember, all these rigs are hand tied by myself, Big Joe, so you can trust the quality of the knots and tackle cause I wouldn't hand out anything that I wouldn't use myself. Look forward to seeing everyone on the boat.

Blackfishing How To

1- If you are bringing your own tackle make sure it is up to the challenge. If you come on board with a reel spooled with under 40lb test line you are asking for trouble, the wrecks that we fish are sharp and mostly metal so the thicker line with good abrasion resistance is a must.

2- When you set the hook on the fish keep your rod tip up and reel. Don't pump and reel like you would with a Tuna or like you see on TV, this will just allow the fish to gain on your down swing and get back in the wreck.

3- If for some reason the fish does get you stuck in the wreck many people will offer you advice like strum the line, put the reel in free spool, etc.... My favorite technique is to first give slack with the rod (but not free spool) for a little while and then tug to try and coerce the fish out.

Try to keep these in mind this season and you should be in for some nice fillets. See you on the boat!

Here are some Tog fishing tips to get your Blackfish season started off right

 

Tips for Flounder Fishing

1- Pound, pound, pound, and pound some more, use the weights that are available on the boat to smash the bottom and stir up any loose food to "wake up" them up.

2- Don't strike too soon, let the fish eat as long as possible, often the fish will hook themselves.

3- Mussels and sandworms are the prime baits, to find out what they prefer use a two hook rig and put one bait on each hook. Pay attention to where you get the most hits and continue to just use that bait.

Use these tips and it'll be a slaughter job, just don't forget the bread crumbs.

 

Here are a couple of things to keep in mind when you are on the hunt for flounder