Gulp Alternative Test and Blown Forecast Challenge!

I had some promising fluke (flounder) results with a Gulp alternative after being overwhelmed by searobins that were tearing through my baits. The forecast was extremely inaccurate and this became a good test of using the trolling motor to fight very bad drift conditions. I had an interesting 7-mile ride back through seas that were rough for my 16-footer.
----Gear and Stuff---
John Skinner Online Fishing Course Discounts : saltstrong.com/...
John Skinner fluke bucktail: bit.ly/32yplFp
Teaser: bit.ly/3bUtRmB
Teaser hook: bit.ly/2XoyH9n
Gulp Bait: bit.ly/2LW3i5I
ZMan 4-inch: amzn.to/3e2HbqR
Drift Control Sock (44-inch): amzn.to/3hu29ko
Rod: bit.ly/36pGlBr
Reel: amzn.to/37BCjGQ
Line: bit.ly/2JM9Q5D
Leader - 30# - bit.ly/2CwqmVX
Video Cam, GoPro 7 - amzn.to/2PVISuL
John Skinner's Fishing for Summer Flounder Book: amzn.to/36rdltd
The above are Affiliate Links
Fishfinder: bit.ly/2N2SvqP
Trolling Motor: bit.ly/2VS9C2r

[@CaptainLeonsBoatingandMore]

FINALLY!!!! A Skinner video I can relate to. Tough conditions replete with Sea Robins and Short Fluke...love it, one of the best yet!!

[@theluvyoumake]

"Oh that's great that's a double header sea Robin, what a great start" Sounds like a start every one of my summer fluke fishing seasons. I had one this morning swim on to the beach to chase my Sandeel.

[@haroldmcfalls6724]

I need a boat sponsor! Lol say it louder than that

[@specfever2]

"I need a boat sponsor!". ... (4 hours later) Host of bayboat builders waiting for him at ramp with decked-out models and contracts in hand...

[@polarizedoutdoors]

I just emailed 6 or so offshore boat manufacturers encouraging them to sponsor John. Hopefully one of them listens.

[@specfever2]

Polarized Outdoors I'd be happy for him, but I really liked the fact that John always did things in a non-flashy manner, with a very very basic boat and a teacher's attitude. (His language is a little more salty when he gets with other grownups!) 😃

[@diceman220]

Four trips before I got my 1st keeper . Makes me feel a little better knowing I'm not the only one ,that picks a bad day. That's why we watch, you make it look so easy. Now I know the REEL deal, sometimes we have to work hard for each fish. Tight lines , Thanks John.

[@anglerissues2309]

Thant’s fishing John, it’s not always fish tacos and shrimp cocktail, sometimes it’s bologna sandwich and a bag of stale chips..

[@fierceflyer5]

John, I fee your pain. Went out yesterday with my son had the same thing in the back bay. No trolling motor, no wind sock, no fluke. Used a bucket to slow the drift. Quit after 3 hours when we could only slow the drift to 2.5

[@MrJohnnyteps]

Thanks for taking us fishing John!

[@ksmith9050]

46-yr. old boat? Just starting to get comfortable! Thanks for all your interesting content.

[@bryandilley1426]

I have the same style boat but 20 feet. Gives me confidence in mine watching this video. Always cautious though. Thanks John

[@philipwurm5121]

Even John has a crappy day once in a while, I’ll be darned! Nothing worse than a blown forecast! I ran a 6 pack Charter for almost 15 years and I don’t know how many times the Weatherman called for Nasty and it was Beautiful or days they called for Great conditions and it was Unfishable! With today’s technology you would think they could predict wind over water but they just cannot do it! Love that lil old boat John... Tight lines Brother!

[@haroldmcfalls6724]

Sea Robin belly is great fluke bait!

[@NNJOutdoors]

Harold Mcfalls I like to use fluke stripes that seems to always work really well because they are canniballists.

[@EricJStriper]

NNJ Outdoors and they stay on for a long time! I love fluke strips, they work great.

[@timothyfruhauf611]

There a pier by me where you can catch like 10 of them in 20 minutes

[@rickfreeda5845]

Got skunked on a fluke trip one time started killing them sea robins to eat they weren’t to bad.

[@afout07]

Man you aren't kidding about those weather forecasts. Here in VA, it seemed to change every couple hours. It makes planning a trip very difficult

[@derekdigiovanni6921]

I know right? So annoying trying to plan a weekend here. They aren't even close to being accurate

[@cobiakiller7579]

I totally agree, things can change real FAST out in chesapeake bay.

[@richie2dicks468]

Same here I just go everyday I can and try to be near an inlet or smaller body if it gets bad and I wanna try to salvage the trip. I drive 1.5 one way to va beach

[@afout07]

@@cobiakiller7579 yeah I know but the past few weeks have been a lot worse than normal. Or the forecast will be totally inaccurate. I went one day, was supposed to be 10mph winds and it was easily blowing 30mph. I looked at the forecast to see if it had changed since I last checked, it hadn't

[@derekdigiovanni6921]

Alex Fout Preach. You know we have a very serious problem when February literally had better weather than the 4 months after it. In terms of wind rain and/or temperature.

[@donb1661]

That video contained a collection of the best fishing one liners. 😂👍

[@kacperpacyna468]

Same here, went out Yesterday of Old Saybrook, CT, Same situation with predictions of 5 knots and 1' or less, In the middle of the day we got in to 3 to 4 folders occationally And up to 20 knots wind. Fishing so far has been the worst we ever had this time of the year and 80% of the catches were sea robins! I love being on the water, but was happy to go home this time lol.

[@wolfofrhodeislandx7462]

Great vid gotta love this easterly flow we've had here in the ne this week!

[@iride365]

Not only are you the best fluke fisherman, but you really are dialed in on the robins too!! 😂

[@Aaron.Davis56]

I feel your weather pain. Went out 6/15 and the wind and tide wasn't playing. I was near the Ruins and Gut. Went closer to Greenport and Jessup, but no action

[@kylem-whaley9609]

Skinner should do a collaboration with Fishaholic when things start running as usual

[@detective31000]

A pleasure to watch during this crazy virus

[@africanriftvalleyfish8287]

Thank you so much for putting out this content despite the windy conditions. I supremely injoy your channel.

[@johnperrone4511]

All good stuff , love the video and narration. I don’t understand how any one can dislike your videos...they must be the ones that if handed ta 10lb bag full of $100 bills they would complain about the weight lol..

[@twotoned2774]

Another great video. I bought your book about fishing the bucktail. Great information.

[@davidvandiford9956]

John we have all had days like that. I just ordered me two Kayaks and I got the Lightning strike. My wife insisted I get two cause she doesn’t want me fishing alone. I am fairly you at only 53 but have had some heart issues and she wants someone with me. My Son or my wife will go with me. Tight lines.

[@bigdawg-cl2db]

Thank you, John, for proving that you really are human , and not Superman ! LOL !!!

[@anthonywhisenant3597]

I caught a 19 inch flounder Saturday on your 1/2 oz pearl white bucktail!

[@brooklynanglerfishing]

How far were you able to cast out with that size?

[@user-dc9bq1nn9n]

great narration, very enjoyable. thanks

[@rpietros]

I was bluefin fishing this weekend off longisland between 11pm Saturday night and 2 am sundaymorning it went from flat calm to breaking 6 to 8s. Oh yea and we got our 2 unders in 30 min

[@benjamindover930]

If all 98K subscribers gave $2.00...John can get himself a sweet boat!!

[@davidkuperschmid5274]

One more episode like that and I'm starting a New Boat for Skinner Go Fund Me campaign.... To paraphrase Laurence Fishburne in John Wick 2.. Somebody please get this man a boat!

[@nanukofthenorth4095]

Nice Trip , boy i can relate . I see fish cakes with all those sea birds .....Baby Fluke eatin lil bastards, throwing them back is like the spiny dog fish we saved , oooh Joy LOL Great Video

[@LongIslandLethals]

Zman getting it done.... interesting.

[@aksfishing4480]

I Have been using a turkey injector and injecting gulp juice into all sorts of soft plastics i have had very good results it allows me to use some tougher material plastics.

[@aksfishing4480]

I inject them at home and double zip lock add in a little extra juice let them marinade them just a little tip.

[@paulmoss7940]

@@aksfishing4480 shhhhhhh.

[@adamsmith8533]

Wow! The bottom must be carpeted with sea Robin's. What a pain in the ass!

[@andrewfedkiw885]

made me laugh at the beginning of the video... great start haha

[@AlanHowellphotovideo]

Those are what I can dynamite conditions. Not 'dynamite' as in great, but 'time to drop some dynamite'.

[@bassassassinnn7459]

Let's start a GoFundMe to get John a new boat!

[@fallofmanbrand]

nice video you deserve more subscribers

[@comfortablynumb9342]

The internet says sea robbins are good to eat. I've only caught little ones in a cast net so I haven't had a chance to try a big one. It's meat is supposedly like a firm flounder. People in Europe prize them it said.

[@williamtukeyjr3661]

Rockin' Robin

[@Tog_Tastic]

I'm looking forward to harvesting some Sea Robin this year. Everyone who I know who's tried it said it was great.

[@Bamapride1000]

I seen a video that was made a couple of days ago and the guy was catching keep fluke in shallower and was saying he can’t ever remember catching the bigger ones in that shallow like that before and mostly shorts on out. He managed a limit so I have no clue if it was just luck but something to think about. Even the fresh water fishing has been off this year big time

[@perryplyler5514]

One thing for sure you don't catch the double digit size every time but you will get double digit wind some of the time.

[@captpepin]

The Sea Robin infestation is happening everywhere to everyone.

[@Aaron.Davis56]

Eat' Em Up

[@rhodierideshareguygerry6369]

I Love your, boat its my kind of water craft.

[@patrickkerner1471]

Sea Robin fillets!

[@unodumpling6174]

What lb braid do you use???

[@michaelarma4468]

Ha ha I responded right before you checked Windfinder and saw the problem!!! Sorry . Lol

[@samsoncianfaglione7481]

Zman soft plastics are great, very durable but they have barely any scent on them

[@jamesmatt-ms4eb]

Hi John.. what type of batteries do you use for the trolling motor and where did you store them on the boat ?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

RoyPow Lithium Trolling Motor Battery: bit.ly/3BtOmFc in the console. One 24-volt battery.

[@wayne3043]

hey john wondering what APP you use for wind forecast...I use windy, but really seams to be incorrect a lot this season...

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

windfinder - no better.

[@wayne3043]

@@JohnSkinnerFishing thank you

[@j74snook]

Hahahaha I need a boat sponsor also

[@JohnAvantiBK]

When I am fishing I throwback every other sea robin.

[@diceman220]

John, where do you keep the 3 batteries for the trolling motor? Thanks

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

2 in the console, 1 in the stern.

[@camklues]

John, I saw a black drum caught in the surf near jones beach yesterday, ever catch one on LI?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

No, but they do get them occasionally on the western South Shore.

[@edgerrity893]

Surprised to see that reel without power handle.

[@bestmusic9879]

if you were fishing off eaton neck in the sound with your buddies fluking what would you throw on to get a blue fish or weak fish or striper? buck tail? diamond jig?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Yes to both. Which one depends on depth and current.

[@kamarte]

John, like to know about quantum accurist s3 pt you've been using, how it performs for you, how does it hold in saltwater and what has been the biggest and most challenging catch on that.... thanks

[@xcel5]

I remember gulp for blackfish after sandy

[@vgbudau]

John, I've been following this channel for a while; really like your videos. I think I see a Maxel Hybrid on one of your rods. Do you mind sharing your thoughts on the reel? Thanks and keep up the good work!

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Awesome jigging reel for bass and blues.

[@whome8845]

How did you not make any sea Robbin chowder?

[@captainscottlum2371]

I have that same color Frogg Toggs Pilot II guide suit

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

I really like their gear. I use their Aransas boots, waders, and jackets.

[@Patrick-ni7bs]

I haven't caught any flounder the last one I caught was 3 years ago but I haven't been targeting them this year so

[@dbourke7385]

Skinner getting mobbed by the Robins

[@walldog1457]

I get less is better but in your case at point maybe just a little bit better of a BOAT would be considerably BETTER. Thanks for the vid....

[@lagancider]

These inaccurate forecasts are a pain and potentially dangerous, especially if you're out in the yak...

[@walterwatkins8599]

John- In the case of drifting too fast in wind with current conditions, have you been able to effectively use the motor trolling motor to slow your drift (rather than using the drift sock)? I’m thinking that would mean the bow facing into the wind /current and the trolling motor running at a speed that slows your drift down, rather than moving you forward against the tide? (I realize that would mean your lines would be going toward the front of the boat which is unnatural.)

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

I could do that, but would prefer the sock if that worked well enough.

[@walterwatkins8599]

@@JohnSkinnerFishing Thank you , John. Really enjoy your videos, both those from NY and FL.

[@ChrisBhris222]

Hey john i heard robins taste like porgy you should do a catch and cook episode 😂😂😂

[@jackh7545]

John, is the tip of the rod (tsunami classic mh) cut around 4 inch from top?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

no

[@vm859]

Try the app called Windy. Really good app and gives you direction and wind flow by the hour.

[@michaelarma4468]

Hi John long time . Do you find that Windfinder is not as accurate as in the past? They say 5 and it blows 25. I dint get it!!

[@pedrogomez3168]

What style of boat you got their John. I’m looking for something like that.

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

1974 16' Starcraft Holiday converted to a Center Console

[@dirtbikerida63]

how do you keep track of what marks mean what fish? If i placed that many marks i would never remember what kind of fish i was catching there

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

I don't care what specific fish is represented by a mark. If I made a mark, it was for a good reason, and with time I'll have clusters of them that will show the hotspots.

[@DannyD1199]

Gotta start eating the sea robins lol.

[@EricJStriper]

Do a Sea Robin catch and cook!

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

It's been done a thousand times by others.

[@thomassavino6223]

Hey John! What ounce bucktails were you using?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

1.5

[@bestmusic9879]

can you catch blue fish or strippers in the same spot if you changed gear? or is it that time of day is just really fluke time.

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Yes, right on that ledge that goes 15-90 feet.

[@addisonearley2766]

Have you tried plugbait, company based out of nj make gulp alternative

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

I have, but too early to tell. I need to get on a more consistent bite with some other guys on the boat to compare to.

[@jaepark54]

John, Have you try to look forecast with windy,com? My experience, works well. Thanks for vids I enjoy all your vids.

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

I'll be doing that. Have had a couple of suggestions on that. Thanks.

[@lornehargis2614]

Yes windy.com is pretty good. Scroll all the way down and it gives you the marine forecast

[@reddjohnson9728]

Love the Etec. How do you like it?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

No issues. It's a 2009.

[@reddjohnson9728]

Seems to push your boat well.

[@Flukeallday]

Mr. John, I notice you set the hook hard on fluke. I’ve been yelled at for that.

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

That's silly. Bury the hook. If you miss them they'll come back even angrier.

[@vipergeddy]

How dose that work with the drift sock and the trolling motor

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

I use the sock to cut down on the wind pushing me too hard and the motor to run a track I want. Never both at the same time.

[@vipergeddy]

@@JohnSkinnerFishing oh thanks for the info

[@xxoczukxx]

What kind of boat is that, it seems perfect for one or two people!

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

1974 16' Starcraft

[@xxoczukxx]

@@JohnSkinnerFishing Thanks, John! now ive got to scour craigslist for one in good condition!

[@adamcosta4610]

Picked up 3 nice keepers yesterday in 20 mph winds. John, how big is your drift sock we have similar boats?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

44''

[@adamcosta4610]

John Skinner Fishing thank you

[@CP-rp7yp]

meteorology, the only job you get paid big bucks for being wrong

[@Thecoralreefaquarium]

I always add 5mph to the predicted weather forecast 10 to15 becomes 15 to 20mph and that at times is modest. I don't get it millions of dollars in weather equipment and they most often get it wrong. Mr weather b did a better job with his weather balloons in Central Park back in the sixties !

[@christopherball9227]

Sea robins are good in a ceviche (which I did a week ago) or a bouillabaisse (Le Bernardin's chef use it in recipe). Some French recipe's here: behind-the-french-menu.blogspot.com/2016/06/rascasse-scorpion-or-sea-robin-family.html

[@mulletoutdooradventures6286]

Was this Saturday? Cause I got smoked down south in Jersey. 5to10kt was more like 20to25

[@jiggingjerks]

Mullet Outdoor Adventures same for us but in Montauk. Reports were all crap

[@mulletoutdooradventures6286]

Is that a 16ft Starcraft? I got a 16 I use now. What hp is that motor? I rrun a 25 honda on mine but I want a bit more speed as I have run that boat to the AC ridge on nice days for mahi and would like to get there or home a bit quicker

[@jiggingjerks]

Mullet Outdoor Adventures yes on the Starcraft. John’s has a 40 HP on it. I believe he told me he found out it’s actually rated for up to 85 HP. Can’t imagine the speed with an 85 on the back!

[@jamesps7515]

You’re retired now. Go get yourself a nice carolina skiff from the boat show next year. Sweet prices and you deserve a nice new boat

[@stephenrankin2078]

Man do I miss the east end after living in Montauk for many years. Live in Fl now. Fishing can compare to the end

[@brooklynanglerfishing]

If your looking to sell that boat John I would love to purchase it

[@nelboogie6642]

Do you kill the sea robins or just throw them back?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Throw them back. People kill them?

[@s0meguy809]

@@JohnSkinnerFishing People are sadistic. I've fished on piers and seen people bash baby sharks against the pier and throw them back for no reason other than they like to gather around piers.

[@Pbairsoftman]

Seems like Sea Robins are the croaker of the Northeast, lol.

[@josephoberle6346]

HOPE YOU CAN SWIM JOHN

[@sobe1knobe]

at least you can float... so what do you say if you are on land and you cannot catch fish? :)

[@michaelchen1217]

You can eat sea robin. It's very good

[@gregoryguitars6291]

I am a 46 year old boat too. Is that a Starcraft Mariner by any chance?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Starcraft Holiday converted to CC

[@brooklynanglerfishing]

Great video again John, great to see how to fish in all weather conditions. Wish I had a chance to fish with you one day. Check out my surf fishing videos from Brooklyn and Staten Island.

[@eviljinsi]

the app has not been accurate lately and it doesnt work for me, i have been using the website and look at forecast and use the max wind as what it is going to be out

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

I checked the website and NOAA before heading out. They were just way off.

[@eviljinsi]

@@JohnSkinnerFishing ive been going out in the kayak, windfinder says 8mph and max 15. Its 15-20 constant. But this year has been funny

[@wagnersantana_]

Isn't good a windy day to fish.

[@theangrypainter826]

We used the same rigs, just not the same luck lol.