How To Tie A Simple Rig And Catch Lots of Bottom Fish!

[@dashriprock5720]

I've fished the Connecticut side of the Sound my whole life. I've always targeted blues and striped bass (land based surfcasting) John encompasses the whole gamut of North East fishing. These videos are really awesome and educational. Humble, not at all arrogant lessons.

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

I appreciate those kind words. Thanks!

[@twotoned2774]

I'll tell my buddies in 15 or 20 years John Skinner taught me this knot while catching blackfish.

[@7citiesfishing]

THE best rig for bottom fishing. Change my mind

[@steelheadchad]

I use this kind of set up mostly on a river that have strong current. Really works great. Tightlines!👍🏼🎣😎

[@briancarroll8382]

Thanks for the tutorial, greatly appreciated. It’s been easy to keep overthinking things so really like to see why sticking with a strong, basic setup works consistently well.

[@PeterRanieriII]

That looked like a lot of fun with that setup pullin em up 100’. Nice to see the cod are around! Thanks for sharing

[@bkingvt33]

A tip regarding sinker snags in the rocks. I attach a rubber to the sinker loop, then attach the sinker to the rubber band.

[@michaelhornung7266]

Nice trip. Back to basics

[@Cookingthingsneworleans]

This is my go to rig setup.

[@leonelchavarin1168]

Me too bro this is the only way I used to know and my buddies thought it wasn’t an actual rig they thought I was just bad at rigging which I was 😂

[@brokeguyshomestead6227]

Wow you are a good fisherman

[@bluedogron]

@John Skinner Fishing, When you broke off the sinker I thought of a trick we use in the rocks. You hook the sinker on with a rubber band so the band breaks easier when snagged up. Saves some hook and gets the fish.

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Nice. Another comment mentioned a paper clip. Another good suggestion.

[@curtisg.8671]

John, I'd like to see more slow pitch action with the blackfish. Those rods really are fun paired with a small lever drag. Got me addicted even more with these fish.

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

The rod I used here is the spinning version of the Tsunami or Maxel slow pitch rod.

[@brooklynanglerfishing]

This rig works great. Works a lot better than snafu rigs when the current is rough.

[@georgemerritt2468]

Yeah john here in Delaware we cut the green crabs in half on the boat ride out and ass for the shell I always take mine of and Iv always got naild soon as we hit the bottom so I dont think they loose any juices and flavor

[@trifishgulfcoast5608]

Great Video! I use a dropper loop often. I sometimes make the loop large like you did. Then where you pinch it to put the loop through the hook, I cut it. So there now 2 tags. I trim one down to a quarter inch or so. Then with the other tag, I snell my hook on. I feel I get a better hook up ratio with the snell.

[@omardominguez6085]

Great video guys thank you so much danny10

[@Teach_1ne]

I’m definitely going to try this! Thank you so much.. I’ve been putting snelled hooks on my dropper loop and sometimes it gets tangled around my leader between the loop and the sinker. This should eliminate that.

[@afout07]

I use this rig for sheepshead quite a bit

[@rab321]

IMO... When learning to tie that rig it’s easier to do the dropper loop first leaving a long tag line for the sinker loop. Makes setting the hook height easier tying the sinker loop last. Great video!

[@jqwanacosta3764]

Tried this rig today, definitely got way more bites and didn’t have to worry about snagging

[@NFiltr8Red]

I do the same minus the bottom knot..... use a Uni knot but with only one wrap so it can slip out of snagged. Best was to save gear!

[@mixumup1]

YUP tie another right on

[@user-jj9hd5ke2e]

You should try some fly fishing in Florida over the winter

[@kevintaglich5659]

Well done sir. Appreciate the how to video

[@richardfuchs5131]

At risk of echoing another comment. A simple overhand knot above the loop knot makes it easier to snap off when the weight is hung up. And if you tie a long leader, you can switch the dropper loop to the weight loop and you tie a new dropper above it.

[@billywilliams548]

Good vid👍

[@jeffreybabino1411]

Great video thanks

[@anthonygregorio2208]

I had a guy tell me he ties another knot above the surgeon loop that the sinker is attached to. That way if you get snagged a quick tug on the line will snap the line at the knot. He also said he’ll put a paper clip to the sinker sometimes that makes it easy to lose the sinker if your snagged.

[@samzeilman3301]

Why would you want to lose the most expensive part of the right lmao ?

[@samzeilman3301]

Never understood that

[@anthonygregorio2208]

@@samzeilman3301 Would u rather lose just the sinker or the fish and the sinker?

[@samzeilman3301]

@@anthonygregorio2208 ahhh 10/4 I see

[@thaddeus46]

Old school, baby. Interesting to see where it may be appropriate to use. Curious as to your choice of spinning outfit as opposed to conventional. I would also think you would want a rod with a little more backbone. Shell on shell off. It's all in the details. Nice vid. Can't wait for your Florida exploits.

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

I feel like I can go from setting the hook to cranking faster with spin gear, and that's important to keep the fish out of the structure. That rod is tougher than it looks, and is rated 20-50# and up to 6 ounces.

[@spike.strat1318]

Great question and answer, I was wondering the same thing.👍

[@LongIslandLethals]

Great video John! Those currents can wear you out after a few hours and some big fish. Not my cup of tea either.

[@jkgkjgkijk]

Nice motors

[@19tshrike]

Nice to see all that action. Whenever I try clams in hopes of Cod the spiny dogs show up (nj coast)

[@AM-el4iv]

My dad been fishing with this technique for 40 years and always catches snapper from the surf in the Caribbean. Shells off work because of the incredible smell the crabs will have.

[@jeffreybabino1411]

Hi John I fish a rig very similar to this down in Florida we have to use a circle hook thats the only difference I use this from piers and bridges thanks

[@jeffg8674]

what do you think of a swivel on all your bottom rigs and a anglers clip on the braid so each time you reuse that rig your not shorting it by retying it over, or is that too much tackle. What do you think of the same for your leader for swim baits.

[@markscher8691]

John, have you ever tried using Dipsy sinkers, aka bass-casting sinkers? So much better than bank sinkers. They have a swivel that prevents the line from abraiding on the lead, and helps prevent twisting.

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

I rarely use sinkers, so haven't tried them.

[@ralphzaccaria7420]

What do you think of the T-knot instead of the dropper loop. Do you think it’s as strong? I think it keeps the line at a stiffer right angle.

[@alexaimee5663]

In my experience the best rig for bottom fishing is the high low rig

[@TimRodriguezz]

Yeah this did not help at all it’s so confusing I need you to slow down step by step and a rope not a line I can’t see it

[@neilelbourn9241]

Try a two hook flapper they are good for bottom fishing

[@MS-vy4sj]

John, I love your videos and watch them all the time. Did you ever consider a J-style hook out? You'll save time and don't have to handle the fish, which can't be too good for them. Really comes in handy on a red-hot jig bite.

[@christopherball9227]

When will we get more of the underwater footage from the prior video? Would be nice to see the small hits v. big hits below.

[@rileydubiel5163]

What rod is that

[@juans3728]

A lot of fun, don't you just love it when everyone is fishing for the same species and when you're hooked the guys next to you remark ' BlackFish"?

[@jeffreybabino1411]

I use a surgeons loop knot

[@TheWojoPL]

To fast cant see but worked tho haha thanks gonna go and try it out later :D cheers from Iceland

[@pnekz3669]

Can we add more branches to the line? and will it affect the strength of the main line ?

[@hendrixman1996]

Great vid super simple. Do you think it's possible to tie a similar rig but with two hook loops?

[@quarterkid1113]

Whats up john when and are you going down to florida this year or r u not going this year cuz or covid

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

You'll start seeing Florida vids in the next couple of weeks. I've never fished down there in the Fall, so it will be another learning process.

[@jonnyboy513]

Someone get Halkias a T shirt that says “Need a net?”

[@gennerobootz6490]

What length and power is that rod your using

[@TomyTekOutdoors]

This is a great simple rig I've been using for years. Nice action on the boat. I hope to get after them soon. It's interesting that you started catching after taking off the shelf.

[@georgemerritt2468]

What size and name are the hooks you use mr john? Bc iv been haven them brake the hooks of been using but I'm afraid to go any larger

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

4/0

[@georgemerritt2468]

Thank u sir for the information

[@ericfrancis7816]

Cod are on my bucket list, though they'll have to wait until I have a boat. :) What was your limit for cod there? And what's your favorite way to cook 'em?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

21 inches, not sure on bag limit. We looked it up but I forgot. Maybe 10. Deep fried in pancake batter!

[@rumdab]

How long is the leader line?

[@CP-rp7yp]

interesting to see some cod. have you fished for blackfish in the spring before?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Not in many years. I used to catch big ones from the beach years ago. My two biggest were 12.75 and slightly over 15# on May 1, May 3 respectively.

[@nicolaskvasnovsky]

John I tried to read most of the comments and had a couple of questions. What is your suggestion if you need to use a circle hook do you tie it the same way? In Maryland I have used this rig before and also this season. I have a bait runner reel or have less drag on the other one. In the spring I use whole bloodworms for rockfish/striped bass with this method obviously with a way lighter weight?

[@michaelfredericksantos1598]

john if i used circle hook is that okay

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Sure.

[@RayA-rt6tp]

We might need a Marine Biologist...George Costanza to the rescue!

[@patskiepats3320]

Where is this place and what’s the name of the boat did you guys ride in?

[@gerardamitranno8837]

What size seaugar line are you using for there ? , I like .that the line for the hook is sturdy ,almost straight out . What size hook is that too?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

40#

[@AnitaLangellier]

I can't see clearly how the loops are made. Any other step by step tutorial? I am going our blue and croaker fishing on Sunday and want something simple but effective

[@wildturkey9275]

John at 13:27 that fish appears to have barotrauma (rapid decompression). If it wasn't a keeper do you have any suggestions on how to put it back?

[@CP-rp7yp]

what would be different if i made a surgeons loop?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Instead of the dropper loop? If so, it would not stand out as well.

[@Loscasting]

Hey John! What type of loop you use to tie the sinker?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Surgeons loop is fine.

[@Loscasting]

Thanks John!

[@timrudy4359]

Did Rick use a wreck anchor in the heavy current?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

It was a conventional anchor rigged in some way with zip ties that made it easy to break those and pull it out. Sorry I don't have a better description.

[@wildturkey9275]

Attach the chain to the base of the anchor by the flukes. Then at mid point up shank use a zip tie to attach chain to shank. And at other end use another zip tie to attach chain to end of shank. If anchor becomes wedged you can break the zip ties and then you can potentially lift the flukes up out of the rock or whatever it is stuck on.

[@Ghost-sz7uo]

can i use this same rig for porgies?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

yes, with smaller hooks

[@crypticcartelcollective677]

As captain rick would say ! Who put ya on the fish ???

[@torycange1]

Hey John, what kind of rod you using on that slammer...it is a slammer right? And if so what size reel

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

It's a maxel rod. There's a link in the video description.

[@jeffreybabino1411]

Courtesy of it Vic dunaway

[@انامواطن-م1ع]

Hello Juhan Stadium, I am from Libya and a fan and beneficiary of your experiences in the field of fishing I would like to ask you a question and I am a little embarrassed because it is far from the topic of the episode and I hope you will answer it My question is, what is the best fishing rod with a spinning technology from the beach, with a length of 3 meters or 2.70 Thank you very much

[@انامواطن-م1ع]

in the range of 100 to 150 dollars

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Tsunami Trophy II, like this one bit.ly/2H0TohL

[@انامواطن-م1ع]

As much as I am very pleased with your quick response and concern for John Stadium Doesn't it seem out of the market, is there no other solution? Accept my greetings

[@AlexandreDOBARIA]

👍👍👍👍🎣🎣🎣😀😀😀😀👌👌👌👌

[@mattt7839]

Hey John, great video has always. How do you think the Nexus jigging setup that you use for Fluke would work on Tog?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

I prefer spinning, but Rick has been using his Nexus fluke setup and seems happy with it.

[@mattt7839]

@@JohnSkinnerFishing Thanks for the reply, figured it would be a nice rod to use for the jigs when fishing Tog.

[@amirjefry]

you don’t use swivel ? i’m confused. first, weight is sitting at very bottom, and then you tie it with T where the bait is placed. and then what connect the fishing line from reel machine to bait ? or just direct line ?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

I use a swivel between the leader in main line.

[@amirjefry]

@@JohnSkinnerFishing ahh i see thank you sir 👍🏻

[@JJMGBC]

Man I wish I lived closer to the ocean

[@garyreagan6887]

What is the brand name of the metal boat your fishing from this day?

[@danperagallo4804]

I quickly googled it based on the opening scene where I saw “Blu J”. I am guessing: Metal Shark - Fearless 32 kzbin.info/www/bejne/bWmbnqpop9Gta5Y

[@TheRustedHook]

You need a need a net??..need the net??...Neeed the net??..You think you want the net ??? Need the net ?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Nah - I'll swing it.

[@jefemaximo2537]

@@JohnSkinnerFishing At the risk of jinxing myself, I don't think I've ever lost a tog / blackfish that I swung. Those leathery lips of theirs hold the hooks pretty well.

[@jeffreybabino1411]

The only thing I do is adjust the distance from the hook to the sinker

[@miamiwax5504]

try a T dropper

[@anthonygregorio2208]

Hey John. Do you think a tsunami evict 3000 with 20# braid is sufficient for deeper blackfishing applications? Or would you recommend a 4000?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Definitely the 3K is good. They're sized a little large.

[@anthonygregorio2208]

@@JohnSkinnerFishing Also one more question about the tube and worm if you don’t mind. What speed and weight do you recommend when trolling?

[@rtorres3442]

John, When you're using this style of fishing for blackfish do you leave a bow in the line? I've heard you have to do this with braid or you're bouncing/not on the bottom. Personally I've had more success with mono as opposed to braid. Thoughts?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

I feel strongly that mono is a terrible choice for this, and most fishing. It is much thicker and less sensitive than braid and creates a lot of drag in the water. I don't leave a bow in the line. I keep gentle contact with the rig.

[@rtorres3442]

Yes, I agree. There's a big difference in the two. Will try that gentle approach. Thanks John. Tight lines!

[@risangkurniawan]

@@JohnSkinnerFishing so if im using braid, braid -> snap -> rig its ok?

[@BOURNE354]

you sound like Howard Stern all of use guys do

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Where are you from that you think that?

[@BOURNE354]

Im from the East Coast Howard

[@juanrodriguez-mu7ko]

Hey I would’ve kept those seabass

[@robertgerber2533]

I like that rig but why don’t you put a second hook on a few inches above. I always do better with 2 pieces of bait hanging in front of them. The next time I go blackfishing I’m going to try using a jig with a dropper loop and hook above it.

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

I don't want a second hook for fishing in heavy structure because it increases snags, especially when a big fish takes you into the structure.

[@robertgerber2533]

@@JohnSkinnerFishing Good point

[@FishingLongIsland]

Here is a link to tying a perfect dropper loop. kzbin.info/www/bejne/nWHYd32br5tjrs0

[@user-dc9bq1nn9n]

where abouts were you fishing ? off fisher island? how big of a trolling motor is needed for that size boat? whats the cutoff to using the trolloing motor to fish, 2 knot current or more?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Near Fishers. It's a 36-volt trolling motor, whatever the longest shaft length is (87''?). That's a 32' boat. If the current is running > 2 knots, you'll probably want to anchor.

[@user-dc9bq1nn9n]

thanks for the reply. If you had a choice of boating out of mattituck inlet marina or sterling harbor marina in greenport, which would you choose? and why?

[@archieoutdoors1776]

I've never caught a Cod Fish, never eaten it either. I wonder what is tastes like

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

They're my favorite.

[@archieoutdoors1776]

@@JohnSkinnerFishing I'll have to try to get one next season and try it out

[@pjbradley80]

“Is anyone here a marine biologist?”

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

I'm glad someone caught that!

[@darinscheideler]

The sea was angry that day, my friends.

[@jobino511]

"Like an old man trying to send soup back at a deli."

[@gerardamitranno8837]

Not a netter ???? Nice size fish !!

[@alberte854]

Hey john, Any good reels to pair with a TSUNAMI CARBON SHIELD II for fluke? using for surf and boat. looking to spend 100-200. thanks love your channel!

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Definitely this bit.ly/2ICzn37

[@jackgriffith9229]

The trouble with posts like this is that now these fishermen can’t tell any juicy fish stories about it! Everyone knows a good fish story when they hear one but they watch the post!!

[@michaelyunnn]

Were you using 10 oz this trip? How heavy of a sinker can that rod handle?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

6 ounces for me.

[@jeffreybabino1411]

Iam sure you know who that is

[@israelponce4909]

Did not really explain how to make a loop for the sinker. You did it too fast !!!

[@quarterkid1113]

First

[@FCF-Crossfire]

A little more time on the knot and a lot less watching you fish would be better

[@juliaallen7149]

Only $24.86 for 5 pounds of 3 oz sinkers!

[@andrewcapone3345]

Skinner is not interested in a net at all for these fish! In his defense, these fish aren't built to shake a hook like fluke are.