One Jig and Strip Caught 43 Bass on a Rocky Beach!

Surfcasting was on fire as striped bass piled into the rocks ahead of an approaching wind storm. This video demonstrates how bucktail jigs can be fished very effectively in exceptionally rocky environments without snagging the structure. We'll also look at the seasonal progression as we watch two wild surf fishing sessions a few weeks apart.
-----Gear and Stuff-----
Online Fishing Course Discounts - www.saltstrong.com/skinner
Bucktail Lure - bit.ly/3iRqOz3
Jig Bait Strip - bit.ly/2A4uk6t
Skinner Rod - bit.ly/3lqoIss
Tsunami Rod - amzn.to/3jOrF3O
Reel 6000 - amzn.to/3onGFco
Reel 4000 - bit.ly/34MpbP6
Waders - amzn.to/3mJrOY9
Line - amzn.to/3omGaiU
Leader - amzn.to/37BAYlm
Lure Clip - bit.ly/2zhVKCw
Pliers (similar) - amzn.to/3dR3MWj
Surf Bag - amzn.to/3bhqjfu
belt plier holder: bit.ly/2n3g0Xa
belt boga carrier: bit.ly/2mx4vXZ
Boga Grip: bit.ly/2PN4ltr
Surf Belt: amzn.to/310g2hJ
Video Camera - amzn.to/2TKA12e
John Skinner Striper Pursuit Book - amzn.to/3ceIQYp
---The Above are Affiliate Links

[@jbird020501]

Started fishing the buck tail 3 years ago and last year I came into my own with them. Hands down one of if not my favorite lures!!

[@TheBeefSlayer]

Holly crap! I don’t think I’ve even had a day of bluegill fishing be this good! So many nice fish!

[@travisalexphoto]

My last day of fishing the salt will be tomorrow Nov. 3rd here in Rhode Island. Got into a lot of Death Rats over in Rowayton, CT this past weekend, so I know the time is up. It's been the best season I have ever had, watching you and a few other guys who give great tips. Thanks for making this year a good one with all your advice.

[@theluvyoumake]

I love all your videos they're very inspirational and informative. Thank you for the videos.

[@danielscofield7987]

I love all of you videos man! Great fishing!!!

[@thelinecook]

What action you had out there! You make this look easy!!! Great video

[@FishingZebra]

@1:15 that's so neat seeing all the bass swimming right within feet of you!

[@smokster0604]

Awesome some fine fishing from one of the best....

[@Outdooradventures01]

The videos will never be too long

[@secretjourney4815]

nice work John. Love seeing my old place on there.

[@lenorafurniture8744]

whats the place and where

[@secretjourney4815]

@@lenorafurniture8744 Bwah ha ha ha ha ha ha hah ahahahahahahahahahahaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa....... "East of Lyra, northwest of Pegasus, near the light of Deneb..."

[@troynjpoolplayer6604]

This is Skinners honey hole. Blues,Bass,Blackfish, Albies. oh my! Thanks for the videos.

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Actually, it's a stretch of beach I've fished only once, about 10 years ago. It just happened to be where the fish led me yesterday. I forgot to mention that in addition to keeping fishing gear in the truck, there's always a pair of binoculars.

[@danielrivera2247]

@@JohnSkinnerFishing Northern shore? Paconic?

[@ericnoble3423]

I love the fact you crush the barbs. Easier on you and the fish. Wish more people did that especially on schoolies.

[@josephmasone1478]

October ✅ Stiff N Wind for days bf Halloween✅ Moon Tide ✅ Cloud & Fog Cover ✅ Clean Outgoing Water ✅ Thought for sure this video was going to be a 40lb+ striper on a rigged eel John. Hopefully being edited as we speak.

[@mitchprates5414]

Ive been skunked for 2 weeks in long island u make it look so easy lol great job

[@TamponTea]

Long Island is fucked. Im in the center Moriches area i caught 2 keeper flukes last year one was 26 inchs and about 9 short bass.

[@georgemerritt2468]

Thanks for the information as always learn something new every video I watch of yours maybe a dream of mine will come true and I'll be able to go fishing with you one day definitely would love to go fluke fishing with you or off the beach striper fishing like this video

[@jefemaximo2537]

It’s a similar situation up here in southern MA with the fish size. A single hook bucktail with a crushed barb is so much better than nasty treble hooks - especially when the fish are small. There’s no need to tear up these small fish.

[@Janotes]

I have been crushing barbs and eliminating trebles where practical for years. My favorite is the 7" Redfin Swimmer. I have done away with the rear treble and replaced with a buck tail. In some cases made with no hook. The belly hook is now a single Hook arrangement. I realized 99% of My stripers are going for the belly hook. I cannot understand why tackle manufacturers dont take the lead in conservation and make tackle More "fish friendly ".

[@manuelmelchizedek4309]

You make it look easy

[@fredfrissell4487]

Great fish to target, used to fish for Rockfish down around Oregon Inlet and the Mann's Harbor Bridge, back in the late 90's, tightlines................

[@dannyrc223]

Great fishing again Thank you for your videos good reason to look at KZbin. Dan Mex.

[@jparryprodeal]

I really admired the way you handle the fish, if it were me I am sure I get poke and injured by their sharp spines.

[@quarterkid1113]

First time im early love your videos john

[@Patrick-ni7bs]

I caught my first stripe bass last year was a really small one. Hope to catch more this year

[@michaelcelotto6743]

True sportsman releasing what your not eating

[@fishhubbd]

It is indeed a Nice content!!!!

[@owenthunderguns3608]

Just bought your bucktail book :)

[@djphStrumCaster]

Great video as always, John. Thank you! When are you headed back to FL?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Mid November

[@djphStrumCaster]

@@JohnSkinnerFishing I'll be looking forward to seeing your future videos from there. Safe travels!

[@MongoDAoC]

Love your videos John. Your training videos on saltstrong are also really amazing. Thank you. I live in oyster bay (LI) and have never found a productive spot like this. Do you hold the rod between your legs? Is there a benefit to holding it like that vs the hip?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Yes, between the legs. I feel I get more leverage that way.

[@1through11]

Rhode island fall run in charleston going strong, lots of atlantic mackerel mixed in with stripers

[@kylem-whaley9609]

I havent gotten any bass over 29in from the breachway this year, but there was obserd amounts of 25 - 27in fish.

[@stinkymonke8621]

A stray keeper here in NJ on the surf the boat fishing has been phenomenal though

[@1through11]

@@kylem-whaley9609 I probably seen you there my friend works at the tackle shop were usually there 4 to 5 times a week in the summer

[@kylem-whaley9609]

@@1through11 I work at breachway bait and tackle. What's your friends name?

[@heyjoejp]

I totally crushed it in that area. It was a summer/fall to remember. I Released ALL fish.

[@dieguezsnook3209]

Very good brohter bucktail whait Is best 💪🎣😀 yo ya estoy haciendo mis bucktail para los robalos snook ! común mente se conocen como plumeros !!

[@NYSeaNile]

I’ve been killing it with a white or silver bucktail and red split tail strip. Not getting any luck with green or white strips for some reason. Fishing off south shore jones beach.

[@joegrande4848]

Awesome

[@MongoDAoC]

Picked up your wader recommendation, thanks! Also picked up some of your buck tails. They look so full, looking forward to using them. How long do you stay in an area? I tend to stay in one spot all day but only get a few fish at the most for the day.

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

It depends the fishing. On this trip I was just following fish. Otherwise if I'm searching I tend to move along and make 2 or 3 casts before moving a little.

[@architectjk]

Great video! Would you tell me what time you've been fishing?

[@billreid4597]

Hey John, thanks for another great video. Could you tell me about those waders?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

There's a link in the video description - Frogg Toggs

[@shannononeal5410]

I love all of the videos that you produced with fishing a buck tail would you ever run a teaser above it about 2 ft up the line for stripe bass fishing? Or just straight bucktail?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Never a teaser for me with a bucktail. It cuts into distance and interferes with the jig presentation.

[@reyestaina9911]

Muy bueno efectivo señuelo lo nesesito 👏

[@SneakersAnonymousMatt]

I wish I knew these spots lmao love striper fishing but dont know any good spots like these in south jersey

[@hendrasinaga7056]

Best Fishing Video Sir Amazing Video I am Angler Big Monster Eel Sir 👍

[@depompo220]

I fish raritan bay and this fall has been nothing but an infestation of dog fish. I even drifted eels and they went through all my eels. Any type of bait that's not artificial they go for. I have even can't a big dog fish that spit up a big spider crab. Anyways your videos are great iv learned a lot from them!

[@robg836]

John, all of these videos with new rods and reels are nice and all but how about an old school trip with the Penn 704z and lami? Would be nice to hear your comments about your old setups vs new in a video

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

The lami rods I've used since 1990 (GSBs) are very similar to the GSBs I still use. The Dark Matter is similar in action, but lighter in weight than the old lami blanks. I was never a fan of the 704, but a big fan of the 706 because of that big ball bearing noisy line roller that is very braid friendly. The big difference for me in the reels I use now vs the 706 is that the new reels have instant anti-reverse. No more slop and broken gears on the hookset.

[@andrewvillanueva4222]

East coast stripers are so numerous and huge. Very healthy fishery. I wish the west coast stripers were as healthy fishery.

[@jdmmarcelo10]

No south shore this year john ? There were some decent fish this past few weeks

[@davidkuperschmid5274]

Yesterday found acres of schoolies in first cove west of Orient Point. F,ish had sea lice so must have come in from ocean rather than points further west. Bite turned on after tide turn. Unfortunately a bunch of blues joined the party off and on. Water temp was about 55 but closer to 51 in open Gardiner's Bay.

[@usobninja14]

Effin sweet mr skinner, than was out last week during the storm on the south shore, had over 100 bass in one 5 hour night fishing session, good size schoolies too, most 24-27” with a good few slot fish in the mix, a few under 24” but not many at all, lost a real nice fish after my 30# leader snapped also, guess that’s part of wat keeps ya comin back hahaha, tight lines and good health

[@christopherball9227]

26 Sep. afternoon had similar-sized bite off Fire Island. But horsing them in through the undertow is hard.

[@TheBeefSlayer]

Gotta make sure your line is good and retie when you need to. 😊 Seen so many people lose big fish because they didn’t retie after getting stuck on cover or fighting big fish and then not checking the line for damage. Also people using lures with rust on the hooks and then the hook breaks.

[@aos7194]

When you come back to Florida, could you try using some of your lures like this to target flounder and other fish? I've tried Otter Tails here in Tampa with no luck.

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Definitely a good snook lure. Tarpon too.

[@harty2313]

Hey John. Love the videos bud! Can anyone fish those beaches on the Long Island sound? Or are there some private beaches as well there that you can’t fish?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Good question with a complicated and ever-changing answer. It depends on the township, and the rules have been tightening the last couple of years. You'll need to check with whatever town hall has the control.

[@joegrande4848]

@John Skinner Fishing I can't seem to find 3/4 oz bucktail all I can find is 1oz. Also 1.5 oz a 1/2 an a quarter oz. Is a 1/4 or 1/2 oz good to use?

[@theseptopus]

Another killer session, John! I was happy with my one 15" striper yesterday here in RI. Question: Do you have any experience with Gear-Up surf bags and how they might compare to the Canyon bag that you use?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

I haven't tried a gear-up. I wish the Canyons had more Velcro.

[@theseptopus]

@@JohnSkinnerFishing Thanks! This is still useful data.

[@jimmysweeney5413]

@@theseptopus Gear up are really really high quality but you pay for it not me tho

[@theseptopus]

@@jimmysweeney5413 thanks, Sweeney!

[@derekalexander4030]

You’re amazing, 43 strippers in a video. I haven’t caught 43 strippers in my lifetime. But I will...... thanks to your videos.

[@lisafsk8er606]

Any videos on when to use various shape bucktails? I am never sure which shape for various applications.

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

If you stay with something like a smiling bill or a ball head you're fine.

[@danpacleb790]

when you travel, what setup do you take with you? with luggage size restrictions do you take a 2-piece rod...which one? thanks for the sharing of your knowledge. now that the kids are all on their own and i'm pretty much semi retired, i hope to make regular trips to America's 3 coasts (east west and gulf) and enjoy what i left behind in Hawaii years ago. Aloha

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

When I was doing some Keys fishing a few years back I flew Southwest Airlines and they allowed a 7-ft tube at no extra charge. I fit three or four 7-foot 1-piece rods in that. Check with your airline.

[@johnnydelgado5459]

Hey John, just curious if you prefer the dark matter rod over your lamiglass version for other reason other than portability? Thanks for the great footage.

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

I do prefer the Dark Matter. I had control over the action on how this one was made so I was able to tweak it a bit to better handle lures in the 2.5-3-ounce range. As this video shows, it's just fine with an ounce too. Actually a 3/4-ounce bucktail is fine on this rod as well.

[@johnnydelgado5459]

@@JohnSkinnerFishing thanks for the response John I have the lami glass version and I would like to try the dark matter in the future to feel the difference between the two.

[@FishiganMilligan]

That’s one of favorite baits! Caught a nice pompano (my pb) the other day on it.

[@davidkim5374]

John S ... I'm a big fan of yours ... I have all your books and follow your channel. I ordered a bunch of stuff (incl your bucktails) from JH and had friends order from there as well. It's been NOT A GOOD experience ordering from JH. Items that say were in stock, are not, and there are delays in orders. BUT most frustrating is the lack of communication from them on the delays or even email confirmations. My friends and I are frustrated ...

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

I know they've been slammed this year with Covid shifting so much to online. What's made it very difficult is that the manufacturers are so cleaned out and even they don't know when they'll have product.

[@nickd4363]

Hey John, When would you say the season is basically over (fish gone) for those who surfcast for bass on eastern LI? Used to only fish with friends in summer, but now have own gear and want to keep going!

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

It will depend on weather, but all of November should be in play.

[@michaelinraleigh]

Rockfish season is coming

[@derysalazar6437]

I got a 43 too with white bucktail from jiging world

[@scottbecker5700]

Great video John! How’s your fingers?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

All good

[@skid3339]

long island sound?

[@georgezgreek]

John ! what's your swivel and leader attached too ? braid or mono ?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

The main line is braid. Leader is Seaguar Fluoro.

[@striperhunter-ic2wt]

John if it got down to it would you fish the bucktail with nothing on it?has that produced for you?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Yes. Especially ones like this with the hackle feathers extending beyond the deer hair.

[@FishingZebra]

I'm definitely going to try to use bucktails this year for the first time. I bought some of your bucktail series. John do you prefer the split tail or the squiggly tail for the jig strips?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

split

[@FishingZebra]

@@JohnSkinnerFishing Thanks, that's what I picked up before hand. Excellent. Great videos. I've been combing over a lot of them getting prepared for the season up here in Masachusetts!

[@cooleo4158]

How do like your waders? I was thinking of purchasing a pair but wasn’t sure how they hold up.

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Second season on these. Still good.

[@richarddorfman9858]

Hey John great video once again... I'm on North shore long island, care to share that spot?

[@TamponTea]

Hes not sharing that spot lol. I'm center Moriches area. No good fish around here. Porgi on the Northshore is easy fishing.

[@Peter-zg3em]

do you fish bucktails a lot at night? thinking about something to get a little lower than SP minnows that tracks and casts better than a sluggo, without getting into a bigger plug while i mimic sandeels and silversides.

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Absolutely, but lower and slower than during the day, which usually means less weight.

[@Peter-zg3em]

@@JohnSkinnerFishing perfect. giving it a shot tonight.

[@charlesmurray1220]

Do you tie directly to the bucktail, use a clip, or a short cable leader?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

75# tactical anglers clip

[@hannahsetareh5961]

what are the places called where you fish ?

[@ATREZ0123]

Would you typically use a Smiling Bill Bucktail in this type of bay area? Or is it all you had with you? Like you said?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

This is exactly what I use in this environment.

[@StevenZhuang]

Unbelievable I can't imagine this is new england

[@richardreich4660]

The reel is bailless, the Tsunami TSSTX4000/6000 SaltX have bails. Is there a bailless model?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

They come with bails and a bailess conversion kit so it's easy to choose.

[@Eoghanbass2000]

Hi John, planning a trip from Ireland over to target stripers next year. If you could pick one month to plan it for, when would it be if you dont mind me asking..?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Where are you going.

[@Eoghanbass2000]

@@JohnSkinnerFishing Well we can go anywhere as not booked so anywhere you think would be good. I'd be happy with a few half decent fish from the shore. Not looking to break any records. Thanks

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

If my life absolutely depended on catching quality bass from shore, I'd be looking at the Cape Cod Canal in the summer. That said, I have not and will never fish there because of the crowds. I'm probably 3 hours from there, about half of that ferry. You would need to do some careful research and planning, as you need to be there for the "breaking tides" around the New and Full Moons. DJ Muller has a good canal book you could start with, then contact those local tackle shops. If you want to be on the sand and some nice rocky shorelines, I guess Montauk in late September/early October.

[@Eoghanbass2000]

@@JohnSkinnerFishing Thank you very much for that John. I'm with you on the crowds thing. From what you said I'd personally head for the shore over the canal. Montauk it is. Much appreciated and thank you for taking the time to reply. I'll let you know how it goes closer to the time.

[@CP-rp7yp]

with the expected warmer water ahead do you think blackish will remain in the shallows?

[@CP-rp7yp]

weather

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Not much longer.

[@bobwehner7881]

Do you have an estimate on how much more effective the bait strips make the bucktails?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

I almost never fish a bucktail without a strip like this.

[@TamponTea]

I always carry white leather on me to make strips with. Works great and you will never lose it. The problem is finding where the keepers are.

[@user-dc9bq1nn9n]

Any blackfish trips with your friends in Greenport this year?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Yes. Will post them pretty soon.

[@user-dc9bq1nn9n]

@@JohnSkinnerFishing great, when do you call it quits up here and head south?

[@jp8950]

And the more beat up the buck tails are, the better they work. Sometimes, if the fish won’t touch them, give the hook a little kink to one side, which will twerk the action, and provoke a bite.

[@RathminesNewsagency]

Hi john what knot are you tieing from braid to leader? Thanks

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

There's a small barrel swivel with a palomar knot on the braid side and a clinch on the leader.

[@Ghost-sz7uo]

@@JohnSkinnerFishing why do you use a swivel instead of doing a double uni knot?

[@royzala631]

How far can you cast the bucktail? I have the same one and I can barley get it to go 10 yards. Im using a 9 foot mod-heavy rod, dont know what im doing wrong.

[@Lol-yz3wv]

You gotta look at the specifications of your rod. Is the weight rating matching the weight of the bucktail you’re casting?

[@geraldmicallef6575]

I would like one of your books .The sea water one .could you inform please.

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Search striper pursuit on Amazon.

[@user-jj9hd5ke2e]

I fished for about 6 hours this weekend and caught one 15 inch schoolie

[@user-dx5sy4wk6u]

How much jig price please

[@joegrande4848]

Well, I got 1/4 bucktail when I get bucktail over rocks I'll fish it faster. When I cast it ill let it fall 3 seconds then work the bucktail by popping my wrist slightly. Pause it no more than 2 seconds. Work lure 6 to 8 seconds pop wrist as I work it pause 1 to 2 seconds then work through water with an occasional pop

[@brendanjelley6154]

Is that a 4K or 6k salt X

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

The sunny video was the 4K, the cloudy was the 6K.

[@Knotoncallfishing1]

Anyone else see the fish swim by in the lower left by the rock at 15:20? Or am I seeing things?

[@jonathonkersting9043]

How long do these fish stay in the sound for? Yea I’m new to this type of fishing ? Haha

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

A few more weeks.

[@eddyschonfield7298]

What's your reel i like it looks like maybe a pin

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Tsunami - there's a link in the video description.

[@ejwski3615]

I recently caught 3foot shark off rocks at Indian river inlet Delaware Had bottom rig top hook blood worm fish bite and bottom hook fresh cut eel chunk He hit eel beautiful shark at 1am

[@starlessaeon3972]

Caught a 31inch bass two weeks ago

[@joegrande4848]

I noticed I heard fishing a bucktail slow to moderate. I noticed a slight problem if you fish a 1oz in slightly shallower water the bucktail will sink to quickly so I found if you're in shallower water fish it fast. Pause no more than 1 to 2 seconds max. Yes in 10 plus feet of water u can fish bucktail slow better yet moderate pause no more than 2 seconds. If you fish from the shore an say 10 plus feet of water is too far out of casting distance use a lighter bucktail no more than 1/2 oz max in shallower water. 1/4 is good too especially if you're in say 6 to 8 feet of water. Lighter for shallower water if you cannot get bucktail to 10 plus feet deep.

[@lrakwons9799]

Thanks for this comment I’ll try this out

[@raykent8555]

Where can I get tsunami glass minnow teaser I think that's what you use where can I buy that I'm in Foley Alabama

[@anthonyantanaitis1720]

Try Tackle Direct

[@anthonyantanaitis1720]

Try Tackle direct

[@29957fred]

Is this in Long Island? If so where is it?

[@RobinhooodGFX]

That’s like asking a magician to reveal their magic.

[@29957fred]

@@RobinhooodGFX I mean I’ve been trying to fish for 3 years and all I caught is 1 12 inches skate and 1 18 inches sea robins. So yea I’m desperate

[@richdunn9774]

NY! Lol. You think he’s going to give up a spot? Go for a ride and do some reconnaissance. Or use google maps to pre plan over the winter. No fishermen gives up their spots.

[@RobinhooodGFX]

@@richdunn9774 he’s in Long Island. Based on the rocks and calmer waters this is likely the North Shore as is most of his videos. You can fish the south shore but the surf is a little more rough out there so you might need some waders if you wanna get the line past the break. All you need is a buck tail, a silver spoon, and a diamond jig. Follow the birds, they follow the fish. Cloudy days with full moons. Good luck

[@JacobE-23]

Long Island, North Shore, North Fork.

[@RayA-rt6tp]

Hey John...any new books on the horizon.

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

It's in my head, and I have a rough list of the chapters. It will take some time though.

[@RayA-rt6tp]

@@JohnSkinnerFishing Thanks John...looking forward to it.

[@edsmolar6179]

What is the length /weight of the rod ?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

There are links to everything in the video description.

[@connorlavelle2412]

Saltx rod or Airwave Elite?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

SaltX and Dark Matter. Both have links in the video description.

[@connorlavelle2412]

@@JohnSkinnerFishing My apologies, I should have elaborated. I was asking which one is better?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

@@connorlavelle2412 I prefer the SaltX to the Airwave Elite.

[@davetrent8612]

Perfect scenario~! < <

[@brooklynanglerfishing]

Anyone know any beaches like this with rocky spots, cant find any in the brooklyn side

[@Luke-do1ek]

no more chasin the big girls in the surf down westward? miss the open beach and ss inlet videos man. tight lines

[@tonysorice5142]

was this today,,

[@howarda4227]

where do i buy your bucktails?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

There's a link in the video description.

[@howarda4227]

Thank you

[@ronca1994]

Why don’t you eat bass? I love your videos btw. I’ve learned a lot from these! I wish I knew the spots you fish lol

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

I catch other tastier fish. It's just easier to let these go and preserve the stock.

[@bobdagrossa8688]

Where is this

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Long Island North Shore.

[@bobdagrossa8688]

@@JohnSkinnerFishing what town

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

North Fork.