Shocking Catch of a Lifetime! Huge Fish Ate Tiny Lure!

The most surprising catch of my life when a trophy striped bass hit a very small lure that I normally use when fishing for Redfish. Supports my latest book, Fishing the Edge - Techniques and Tales from Surf, Boat, and Kayak: amzn.to/3TQtFvq.
Paddletail Mossy Mullet Lure: bit.ly/MyCusto...
Swimbait Hook: bit.ly/4be2yTG
Online Fishing Course Discounts - www.saltstrong...
Salt Strong Special Club Offer Including Free Lures: bit.ly/Skinner...
My Books (Amazon):
(Latest) - Fishing the Edge: amzn.to/3TQtFvq
Fishing the Bucktail: amzn.to/2MQDysM
Fishing for Summer Flounder: amzn.to/2TcZnIP
Striper Pursuit: amzn.to/3ceIQYp
A Season on the Edge: amzn.to/3lHWye4
Rod, Reel, Line, Lure:
Red Rod: bit.ly/45GoMej
Green Rod: bit.ly/3LkZskP
Reel (2000): bit.ly/3TaSWCS
Line: (15#,20#): amzn.to/3ycTtfi
Bucktail Trailer: amzn.to/3JBr84P
Miscellaneous Gear:
Breathable Slickers: bit.ly/3niFm2S
Breathable Outer Jacket: bit.ly/3nhLGHS
Deck Boots: bit.ly/3WqLFAC
Hoodie: amzn.to/3UC2FTb
Tackle Bag: amzn.to/42sAmYz
Lip Gripper: amzn.to/4ae7G8Z
24V RoyPow Lithium Trolling Motor Battery: bit.ly/3NwNHe7
The above are affiliate links.
Fishfinder: bit.ly/2N2SvqP
Trolling Motor: bit.ly/2VS9C2r
Fishfinder Coastmaster Chart - bit.ly/34KEcQo

[@frety67]

Now I have to watch a 30 minute fishing video to start Mother’s Day in the doghouse thanks Skinner

[@sammyvh11]

That's marriage man

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Please extend my apologies to your wife!

[@fredhammer6413]

Yes,,,, it’s all John Skinners fault that you can’t stand up to a woman.

[@fredhammer6413]

Ha, ha, ha, ha, haaaaaa !!!!!

[@googeelou]

Great video Mr. Skinner.

[@kevind3203]

Big lures catch big fish, small lures catch all fish. Nice one John.

[@guymanchester4874]

Love your videos. I was recuperating from Leukemia chemo since December and watching you catch fish kept me going for another day on my boat. Thanks a million. I would love to have a spot like yours near the island in the background. I’ve watched you catch 100 fish within a half mile radius it seems. Keep up the great work.

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

I'm glad the vids helped. I hope you recover soon!

[@scottschlemmer4787]

I pray your health stays in a good place.

[@brynniebfishing]

I have my calendar marked for a certain time where me and a few other guys walk a sod bank and throw 1/4 Oz. Jigs with 4" Zooms. We catch slot stripers, and occasionally get stripers to 50". It happens every year. And they only hit the small stuff. We've all tried plugs, larger 9" eel imitations. Only the 4" worms get the bite. Great video!

[@Fishingandkicking]

What time might that be? Asking for a friend…😂

[@brynniebfishing]

Time of the year, not actual time. But actually, there is a time frame. If you fished, you'd know.

[@Fishingandkicking]

@@brynniebfishing yea. Never fished before. Thanks for the insight chief.

[@brynniebfishing]

​@Fishingandkicking anytime. Glad to help ya sport.

[@72carguy]

Another great video, John! Very informative. I appreciate you taking a minute or so to address some negative comments you’ve received. BUT…please realize that, compared to the VAST majority of commenters, you are literally a professional fisherman. They are not. You need not defend your retrieval speed to anyone. Tight lines and stay safe out there.

[@chinncannon]

Oh my goodness, what a fish! Congrats, man. It's so great to still be shocked after all the years you've been fishing and thanks for sharing it with all of us.

[@Reeltime516]

Great video Skinner thanks!

[@amd3636]

Beautiful fish John. I love when heaven smiles on us and grants those suprises.

[@kfshorts1991]

The best informative videos!!!

[@dunderhill2903]

Wow, maybe it just wanted a snack!! Last November I was fishing on the Big Mohawk out of Belmar...Party Boat fishing is a different animal. Sometimes you can't buy a bite when those left and right of you have 6 hookups......towards the end of the day I cast out a small tsunami storm shad...not as small as your baits but still rather light.....hooked up and brought in a 48 inch-er. I took my time reeling her in....some visitors asked me if it was a shark. Thank you Mr Skinner...your videos are both informative and relaxing...you are the Mr Rodgers of fishing....without the nightmare inducing puppets!!!

[@snowayadventures]

Wow what a great fish, beautiful fish and great video as always John, I’m always trying to pickup tips and tricks off your videos!

[@ferenc-x7p]

He caught more fish on this one trip than I did in the past 2 years. LOL.

[@claudioagnello423]

John, I want to tell you that the Mossy Mullet was a winner last month in the Florida panhandle. I was tossing various paddle tails and hard plastic lures and it was the Mossy Mullet that was producing the most trout and redfish. Good lure! I had pinfish chew off a lot of the tails so I just reordered three more packs from Salt Strong. And, nice fish!

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Thanks for that feedback. I keep trying other things down there because I don't want to get stuck on one lure, but I keep going back to it.

[@michaelsimko7694]

I know what it's like to be surprised with a big catch on a small lure John, along with it still being cold. On April 3, 2023 I landed a 39" striper with a 4" plug that resembles an X-Rap. On March 30 this year at the same location with the same lure I landed a 37" striper.

[@scottsasanecki4106]

Great stuff as always Dr. Skinner. Thank you

[@richardwarfield7386]

Great Fish John ! Congrats

[@angryjay06]

Wow That Salt strong stuff works. Ive been a member for 2 years. Was excited when Rich came on board did a lot for the north east, Maybe you could jump in as the new north east coach!!

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

They're smart guys and their stuff works. No question about that.

[@FishAholicTV]

Nice John! Epic surprise catch!!

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Thanks Rich. Still can't believe it was hanging with all those smaller fish and ate that tiny little lure.

[@kylebryer1111]

Great video John. I will keep your snook company until July then I head to Newport Ri

[@richard2081]

Congrats John, that was a really great Striper !

[@johnlanigan4130]

Wow John what a beauty!!! We have been getting nice ones up here in the Hudson River. The beat goes on, tight lines.

[@christopherhull5501]

Every time I see you lip a bass while it’s still in the water, I think; “I wouldn’t advise doing that in Cape Cod Bay”!!

[@alscottlarock8844]

Unbelievable...the cows have arrived🎉🎉🎉🎉

[@huntryx1]

Beautiful job and amazing fish. Congrats John!

[@joshrussell9460]

Wow what a fish . That was awesome great video thanks for sharing as always .

[@OriginOutfittersMaine]

"striped bass dont run" always made me laugh. Beautiful fish John.

[@gator7095]

Thanks for sharing John enjoyed it

[@DaveBrown-t7w]

WOW....beautiful fish

[@FirstCoastFisherman]

Great fish, great content Tight lines

[@LeeStLouis-kz3zr]

That big fish heavy breathing is the best

[@robertgerber2533]

This definitely makes me wanna go out there and fish

[@hectorcoria3650]

WOWWW...that striper must have been very hungry for such a tiny lure!!! Very nice!

[@patrickgregory1078]

He looks nice and fat to me! They love anchovies and there small like that!

[@BobAquatic]

Great job John! That was a beauty

[@bobbyk3469]

I have a couple of packs of the Mossy Mullet and some Hoss hooks. I'll definitely be giving them a try this week.

[@robertstorms5539]

Awesome striper, we've had the same experience with the top water striper bite being very fickle. Will definitely try these out next time I see them.

[@1996xela]

First bass of the season came on a mossy mullet, they like it in the backwaters of CT!

[@robtopham6095]

Congrats John. Nice fish!

[@woar7701]

Congratulations, what a beast.

[@frrok1]

On a 3/0 Hook! Amazing!

[@Kaptain.Obvious]

Nice. Congrats John.

[@jackbentley9530]

As I said before, when I grow up, I want to be like you. Thanks John!

[@Petercook-g4e]

Damn what a sad life

[@asianforce]

​@@Petercook-g4e how is it sad? Have an established life and also a set of skills that bring you joy? I would be sad if all my creativity for a username is rolling your face on a keyboard.

[@camdavidson6847]

So do I. At least somewhat...

[@Fish-Erman]

Most bigger fish are caught on bigger lures, but my biggest lure caught striper came on a tiny 3 1/2" Bomber Long A, but that was in the middle of the night, and in a spot where a big fish would be expected. Yours there, in the daytime, early spring, while targeting schoolies, must have been a real shocker, awesome!!

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Exactly. So many reasons I shouldn't have caught that fish. Come to think of it, that was my first "lucky" 40+. I've had many others but all targeted.

[@glennplomchok5125]

Heck of a catch!

[@scottschlemmer4787]

I caught a 50 inch bass trolling a bunker spoon. It's stomach was completely empty except for a baby ling the size of my thumb (or it would have been 50 lbs. instead of 45).

[@mrlarry999]

That was epic! 👍🏼👍🏼

[@davidgbowntrailcamerasoutd4725]

Nice work 😊

[@adventuresonthewater1822]

Beautiful fish Sir! Love to make it up there and fish with you one day!

[@MechaMegs]

I’ve caught a 45” striper on a small Storm lure in the Chesapeake bay. It’s surprised me too how small of a lure that fish went after.

[@patrickgregory1078]

Catch of a lifetime but routine for you John!

[@dannyrc223]

Thank You for the great video

[@stevedittenhoefer7623]

Have a large bag of the mullets loved them last season for fluke and weaks .Think I purchased a few of those hooks now just have to find them .

[@tonynicoletti8161]

(Catches 40+lb bass) I should get outta here to go chase fluke and weakies........

[@Udtghost840]

It must be so nice to know where the fish are and how to catch them every time .do need a mate for that vessel. I will quit my job and mate full time for you Mr skinner I will do it for free. Great video, as always. I can't wait for the next one . As usual, great information

[@Stripe12]

Beautiful fish! What did you weigh it on…would have thought it was 45+

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Digital Berkley scale.

[@tmooch03]

Pretty sure there is no one better with a bucktail.

[@steveski4663]

You're going to need a bigger net. Nice catch !

[@Mike_ICP]

Going to need a bigger net brother LOL

[@AzraKukuljac]

John have you made a video going out for tuna?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

no

[@daveco1270]

Where was this? We used to occasionally catch striped bass that size fishing riffs off Cape Cod but in recent years the big ones have alluded us.

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Peconic Bay LI.

[@christophersawczyk]

Even elephants eat peanuts Great release

[@KyleMatt11]

Too big for the net! That’s why JS is the man

[@bestmusic9879]

shows conservation is working

[@duffmeister6480]

That sure is inspirational, 2 ?’s ; I can’t seem to find your bucktails in stock anywhere, any suggestions for substitute’s. And I’m having trouble understanding that rip line, it looks like the tide is flooding and you’re drifting against the current, doesn’t seem possible it wasn’t windy ? Great video, Thanks.

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

In less than a month at J&H tackle for the jigs. That was ebb.

[@Silocky]

TT Where can I find the skinner bucktails :( I should've gotten a lifetime's supply before they were discontinued

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

In less than a month at J&H tackle.

[@grantd.5438]

Observation : when they are slurping little stuff they will still nail a slow walked 7” spook when nothing else works, just my experience. Weird, but might be the deep rattles or rattle cadence stimulating the response from the bass. Might it be that they sense competition and they are seeking the noise with attempts to steal another bass’s meal? 🤷‍♂️

[@jalfa1]

Hi John, I am a big fan. I was wondering for this bucktailing application if snap jigging a 1 oz bucktail would work as well as just letting it set off the bottom? Also, have your tried slowpitch jigging for this current and water environment? Would that work? I will probably fish that area tomorrow. Thanks

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

You'll catch snap jigging if you're good at it and that's how you want to fish. I don't slow pitch jig here, but it should work too.

[@charlestaylor2480]

And recemdations for land in NYC

[@billelia1933]

Great video.. Just received a pack of mosey mulletts from salt strong here in Venice Fl. Going to try them out this week.. Thanks.. P.S.. I do miss the striper fishing on long island. I grew up in Sayville..

[@christopherball9227]

Do you fish the spot based on tide or time of day (dawn)? Or do fish just hold there?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

It's the structure and current that puts them there. Just need running water this time of year.

[@gennerobootz6490]

lol you couldn’t even get him in the net

[@brettd109]

is this a good rod reel setup for fluking from shore?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Yes. That red rod and evict 2000 would be perfect with 1/2- to 1-ounce jigs. I'd spool with 10 or 15# braid.

[@PeterOkeefe54]

My daughter now loves eating stripers!! thanx John

[@reeltalk224]

That net is a joke‼

[@scottvolage1752]

I have caught many Bass in the high 40s and most of them came from shallow water, two in 6' of water.

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Cool. Almost all of my 40+ have been from shore, so like 5-12'.

[@robertstorms5539]

Hey John, what day was this? I tried going out yesterday and the bays were way too choppy.

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

May 9.

[@robertwestrom6878]

Nice catch. What pound leader did you use?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

30

[@JoeToz]

Did you have Dr. Juice on the Skinner Mossy Mullet?

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

Not needed for this application. I always use it for redfish.

[@TrueWord66]

Elephants eats peanuts

[@zach6383]

Never fail to amaze John great fish

[@rickyavner]

What I'd the line and lure rating on your 3.5 inch lure rod

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

8-15# line, 0.5-1.5 ounce sweet spot. bit.ly/45GoMej

[@Philip-w2q]

P have you ever fished mobile Bay Bay in Alabama

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

No.

[@Tito-m3d]

This is my Micheal Jordan

[@rnmlsrsr8609]

Elephants eat peanuts.

[@gamebred26]

I wonder how old that bass really is??(

[@robertlosasso4222]

Why do fisherman always want to catch huge fish ? If I had my way , four and five pound fish are great eating.

[@ronsuda7555]

Fished 3 spots for weakfish the other day not a touch friends have been looking also nothing porgy guys arent getting them either getting concerned the run mihht not happen

[@JohnSkinnerFishing]

I appreciate that report. I had friends out today and they did poorly on weaks/fluke/bass.

[@vipergeddy]

Funny no birds

[@ragnarragnarsson3128]

First

[@FishGuts73]

Elephants love peanuts that proves it 😂 Go Get’em wow 🫡🫡