WHY I STOPPED USING STEEL LEADERS FOR SURF FISHING!

You asked. We listened! Many of you have been asking me to do a video on fishing with steel leaders, but I’m about to show you why I prefer to not use them and what I use to catch fish on the beach instead! For the fish that I target, this solution works perfectly for me. Surf fishing with steel leaders has a lot to do with personal preference. Do you like to use steel leaders or do you prefer to tie your own rigs? Comment below!
This week, I am fishing on the beach in North Carolina with Erin and her sister, Emma. We have been camping on the beach for several days at this point, catching tons of fish. What a fun time! What’s your favorite fish to catch off the surf?
0:00 Intro
1:12 Steel leader solution
5:24 Let's get fishing!
8:12 Solution #2
12:50 Shoutout to our Lady Anglers!
13:49 Using Bluefish as bait
15:52 Conclusion
Get our NEWEST FISHING BAIT BUNDLE
bit.ly/allinonebait
Match Brendon with your own HEY SKIPPER BEANIE
bit.ly/skipperbeanie
Try our NEW Clammy Bits!
bit.ly/clammybits
Try our STARTER KITS:
bit.ly/shrimpystarter
bit.ly/squidystarter
bit.ly/ultimatestarter
Shrimpy Bits:
bit.ly/shrimpybits
More info about my fishing gear, fishing spots, and exclusive subscriber content + MORE! bit.ly/heyskipperhome
Hey Skipper Squidy Bits:
bit.ly/squidybits
What Knots to Tie and When: bit.ly/knotsguide
Surf Fishing Crash Course: bit.ly/surffishingguide
Surf Fishing Gear Guide + Packable List: bit.ly/SurfGearGuide
Pier Fishing Crash Course: bit.ly/pierguide
Jetty Fishing Crash Course: bit.ly/jettyguide
Follow us on Instagram @HeySkipperOfficial

[@HeySkipper]

What are your thoughts on steel leaders? Let me hear it! This solution works for me but maybe something different works for you.

[@adamklingerman8806]

Totally agree, the only time I use steel is when I'm targeting 🦈 , which is not very often. But sometimes it's fun.

[@williambenner5550]

I use to use steel leaders, until I started experimenting with 60 to 80 lb test line. Now I seldom use them.

[@adamklingerman8806]

@@williambenner5550 that's right, once you learn how to tie your own leaders, you will never buy a store bought leader again. Takes practice but totally worth it.

[@ryoshi8085]

Nice action!! Tailgate family surf fishing is the best. I prefer 800lb mono when targeting GT over steel. I need to work on my hook set technique. That 10' phenix black diamond rod looks epic.

[@domingomartinez6130]

I agree with you, the one time I use steel leaders is when I'm fishing for gar. I did try your t-knots and they work great...100% 💪

[@j.r.r.toking]

Thanks for another awesome video. I do not get to go fishing as often as I would like but watching your videos allows me get my fix vicariously. I always enjoy the content and knowledge you guys share with us. Keep up the good work!

[@bigsidable]

Skipper thank you so much. I just love your everyday down to earth attitude. It looks like you all love and respect what you do. It’s great to see a master at his craft. Thank I just did the T knot. Great concept. I’m new to beach fishing and your channel has really gotten me prepared. Before I go out and look stupid.😂😂😂😂😂😂

[@randomprojectsusa5196]

I’ve been binge watching you for the past week lol. You’ve been a big help. Thank you!

[@HeySkipper]

Thanks so much for watching, and You are welcome, which are your favorite videos?

[@randomprojectsusa5196]

@@HeySkipper I enjoy all of your surf fishing videos the most, but I like all of them.

[@frankiev-tech4630]

Yeeeeeah buddy! Badass catches my man! But best of all 10:58...smooth finesse fishing with Erin there! 😅🤑 Erin had a smile on her face with that smooth move! 🤣🤣🤣🤟 gootimes my man! That's love right there my man!

[@GregMunning]

Hey Skipper, I’m on Ocracoke watching your videos and fishing. Thanks for the great videos! You’re doing good work.

[@tsb-2489]

As an experienced fisherman, I find it refreshing to watch your channel. I've tried to correctly tie the "T" knot for 40 years, sometimes I get it right! Keep up the great production work!

[@HeySkipper]

Thank you so much. Means a lot to hear that.

[@robertunderwood5396]

I've been using steel leaders for the longest, "i make my own", guess i been luck! I've caught some of everything!! For some reason I decided to change up and let me tell ya, major improvement!!! Your video was on point...

[@AR.K.051]

Excellent...... practical demonstration of usefulness of using long shank hooks over steel leaders....bravo

[@thashogun1]

I love watching you guys So knowledgeable and enthusiastic about fishing Big fan !

[@Dylanskinandscalesfishing]

As a saltwater fisherman for 30 years thanks that is the correct way like you did it thanks for sharing it out to everyone and like always awesome job until the next one thanks

[@HeySkipper]

So many people just don’t know!

[@hookedonfishing9483]

I love your videos bc you don’t dis someone’s else’s style of fishing but you share some amazing ideas. Love your vids!!!!

[@HeySkipper]

That’s what fishing is all about bro!

[@jasonbednarczyk5617]

I genuinely appreciate your content. I will only add that, please, please, advocate for the use of the inline circle hooks. The research and my own observation have been clear enough to show that that they virtually eliminate gut hooks. Especially when you have multiple lines out and may or may not be so quick to a hit.... just a suggestion.

[@toddmillar4041]

I agree with Jason especially if you're using rod holders. The fish will hook itself in the corner of the mouth most of the time eliminating bite off's. I fish for tailor here in Western Australia and they look very similar to your bluefish. Another method is to actually use ganged hooks if using a whole small fish for bait.

[@jimmyjaimes5268]

Thanks guys , I appreciate all your videos and adventures. Be Safe.

[@greasyrails2571]

one of the only, exept for ( 618 fishing ) fishing yters that are just so good at doing fishing videos. I love these type of videos

[@HeySkipper]

Thank you! Means a lot to hear that

[@c.fpachucachannel9467]

Good vid I learn why not to use it . I been watching your fishing vids I'm trying the rigs and the bait you use this weekend ( going fishing since 2 months. Keep up the good work

[@HeySkipper]

Thank you, it was such a good time to make this video! I’m happy you enjoy

[@c.fpachucachannel9467]

No problem keep it up!!!

[@InfinityFishing]

both educative and fun video !

[@001Cherith]

I saw your other video on not using steel high-low rig. I loved it.

[@thaweezl8852]

Thanks for keeping the beaches as litter free as you can - taking steps to avoid leaving tackle in the surf.

[@TexasDigitalOutdoors]

Agreed. I just love how he included this.

[@antonymiller1017]

Great video. I'll use this rig when I fish Springmaid pier and from the beach in June.

[@andrews5236]

Your videos are entertaining and I learn a lot so keep it up.

[@jacktodd2146]

Thank you for the tech tips

[@FishOnChannel]

Great video! It was a pleasure hanging out with you. Can't wait to try some surf fishing and hang out again.

[@HeySkipper]

Awesome hanging with you too! Hopefully be back in summer! We will see!

[@munawarmunawar2038]

I love to watch your videos very very interesting and learning, you explain like a teacher explain in class room very easier way and simple, thanks you

[@everesthyseni5481]

I use your knots for a lot of time and they are so effective

[@kevinobrien1471]

Great tips I only use steel leaders on bluefish when I use expensive lures.

[@slimpickins9124]

Thanks for the rigging tips. Have always tied my own rigs using flouro with circle hooks. Haven't had too many problems with fish biting through the leader. I'm gonna' tie some rigs with long shank hooks. Will pick up some of the salty baits too.

[@jnikson2164]

Good sharing bro,thank you 👍👍

[@dondj76]

Enjoyed your videos! Thanks!

[@lancerudy9934]

Very nice video!

[@user-qw9sd6vl2r]

Excellent video.

[@angelcampano8990]

Thanks for sharing your truly a great fisherman and a cool guy

[@fernpark8880]

Good stuff bro👍👍.

[@JonDoe-du4ss]

The J hook is the way to go if you know you will be keeping fish and know you will be hooking legal size fish. On the other hand a circle hook is way to go for catch and release and not worrying about setting your hook

[@nealjohnston954]

You're probably the best sea and shore fishing vlogger in America, I'm surprised you haven't reached a million subscribers yet. 👍☘🌈

[@HeySkipper]

Wow that’s so nice of you!

[@marley9904]

So true, I love both ( Erin and Brendon ) perfect match

[@dougiemac8417]

Hey Skipper!! Hi Erin, hi Emily. Great vid. I'm going to try my hand at homemade rigs, and long shank hooks. The size circle hooks that I've been using just didn't seem to do it for me. Thanks again for the tips.

[@bitumenjunkie2435]

G'day mate your blue fish looks like what we call Tailor in the land down under. Great show as usual. 🍻

[@elizabethmiller7357]

You have me hooked on surf fishing me and a friend gonna go next weekend

[@MikeDigz1]

Making your own rigs is a STEAL everytime! Another great video guys! 🤙🏼

[@allansisson355]

Ok, I'm going to get some long shank hooks. Love all of these tips. Bluefish sandwich, I haven't tried that yet, soon I hope. They'll be showing up soon. Hi Emma

[@bigdaddykeithcarter1624]

I bought some of your baits, but haven't gotten a chance to use them, enjoy your videos

[@HeySkipper]

Thank you so much for the support! I hope you get on some nice fish. What are your plans to use them?

[@ericglenn4644]

Great fishing video on how to make your own rigs

[@HeySkipper]

Thanks!

[@silverfish3868]

Great vid! I don't like steel leader either...we call it the tourist rig. The fish you want to bite it never would!

[@HeySkipper]

Haha!

[@HeySkipper]

Haha yes that’s right

[@antonishap7736]

I love fishing Aryan. I'm make me so happy when I see an upload 🥰

[@ermannodibenedetto3064]

Just a great job...bravo

[@HeySkipper]

Thank you!

[@josevillalobos2505]

Thank you that is a good idea.

[@NamichuGaming10]

another new and excellent idea.. im gonna try this next time

[@HeySkipper]

Haha good!

[@TexasDigitalOutdoors]

I need to do more stuff like this. Nice

[@HAPPYPAWSEGYPT]

Great demonstration. .thanks dear 👌

[@HeySkipper]

You are welcome!

[@marley9904]

Hi Emma, hi Erin. Love fishing myself, it's peaceful . God bless

[@beardedfisherman8608]

A man that was some cool ass stuff man reminds me back in Westbrook and new haven ct back in the day take care I hope to one day fish with you peace out!!

[@HeySkipper]

Maybe one day will cross paths bro

[@001Cherith]

I started tying my own high-low rig.

[@tamashii_1980]

Enjoying your vids every time.🇸🇷🇸🇷

[@HeySkipper]

Thank you!

[@morganbrown9656]

Maybe should do a video of using both rigs and seeing what produces most fish 🎣great videos

[@Sfshing]

Hala is a very interesting fishing channel. It accepts my regards

[@frcartoon]

Awesome videos! You definitely helped me catch my first Surf fishing fish last week end. I appreciate you two. Im going back in 3 weeks and I will definitely try the hooks you recommend and leave the metal leader home:) I was able to catch 2 dog fish, 5 skates, a puffer fish and a random horse shoe crab:)! I am a bit intimidated by the T knot. Any other recommendations for a set up with those hooks? I m Steven fishing with NOREELLOSS! A bientot!

[@triggerhappy2010]

Hey! skipper 😊 It's been a while since I visited you channel tbh, (kinda busy offline). I like this content and makes total sense! 😁 When I use leader wire, I've noticed a lesser strikes. Thanks for this info. I will definitely run to tackle shop and look for this kind of hook. 🍻👊#viewer from Abudhabi Oh btw, on a positive note, ur wifey talks and engages more on your video now ☺👏👏

[@eldiabloterrible]

I've never used them but my uncle uses them for shark fishing. Love your videos bro. I got a friend watching your videos in preparation for our fishing trip to Florida.

[@HeySkipper]

That’s awesome what part of Florida are they going to?

[@eldiabloterrible]

@@HeySkipper Pensacola

[@augustogomes1002]

Here in brazil, i developed a hybrid leader, between monofilament and fishing steel wire, through an old known knot and got a variation of the T knot. I obtained good results in fishery with high activity of puffer fish and sharks, a close results compared to the leader only in monofilament. When I have some time I present this setup in a video and share it here.

[@myoni1234]

Nice fishing skill and goooood video❤️

[@troyburns6769]

Hey guys , my name is Troy. I enjoy your channel tremendously. I fish in the gulf coast of Texas around Corpus Christi, Mustang island area. I have utilized a lot of the tips you have provided. I was wondering if have used any of the split body lures for coastal fishing?

[@gregorybarajas7528]

I make my own redfish steel leaders, ive just had better luck with them. I do gotta say, my leaders are black coated so idk if maybe it makes a difference. But i did learn how to make a quick leader out of fishing line thanks to you.💪

[@charlesc2281]

Hay Skipper. I'm usually using 20# mono leader when fishing. But if I know the gar fish and sharks are in I'm switching over to black coated steel.

[@johnsurf509]

circle hooks work good too!!

[@angeloiacovella7129]

I'm also a fly fisherman - and the same application is valid. Bluefish cannot bite this off and I still stand the chance of a Striped Bass when both are in the wash. You just tied the fly half way back of a very long shank saltwater fly hook like the Mustad 34011.

[@landbasedangler7119]

I live in Geraldton Western Australia & if we’re targeting Tailor ( blue fish) we use a 3 gang hook setup using size 1/0 up to 4/0. I like to use Kendal Kirby hooks & gang them by opening the eye & then putting the hook through then closing the eye again. Triple gangs act as a steel trace so you don’t get bitten off. We rig a whole muelie (pilchard) & either cast & retrieve or use a paternoster rig (Hilo rig) I only use wire if I’m targeting sharks, mackerel or other toothy pelagics.

[@gino55yo]

Hello Sir, I realize the assemblies. They are really effective. How much should I measure at the maximum and the minimum of the stacks for the assemblies in general? Thank you very much and happy holidays 🎄.

[@mra95662]

Nice beach! I used to surf fish Seacliff.beach, Aptos, CA. Striped bass, halibut, perch, mackerel, sardine.

[@HeySkipper]

Sounds like fun!

[@ifif]

Nice 👍👍👍👍

[@mariozepeda8324]

Hey Skipper, would you approve of using braided line for salt water shore or pier fishing?

[@paulsautohelp-needitfixedy2237]

Hi there got a question. What if you are fishing for bug blue fish. With a lure. Let’s say its a diamond jig. Would you use a wire leader on them. I have seen and also experienced losing the jigs because this bug blues bite the line

[@user-uf6wb9iq9k]

Peace be upon you. Oh, I am very impressed with the fishing method you practice. You are very good. I hope you will succeed and enjoy fishing. But I have a question from which store you buy fishing tackle, and how much the price and size of ... How much is the price, type and length of the sticks that you use to fish on the sea ... Please be kind and respond to my

[@timeskippervlog2897]

Keep fishing u guys ..😎👍

[@sajidsaiyed1209]

hey, saw your video. just wanted to ask what are your thoughts on daiwa beefstick? is it any good? im talking about a 12ft one. also i hear that it is stiff as a pole? according to you which rod is best for surf fishing? i wanted to combine the beefstick with a BG 8000..

[@karltyrell4261]

Hey skipper enjoy watching your videos from 🇯🇲✌

[@HeySkipper]

Thanks! And I’m glad!

[@redwolf6950]

Hi, Emma!!

[@danb340]

Hey where about are you fishing? I'm going fishing in a month any suggestions for bait surf fishing off of Georgia, near tybee island. I was wondering why I wasn't getting much last year I used steel leaders now I know why, thank's.

[@cgtull]

I'll be down at cocoa beach this summer and heard I cannot use any offset hooks and must be circle hooks. Also non stainless.

[@bigdaddykeithcarter1624]

my son and I was going to port st joe Florida, tomorrow, but weather canceled it, I will have shoulder replacement surgery in 10 days, it will be the fall before I have the chance, I sent you a reply, and didn't realize that it placed a partial text message into my reply, where we live, we only have cellular service, my apologies for not proofing first, thanks, your instructional videos are great

[@MrD2K5]

Love your channel, let me know the next time you come to Galveston.

[@HeySkipper]

When’s a good time

[@hillbillyhookin1986]

I use that knot for shad rigs no breaks no tangles thx bro

[@southwestsellerss147]

It makes me laugh 😂 inside when I hear you talking about rigs and traces.. you have a strange wording for your fishing gear 🤣🤣

[@killajakez]

When the bluefish are ripping everything to shreds, stripers usually lay low. In those situations, I will use only steel leaders. When targeting bluefish specifically. I've seen bite marks on my mono leader 2 inches up from the hook.

[@darrylbeckham7489]

Most definitely..I wanna see Hey Skipper go to Connecticut and New York and try to catch one of those big blues around 24 to 30 inches without a steel leader..

[@zombiescantsurf9002]

Is it better to use the T-knot or use a 3 way swivel instead?

[@jeremiahkelly9997]

Good teaching moments, sir. If you make it up to the FL panhandle, we'll welcome you :-)

[@jascruising7890]

Hello Emma !

[@JDJolly-ft3pq]

Headed to OBX this weekend with your shrimpy bits and squiddy bits. Thanks for all the great videos.... I have learned a lot (i.e making my own rigs etc) and I've been fishing for 20 years!

[@BasicFishingNZ]

i prefer using nylon leader as not only is it unnecessary but don't want to mess the chance on hooking onto a big fish that isn't just a shark or rays

[@elizabethmiller7357]

Gonna try long shank

[@niftorusty9871]

Woohoo another video yesss

[@HeySkipper]

Wooooo

[@niftorusty9871]

@@HeySkipper a twisted dropper loop is what I learned recently. Twisting the line before the double overhand, it makes the loop more stiffer.

[@shaunjoubert2091]

Wow nice size bluefish! If you are up for MEGA SIZE bluefish or as we call them Elf/shad.. Angola Africa is your place to go. Love the channel man, keep up the amazing content.

[@HeySkipper]

Wow! Let me look it up!

[@michaeleverton4882]

More fishing from Erin and Emma; will be good experience for you!... !🎣_🐠-🐟-🐟-🐠_🎣!

[@darrellnielsen6303]

Design a hybrid hook with a long J hook and circle hook. I like J hooks for the durability. I like circle hooks for the auto hook set while surf fishing.

[@darrylbeckham7489]

I'd like to see you go up to Connecticut during the summer and catch Bluefish because they grow much bigger like 24 to 30 inches and you'll definitely need to use a steel leader..not the little 14-16 inchers they catch in Florida..we call those little ones Harbor Blues..

[@jevans1017]

I love your channel but unfortunately im from the bahamas and 90% of us just use a hand line to fish lol. I bought my first rod for the first time ever and there are so much terms i have to catch up on, leaders , swivels etc, im clueless

[@fishinjunkies8634]

Great video my man steel leaders are a hassle💯

[@HeySkipper]

Thank you!

[@CheekysFishing]

Do you have to set the hook with these.....?

[@ChesapeakeBayKayakFishing]

What type of rods are those and what reels are you using with them

[@OldVetUSN72]

Great video ! Where can I get your salted baits ?

[@HeySkipper]

Thanks! You can get some of our bait on heyskipperfishing.com

[@njmike9242]

What length rods are you using off the shore?