Livelining Bunkers

[Billfish715]

What size hooks do you think I should use to catch one of these. It was right in the wash among a very big school of bunkers. Read the article that goes along with the video. If you fish in the Shrewsbury, you might want to bring some bigger rods. LOL!

https://www.nj.com/monmouth/2020/06/drone-footage-shows-massive-humpback-whale-swimming-close-to-nj-shore.html

[Gerry Zagorski]

You want to use a larger hook for livelining then you would for Clamming and Eelling. 10/0 is what I'd recommend, some people using 12/0. A larger hook is needed since you're using larger bait and you want more of the hook exposed for better hook ups.

Speaking of hook ups, when coming tight on a large Striper with a whole bunker, you need to give them some time to eat and be patient. Often times they'll play with the bait and I've seen them slap if with their tail so you need to wait until they have it before coming tight. I've also found I like fishing mono better for livelining since the extra stretch does help avoid pulled hooks.

It is a fun and exciting way to fish and nothing like seeing them go off on school of bunker on top splashing and spraying water. Your bunker starts to get nervous, it takes to the air a few times to avoid getting eaten, starts peeling some line and then WHAM- ZZZZZZZZZZ..... FISH ON!!

[Billfish715]

It's time for all of that to start on the oceanside. Judging from the video of the whale in the Manasquan surf, it was in a massive school of bunkers and only a few yards off the beach. Let's hope we can get a chance to do some livelining soon.......in the ocean.