Partyboat striper tackle & lures: What to bring?

[jjdbike]

Hey everyone,
I posted this question in the saltwater fishing forum, then realized this might be a better location.
I'm bringing a crew of fishers to fishing w/ Captain Ron on The Fisherman this Saturday. What tackle and lures do you recommend bringing?
Respectfully,
JD

[Gerry Zagorski]

I would bring Storm Shads, top water Poppers and Flutter Jigs.

[jjdbike]

Thanks much Mr. Zagorski,
I'm good w/ shads, poppers, AVA's, Luhr Jenson Crocodile spoons, and Crippled Herring.

Flutter spoons are a new one on me. I suppose I need to do some quick research?

Captain Ron suggested a top shot of mono for reels spooled w/ braid. What lb test and how long of a top shot is recommended?

Thanks!
JD

[Gerry Zagorski]

A 30 pound top shot should be plenty and I’d make it 10 feet or so. That makes it easy for you or a mate to grab and wrap your hands around if you want to hoist in a fish rather then use a net. Rather then a swivel to join the braid to the leader use an Alberto knot https://youtu.be/aXjagwdjAhg . This knot has a low
profile which passes through the guides better then others and won’t interfere with your casts. If you’re loooking for Flutter spoons Pete at Atlantic Bait and tackle has them in stock.

[hammer4reel]

Tsunami HEAVY. Shad’s 6 1/2”

[jjdbike]

A 30 pound top shot should be plenty and I’d make it 10 feet or so. That makes it easy for you or a mate to grab and wrap your hands around if you want to hoist in a fish rather then use a net. Rather then a swivel to join the braid to the leader use an Alberto knot https://youtu.be/aXjagwdjAhg . This knot has a low
profile which passes through the guides better then others and won’t interfere with your casts. If you’re loooking for Flutter spoons Pete at Atlantic Bait and tackle has them in stock.

Thanks again Mr. Zagorski!
That's exactly what I needed to know.
Been poking around YouTube looking at flutter spoon fishing. I most certainly need a crash course in flutter spoons. May I assume that the old Crocodile spoons and Crippled Herrings can not be used as flutter spoons?
I just messaged Atlantic Bait and Tackle.

I wonder if that tackle shop is still open at Municipal Harbor in Atlantic Highlands? I don't think Jingles will be open early enough to hit it on the way to the boat.

JD

[jjdbike]

Tsunami HEAVY. Shad’s 6 1/2”

Thanks hammer!
I have a couple of those, prolly need a couple more.
JD

[Skolmann]

I was on the Fisherman with my son yesterday. We caught all our bass on a 7” Dartspin on a 1.5 ounce jighead.

I also had the following with me (& bring the again if i go) ;

-Storm Shads in the 6, 7 & 9 inch sizes as well as the 6.5 inch heavy shads (you could just bring the same size shad bodies and various size jigheads).
-Flutter spoons 8 & 9 inch versions in either white, chartreuse or broken glass.
-A topwater plug (I’ve been using a 1 ounce Zara Spook XT in bone) but you could also use a Smack-It or similar popper. SP minnows been working too (but treble hooks are a PIA in the net).
-3 ounce Crippled Herring for the bay and 5 ounce for ocean
-7 inch Dartspins with a few different weights of jigheads to place them on

Unless things change and sandeels start showing up you can leave the AVA jigs at home. I’d also leave the Krocodile spoons at home.

Depending on which set up I’m using my topshot is either #25 or #30. I use a 4-6 foot length of mono with a TA clip on the end for ease in changing lures.

7 foot M or MH action spinning rod is all you need as most of the bass now are schoolies, bonus tag size (24-27.99 inches) or smaller keepers from 28-32 inches.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Thanks again Mr. Zagorski!
That's exactly what I needed to know.
Been poking around YouTube looking at flutter spoon fishing. I most certainly need a crash course in flutter spoons. May I assume that the old Crocodile spoons and Crippled Herrings can not be used as flutter spoons?
I just messaged Atlantic Bait and Tackle.

I wonder if that tackle shop is still open at Municipal Harbor in Atlantic Highlands? I don't think Jingles will be open early enough to hit it on the way to the boat.

JD

No tackle shop in AH Harbor any longer. The Lure Jensen spoons you mentioned look like the flutter spoons but are smaller. You might give them a try but the spoons I picked up from Pete at AH Bait and Tackle and what most are using are 8 inches long and failrly thin/light weight. Pretty simple to work, cast them out, let them flutter down to the bottom and vertical yo yo jig them with an agressive lift of your pole tip and repeat...

BTW - The other day the shads and poppers were getting mostly shorts and the Flutter Spoon got the 28" plus keepers...

[Skolmann]

Gerry, is that a picture of one of your flutter spoons ? If so, I recommend that you remove that treble (as that is treble is mor suited for largemouth bass and will bend out on even bonus size striper) and replace it along with the split ring for a heavier VMC treble.


If you notice in the stores they are now putting out the Ben Parker Flutter spoons that are labeled for saltwater and they have the heavier trebles/rings.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Gerry, is that a picture of one of your flutter spoons ? If so, I recommend that you remove that treble (as that is treble is mor suited for largemouth bass and will bend out on even bonus size striper) and replace it along with the split ring for a heavier VMC treble.


If you notice in the stores they are now putting out the Ben Parker Flutter spoons that are labeled for saltwater and they have the heavier trebles/rings.

Thanks Doc I need to get that done... I noticed the spit rings on one of them is already rusting out even though it was rinsed after each use.

[Gerry Zagorski]

Stopped in to see Pete today to get the hardware changed out on my Flutter Spoon, thanks Pete...

He's fully stocked with them for those of you looking

[jjdbike]

No tackle shop in AH Harbor any longer. The Lure Jensen spoons you mentioned look like the flutter spoons but are smaller. You might give them a try but the spoons I picked up from Pete at AH Bait and Tackle and what most are using are 8 inches long and failrly thin/light weight. Pretty simple to work, cast them out, let them flutter down to the bottom and vertical yo yo jig them with an agressive lift of your pole tip and repeat...

BTW - The other day the shads and poppers were getting mostly shorts and the Flutter Spoon got the 28" plus keepers...

Thanks much for the detailed reports! I'll pack shads, poppers, couple crippled herring and flutter spoons.
Based upon your recommendation (and that of some tackle shops I've spoken with), I'll change out the hardware on this spoons.
I hope I can get a day in this weekend and the weather doesn't spoil it. This will be my last shot at stripers, perhaps ever. Unfortunately we're moving west next year.
Best regards!
JD

[Gerry Zagorski]

Thanks much for the detailed reports! I'll pack shads, poppers, couple crippled herring and flutter spoons.
Based upon your recommendation (and that of some tackle shops I've spoken with), I'll change out the hardware on this spoons.
I hope I can get a day in this weekend and the weather doesn't spoil it. This will be my last shot at stripers, perhaps ever. Unfortunately we're moving west next year.
Best regards!
JD

FYI the new flutter spoons Pete has in stock have the updated hardware so no need to switch out the rings and trebel hooks...

[jjdbike]

No tackle shop in AH Harbor any longer. The Lure Jensen spoons you mentioned look like the flutter spoons but are smaller. You might give them a try but the spoons I picked up from Pete at AH Bait and Tackle and what most are using are 8 inches long and failrly thin/light weight. Pretty simple to work, cast them out, let them flutter down to the bottom and vertical yo yo jig them with an agressive lift of your pole tip and repeat...

BTW - The other day the shads and poppers were getting mostly shorts and the Flutter Spoon got the 28" plus keepers...

Thanks I'm gonna see Pete early Monday morning.

[jjdbike]

I was on the Fisherman with my son yesterday. We caught all our bass on a 7” Dartspin on a 1.5 ounce jighead.

I also had the following with me (& bring the again if i go) ;

-Storm Shads in the 6, 7 & 9 inch sizes as well as the 6.5 inch heavy shads (you could just bring the same size shad bodies and various size jigheads).
-Flutter spoons 8 & 9 inch versions in either white, chartreuse or broken glass.
-A topwater plug (I’ve been using a 1 ounce Zara Spook XT in bone) but you could also use a Smack-It or similar popper. SP minnows been working too (but treble hooks are a PIA in the net).
-3 ounce Crippled Herring for the bay and 5 ounce for ocean
-7 inch Dartspins with a few different weights of jigheads to place them on

Unless things change and sandeels start showing up you can leave the AVA jigs at home. I’d also leave the Krocodile spoons at home.

Depending on which set up I’m using my topshot is either #25 or #30. I use a 4-6 foot length of mono with a TA clip on the end for ease in changing lures.

7 foot M or MH action spinning rod is all you need as most of the bass now are schoolies, bonus tag size (24-27.99 inches) or smaller keepers from 28-32 inches.

I'm fishing w/ Capt. Derrick on Fisher Price Monday.
Most nice bass I see seem to have a 9" chartruce flutter spoon attached to it's jaw.
Do you guys prefer a spinner or conventional to work those spoons?
Thanks in advance.
JD

[Skolmann]

I'm fishing w/ Capt. Derrick on Fisher Price Monday.
Most nice bass I see seem to have a 9" chartruce flutter spoon attached to it's jaw.
Do you guys prefer a spinner or conventional to work those spoons?
Thanks in advance.
JD

You should slay them with Derrick as he’s been on them good.

I’ve been fishing flutter spoons on spinning gear (although I’m not totally happy with the rod I’ve been using) and more than likely will be buying a rod strictly dedicated for flutter spooning after the holidays. 90% sure on which rod I’ll be buying but as yet still undecided if it will be the spinning or conventional model.

I will say that IMHO you want a rod that’s at least 7’6” in length with 8’ being optimal. I feel that the longer rod gives you more of a lift of the spoon when you jig it & thus more ‘flutter time’ on the drop. You also want a rod with a soft tip but with plenty of backbone

[Gerry Zagorski]

I'm fishing w/ Capt. Derrick on Fisher Price Monday.
Most nice bass I see seem to have a 9" chartruce flutter spoon attached to it's jaw.
Do you guys prefer a spinner or conventional to work those spoons?
Thanks in advance.
JD

I get excited and kinda loose my mind every time I see the birds working and often times you'll find yourself having to cast in all sorts of different directions and positions to get your lure casted where you want it. Unless you have a well trained thumb, you'll wind up with a lot of birds nests using a conventional which is why I prefer spinners, especially when tossing lighter stuff..

Since the downward flutter of these spoons is what triggers the most strikes, they are designed to be long and on the lighter side so they don't sink as fast and flutter longer.

A longer, softer tipped pole does 2 things for you here.
1) Since the spoons are light, a longer rod with a softer tip allows you to load the rod tip up and cast them easier.
2) Since most strikes happen on the downward flutter, as Skolmann mentioned above, a longer rod with a softer tip helps you lift and whip the spoon higher off the bottom which means more time for the spoon to sink/flutter, do it's thing and trigger strikes.


Good luck on Monday, make us proud!

[jjdbike]

You should slay them with Derrick as he’s been on them good.

I’ve been fishing flutter spoons on spinning gear (although I’m not totally happy with the rod I’ve been using) and more than likely will be buying a rod strictly dedicated for flutter spooning after the holidays. 90% sure on which rod I’ll be buying but as yet still undecided if it will be the spinning or conventional model.

I will say that IMHO you want a rod that’s at least 7’6” in length with 8’ being optimal. I feel that the longer rod gives you more of as lift of the spoon when you jig it & thus more ‘flutter time’ on the drop. You also want a rod with a soft tip but with plenty of backbone
See below

[jjdbike]

I get excited and kinda loose my mind every time I see the birds working and often times you'll find yourself having to cast in all sorts of different directions and positions to get your lure casted where you want it. Unless you have a well trained thumb, you'll wind up with a lot of birds nests using a conventional which is why I prefer spinners, especially when tossing lighter stuff..

Since the downward flutter of these spoons is what triggers the most strikes, they are designed to be long and on the lighter side so they don't sink as fast and flutter longer.

A longer, softer tipped pole does 2 things for you here.
1) Since the spoons are light, a longer rod with a softer tip allows you to load the rod tip up and cast them easier.
2) Since most strikes happen on the downward flutter, as Skolmann mentioned above, a longer rod with a softer tip helps you lift and whip the spoon higher off the bottom which means more time for the spoon to sink/flutter, do it's thing and trigger strikes.


Good luck on Monday, make us proud!

So the striper jigging 6 pack was everything I could hope for. The weather was nice, and the boat was FAST w/ twin 300's. It got to the grounds sooner and was easier to stay on the fish than a larger party boat. We used 8' flutter spoons in chartreuse and gold shattered glass, and heavy*9" rubber shads. Conventional was the way to go for jigging the spoons and spinning for casting and swimming the shads. I picked right up on jigging the spoons as it was similar to jigging for cod.*
The amount of life out there was impressive. Both my friend & I lost count but we're guessing we each caught between 10 & 15 stripers.*The charter experience was completely different than a party boat. Easier, less time, and less hassle. If I had the time I would certainly do it again. I would also highly recommend Derek and his boat Fisher Price.
Thanks for the tips!
Best regards,
JD