offshore sea bass & porgy question
 

I was wondering if there is a way to rig so you favor one species over the other? Should I use larger hooks 4-6/0 for Sea Bass & 2-3/0 for porgy? I use a high low rig, does the height off the bottom matter? does the spacing matter? Does jigging make a difference? Does bait matter, clam versus squid?

All advice is appreciated.

Re: offshore sea bass & porgy question
 

8/0 hooks 3 feet apart. The cod and pollock are any where from 30 to 40 lbs, whole squid.

Re: offshore sea bass & porgy question
 

Every trip is different. I generally just fish a three hook rig with 4/0s spaced at about 6", 24", & 42" above the sinker. Giant porgys can still get them in their mouths and they are big enough to hold any sea bass as well as most cod and Pollack. Sometimes fishing whole squid will help to keep the porgy away, but other days they will attack them viciously. I used to try for one species over another, but I have found it to be more productive to simply catch as many of everything I can and then cull from their.

Remember fish on the offshore wrecks tend to be large and aggressive. I would hate to lose a giant sea bass or cod to a bent-out 1/0.

If I am trying to target Pollack specifically then I jig.

Re: offshore sea bass & porgy question
 

Now i know who the guys are with three hook rigs that tangle me up all day!jk bow wooowww!

Re: offshore sea bass & porgy question
 

I have one rod with 3 4/0s and another with 3 1/0s. I start with the larger hooks and keep with it unless the porgies really start to dominate. Very few fish out there other than a slammer pollack will bend out a baitholder 1/0. I have caught lots of cod up to 28lbs on those hooks as well as bluefish up to 16lbs.

Re: offshore sea bass & porgy question
 

Thanks for your insights.

So, 8/0 with whole squid for monster Sea Bass, Cod & Pollock

Maximize the catch with 4/0 and cull, whole squid may discourage porgy, Jig for Cod & Pollock

Have primary rod rigged for Sea Bass with 4/0 and backup rigged for porgy with 1/0 see whats comes over the rail and match the rod with the catch.

Thanks for your help, going out on Thursday will let you know my results.

Re: offshore sea bass & porgy question
 

If you want the jumbo seabass, jig, hands down. If you want to use bait, and catch seabass wait for that "thump" and send the hook home. The porgys hit more like a tap tap tap. Its all about waiting for the rite bight.

Re: offshore sea bass & porgy question
 

What kind of jigs do you use down deep and how are they rigged?

Re: offshore sea bass & porgy question
 

8-12oz Hammered jigs.

Re: offshore sea bass & porgy question
 

I am planning on using 10oz hammered silver or gold viking jigs with a red tail and a teaser 24" above.