live lining spot questions..

[OFF the SHORE]

Guys I know its done down south a lot but was wondering if anyone had thoughts of using them around Sandy Hook. If so what's the best rig and way to hook them? I figure same as bunker but figured I would ask. They are pretty hardy and easier to keep live then bunker. And advice would be greatly appreciated.

[Dino]

guys fish them on a simple egg sinker rig in barneget inlet well into late, late fall and catch bass.

[Capt Sal]

We have been live liming spots since the spring!Back in the seventies spots were all over Raritan Bay and so were tide runner weakfish.We would anchor up and catch the spots on srtructure with small pieces of worm.The bass,weakies and blues were on the same structure.Simple and fun!

[OFF the SHORE]

Thanks guys... I have seen them up here only the last 2 years (and more so this year) easy and fun to catch right from the dock and they last in the pen for some time. Hope to try them once this Nor'Easter moves out and we get some fishable weather.

[MrAC1980]

We've been stock piling them since the summer. We use a similar rig you would use for eeling. I use a 3-5ft leader tied to a 5/0 Gami Octo and swivel. you can either use an egg sinker or fish finder rig with whatever weight you need to hold bottom. Hook the spot through the nose and when you feel the pick up, drop the rod and let out line for a good 3-5 seconds, reel in the slack and set the hook.

[Harpoon]

Just one correction and that is they need plenty of fresh (salt) water to keep them going. You will see them start to slow down in your live well and then kaputz. If you are filling the live well by hand then every 1/2 hour or so to keep them going.
5/0-6/0 hook small shot or egg depending on current and where the blue fish are...sometimes no weight at all. I hook mine in the mouth up through the fish Look for structure and let them inhale it..don't jerk. I caught some recently in Cape May doing this with fresh spot and croaker. (this was on a boat drifting jetties...not off the surf)

Good luck.

[tautog]

They will swim deep without weight if the current is not bad.