ablies/bonito tackle

[maddhatterr]

Looking forward to the albies and bonito this year. Was wonder what some of the sharpies are using for tackle, rod/reel setups, line weight, and lure choices. I've always enjoyed fishing for them and myself use a long mono top shot over my braid on my sx (avet) and straight mono on a light spinning outfit. But when it comes to lure choices I always seem to bring stuff that's to big or heavy and I would love to try some soft plastics this year but really don't know where to start. Any pointers would be much appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

Jim:

:):):)

[Gerry Zagorski]

Small Clark Spoons and Deadly Dicks work well.... As far as rod and lines I think you are right where you need to be.

Both lures can cause some spin and line twist especially if they get foulded so a good barrel swivel should be used.

[Ismellfishy]

Personally ill stick to spinning tackle because I feel its easier to achieve the proper action/speed in working the lures. 7ft 15-20lb rod with 15lb mono to a short 4ft 20lb fluoro leader has worked very well for me. Also its good to have a little give or whip in the tip for betteraction on the lure. As far as lures go small deadly dicks and AVA007-AVA17 and tsunami split tail minnows 4-5" will crush the albies when they're running through the slick. For bonito u can get away with slightly lighter tackle but the same lures will work, except make sure you have some small red/white BEAN head bucktails. I have seen days where these caught wayyyyy over anything else. Nothing more enjoyable than these little pelagic speedsters on light tackle. Soon ill be stuck at work and wont be able to fish til september but when im free againn i will be going out for them for sure. Hope we get a better run this year!!

[tombanjo]

Those split tail tsunamis are like candy to the albies. Bounce 'em a bit with a whippy rod no more then 10-15 ft down or you'll be in blue territory. I usually use either 15lb or 20 fluro. There will be days where they won't touch any kind of lure, just zoom right by smiling at you. Then you'll need a bunch or short shanked hooks, #6 or smaller, and some recent vintage spearing. Bury the hook, throw a few others in the slick with it and you're good to go. Imo, the most fun way to catch them as they're on the move even before you set the hook and you get the longer runs that way. Suckers turn broadside flashing their colors as they zoom off. Do I wax nostalgic? Yeah, can't wait. Maybe another month.

[Bass Specialist]

I've always done pretty well with crippled herring when the Albies are around

[chefsamg19]

We'll said drew and Steve.. Hoping this year is better!!

[Garone Custom Rods]

I've always done best with small metals ripped a few feet below the surface.

[chrislars]

4 inch split tail tsunami minnows were killer a few years ago! i haven't been out for them yet this year but hear smaller ava's reeled in fast are the ticket! i usually tied 4-5 feet of 20-30lb flouro with a uni knot to mono or even used a small swivel with a 4 foot flouro leader to the "gummy" as we call em. I have 7-8 different colors and all have worked, some better than others depending on the day and water color

[lunkertaker]

4 inch split tail tsunami minnows were killer a few years ago! i haven't been out for them yet this year but hear smaller ava's reeled in fast are the ticket! i usually tied 4-5 feet of 20-30lb flouro with a uni knot to mono or even used a small swivel with a 4 foot flouro leader to the "gummy" as we call em. I have 7-8 different colors and all have worked, some better than others depending on the day and water color

Agreed.

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[vinntastic]

Get a couple spearing and chop them up and you can chum them right to wear your fishing throw like 10 or 15 little 1/4 inch pcs and have your 007 ready to cast to them;)