Gulp Grubs (using)

[flyersnfluke]

I've had issues with short hits on the gulp grubs, usually the fish holding onto the end and as you lift it off the bottom the fish drops off. I have caught some nice fish on them, but recently i've been frustrated as it seems the norm and not the exception; is it the hook i'm using or just smaller fish? I generally use a size five octopus or bait holder hook.

cheers

[Treebeard63]

A 5/0 baitholder or octopus is fine for a 6' grub.. In the half dozen times I've been out in NJ this year, I'll say the jig/grub bite has been off.. certainly a lack of commitment on the flukes part most days I've been out.. also, pretty much everywhere I fished the bottom is thick with small seabass.. which could be a lot of what you are feeling .. whatever the case, adding a strip of bait or a spearing should make them hang on longer..

[Zach123]

You can also try taking about a half inch to an inch off the front of the grub. Allows you to get the hook closer to the tail. Also I save the chunks that I remove because they work good for porgys and ling. Good luck!

[hammer4reel]

If you want to use an octopus hook go right up to an 8/0

in a bait holder with a longer shank, you can use a 5/0 or a 6/0

[flyersnfluke]

thanks all.

cheers and tight lines

[MVP]

Defitwly go withbigger hook and preferably something with a long shank so the point sits towards the very back of the gulp

[stevelikes2fish]

I will agree some of the gulp this year us just useless. On the other hand as stated above, I've been using the 6" grubs, removing about 3/4" to 1" prior to placing on a 8/0 thick shank cod style hook, then tipping with a large piece of fresh cut bait. Usually use this as a hi lo cod style rig with a sinker loop on the bottom. Have also had tremendous success using a similar type of rig, 2 large dropper loops with a small jig with 7/0 hooks and either a heavy sinker on the bottom or another large jig.
8 trips this year with double and triple limits. Several in the 5 to 7+ class.

[Skolmann]

I've been using the 5" grubs (not the mullets) and that has cut down on my "short bites".