Rigs for Offshore Sea Bass - NJFishing.com Your Best Online Source for Fishing Information in New Jersey

Mags2013 · #1 10-29-2014, 05:09 PM

First offshore seabass trip for me next month. Should rigs be tied any different than for inshore seabass fishing? I use a pretty standard hi-lo rig for the inshore trips and wondering if it's any different offshore?

PaulNreel · #2 10-29-2014, 05:29 PM

Same hi lo but you might consider a 3rd higher larger hook for cod. Currents are stronger

16oz sinkers are a good idea.

tuna john · #3 10-29-2014, 08:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mags2013

First offshore seabass trip for me next month. Should rigs be tied any different than for inshore seabass fishing? I use a pretty standard hi-lo rig for the inshore trips and wondering if it's any different offshore?

i have been using bigger hooks 5/0 -6/0 getting better results
just my .02

Rocky · #4 10-29-2014, 08:45 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tuna john

i have been using bigger hooks 5/0 -6/0 getting better results
just my .02

Keeper sea bass have big mouths and like big bait. I shake my head in disbelief when I see rigs tied with little hooks.

tautog · #5 10-29-2014, 09:14 PM

I use 2/0 and 3/0s. No need for bigger and you get more jumbo porgies. Never had a problem hooking them or have a hook break.

Rocky · #6 10-29-2014, 09:47 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tautog

I use 2/0 and 3/0s. No need for bigger and you get more jumbo porgies. Never had a problem hooking them or have a hook break.

I also agree with you about smaller hooks now. You can put a nice mixed bag together, but the original poster was asking about a month from now.

AndyS · #7 10-29-2014, 11:46 PM

BIG WATER, BIG RIGS. 8/0 baitholder hooks at least 3 ft apart. The c bass offshore are 6 and 7 lbs, the Pollock are 30 and 40 lbs., and some of the Cod push 50 lbs, why go smaller ? Big hooks, big baits, big fish, start with at least 20 oz.

Jay · #8 10-30-2014, 06:33 AM

Just go with 5/0 bait holders or octopus hooks. My preference is the grand banks knot. Snell the hook, hi and lo. Follow the steps on the picture. Should be golden. Good luck! Catch em up!

tautog · #9 10-30-2014, 09:58 AM

I am talking about Dec thru Feb. There are loads of 14"-20" porgies on those wrecks. As for big cod and pollack they are not very common on sea bass wrecks. Certain northeast wrecks have them in fair numbers but most cod on these trips are under 12lbs. I have caught fish that size on number 2 hooks with no problems. The only time I would use 5/0s and when fishing commerically to keep porgies off the hooks.

John D. · #10 10-30-2014, 11:14 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AndyS

BIG WATER, BIG RIGS. 8/0 baitholder hooks at least 3 ft apart. The c bass offshore are 6 and 7 lbs, the Pollock are 30 and 40 lbs., and some of the Cod push 50 lbs, why go smaller ? Big hooks, big baits, big fish, start with at least 20 oz.

If you divide each number by half, this is spot on. Sinkers can go up to 20, depending on current.