High Wind Weakfish

[HerringKing]

I took a charter in the Barnegat bay today for weakfish today. Wind blew like crazy. Fish didn't seem to mind. I caught 30+ weakies(7 were keeper size, kept 1), a few snapper blues and a hickory shad. They hit grass shrimp and shedder crab.

[AndyS]

Nice fish ! Get a hold of Shucker, he'll take you out N/C

[Arbutis]

Can you explain how you fish with grass shrimp and/or shedder crab? and where you get them? What jig or tackle set up?

I know the weaks are here - just need to target them better. Thanks

[Offshoreafflicted]

In Barnegat bay I work holes and drop offs preferably surrounded by shallow water and grass beds. I drop anchor and chum with live grass shrimp a few at time to get a slick going. Put a few shrimp on your hook and float them back in the slick. Sometimes you need a split shot if the current is really running hard and some guys like to use bobbers. I prefer just shrimp and a hook. Shedder crab you can fish on a small bucktail or jig head. Break off a small piece at a time put it on the jig and work it thru the slick.

Same method as chumming blues or bass just with live shrimp instead of bunker.

There are some tackle shops in the area that sell live shrimp but you have to order them in advance. For tackle I use ultra light spinning rods 4lb test line. With the low bag limits this is fun fishing and I do not mind breaking off a big fish or pulling anchor and chasing it around the bay .

Raritan bay is a whole different ball game.

[CadiShackFishing]

Nice C&R. Would be nice to see them make a comeback.

[HerringKing]

Originally Posted by Offshoreafflicted

In Barnegat bay I work holes and drop offs preferably surrounded by shallow water and grass beds. I drop anchor and chum with live grass shrimp a few at time to get a slick going. Put a few shrimp on your hook and float them back in the slick. Sometimes you need a split shot if the current is really running hard and some guys like to use bobbers. I prefer just shrimp and a hook. Shedder crab you can fish on a small bucktail or jig head. Break off a small piece at a time put it on the jig and work it thru the slick.

Same method as chumming blues or bass just with live shrimp instead of bunker.

There are some tackle shops in the area that sell live shrimp but you have to order them in advance. For tackle I use ultra light spinning rods 4lb test line. With the low bag limits this is fun fishing and I do not mind breaking off a big fish or pulling anchor and chasing it around the bay .

Raritan bay is a whole different ball game.

Exactly what he said.

[Arbutis]

Just out of curiosity, if I don't have access to grass shrimp for chum and bait (or shedder crab) do you think regular shrimp would substitute ok? Like a big bag of fresh frozen shrimp from the supermarket (obviously something fairly inexpensive).
Maybe mash them up and use tiny bits? Just trying to think outside the box a bit for my area.

Thanks

[Offshoreafflicted]

I never tried it but I doubt it would work. The grass shrimp work best when alive.