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FISHING LIVE BAIT FOR JACKS
There are many
ways to fish live bait. Notice, I said fish live bait, not fish
with live bait. It’s not just as simple as hooking a bait fish
and throwing it in. Even though it’s live, it still needs to be
presented for Jacks to hit it when they are swimming under the
pier.
Let’s start
with your line. It should be at least 30 lb test. With a leader
about 3 feet. The drag should be set so you can pull it with
force, by wrapping the line 2 times around your hand and pulling
from the reel. The bait should be lively, and hooked in the
clear spot between the nose and eye’s. Preferably with a 2 or 3
O.T. hook. Lean over the rail and watch for the jacks to
approach.
Most of the
day they are under the pier and travel up and down the length of
the pier. When they approach, have the bait in the water. If
they don’t hit the bait right away, you will need to present the
bait to them. Place the bait next to a pilling and hold it at
the top of the water, most of the time they will strike it. If
they don’t, watching the body language of the fish is important.
If a Jack turns on his side, it’s an aggressive move toward
striking, he may or may not hit, but you’re on the right track.
Very important, do not let your line slack. Nothing is worse
then leader hanging behind your bait.
Another trick
to getting their attention is placing the bait on top of the
school and letting, or directing your bait to swim out from the
pier. This will draw 1 or 2 away from the school to strike.
Remember; don’t let your leader drag behind.
These tips are
helpful when you apply them correctly. Keep this in mind, always
watch the fish and their movements, aggressive and none
aggressive, then you will know what they want. Also Jack’s are
funny fish, aggressive by nature but loyal to the school leaders
which always lead in front and a 2nd group which
trails. If they don’t hit at first, stay on them, eventually
they will....
Keep em
tight!!!!!
Mackerel John
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