Author Topic: Rigging the Bucktail Stinger: 101  (Read 68846 times)

Offline Bucktail

  • Just a Jig-alo
  • Admin
  • Super Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 12628
  • Karma: +0/-0
  • Have jigs. Will travel.
    • NJ Saltwater Fishing Tackle
Rigging the Bucktail Stinger: 101
« on: July 06, 2009, 01:18:21 AM »
The topic of fluking with bucktails seems to be a very popular one on this site.  I recently received a PM asking, "What is a 'stinger hook' and how do you rig one?"

So, I thought I'd try to show you my way of rigging it.  I've tried a couple of other ways, but this one seems to be the easiest and most hassle free.

First, let me say that I love fishing bucktails and other types of jigs.  I have caught many different species of fish on them in both saltwater and freshwater - in the U.S. as well as in Canada and Mexico.  So, I have a ton of confidence in them!

But, I'm certainly no expert.  There are a lot of anglers (and many here on this site) that can out-fish me all day long with a bucktail.  So I would encourage others to please add to this post and describe (with pictures if possible) how you rig a stinger on your bucktails.

What it is:
A stinger hook is a second (or sometimes third or fourth) hook that is rigged behind the main hook of the jig.  It is often called a "trailer" hook.  It's main purpose is to catch short striking fish.

The Assist:
As I noted above, I have tried a couple of different stingers on my bucktails.  Slipping the eye of a Siwash hook over the hook on the jig (similar to a trailer hook on a spinnerbait) was one method.  Tying a short length of mono from one hook to the other was another.  Then, a few years ago, (just before the Shimano Butterfly jigs were introduced) a couple of companies started marketing "assist" hooks.  These were made to add hook at the top of a vertical jig (such as a Crippled Herring or diamond style jigs).  Their purpose was to catch those fish that attacked the head of the jig.  When Shimano introduced their Butterfly system in the U.S. the assist hooks were all that was used on them.

What they are:
For the most part an assist hook is a "live bait" hook to which is tied a short loop of Kevlar.  A piece of shrink tubing is then secured over the knot to protect it from fraying.  (Pic. #1)

How to use them:
Attaching them is simple.  And because they are not rigid like a Siwash or O'Shaughnessy hook, they tend to allow freer movement of the bait(s).  All you have to do is form a loop in the Kevlar (Pic. #2), slip it over the hook and pull tight! (Pic. #3)

Dressing the bucktail:
Having two hooks on the jig allows for more ways of baiting up.  A long, fresh strip bait of bunker, bluefish, mackerel, sea robin belly, etc. can be used.  Hook the fat end of the strip on the hook of the jig and position the stinger hook towards the middle.  You want to rig it so it lays straight and doesn't cause the strip to bunch up.

I like to use two separate pieces of bait on the jig.  When rigged correctly the two baits will swim just as well as a longer strip bait and give the illusion of a larger baitfish.  However, using two baits eliminates the problem of the larger strip bait from bunching up, spinning, tangling, etc. 
A couple of spearing, chovies or shorter strips of squid can be used.  My favorite bait is a couple 4" Gulp! Swimming Mullets.  I put one on each hook.  Although it doesn't look like much on dry land, when it's pulled through the water those little curly tails make the jig come alive! (Pic. #4)

Colors:
My two favorites for fluke are chartreuse (Sorry Capt. Joe!  Better put your shades on! ;D) and white.  I will also throw pink on occasion.  But chartreuse and white are my confidence colors when it comes to fluke.

So there you have it.  I hope that many of the bucktailers out there will chime in with your own methods and preferences on stinger hooks.  Good luck! t^


Offline CapBob

  • Super Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3818
  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Rigging the Bucktail Stinger: 101
« Reply #1 on: July 06, 2009, 01:22:54 AM »
Great post and Info TT^

Thats why you da Bucktail ;D


Offline Reckless

  • AKA Frankeu
  • Super Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2734
  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Rigging the Bucktail Stinger: 101
« Reply #2 on: July 06, 2009, 04:23:39 AM »
Thanks for the info!! slt

Offline Luna Sea 5

  • Admin
  • Super Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 12102
  • Karma: +0/-0
  • Nick (Luna Sea 5)
    • My Facebook Profile
Re: Rigging the Bucktail Stinger: 101
« Reply #3 on: July 06, 2009, 05:48:39 AM »
looks good.  I like having both hook in a huge smelt for short bites.
Fish out of Toms River NJ.
Call Nick for open boat, 973-417-5756, or on Channel 68.

Team Luna Sea 6


Offline bassnblues

  • Super Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1492
  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Rigging the Bucktail Stinger: 101
« Reply #4 on: July 06, 2009, 06:33:04 AM »
Good tip! I never thought of using those assist hooks as a stinger.

Offline wb

  • Super Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 5273
  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Rigging the Bucktail Stinger: 101
« Reply #5 on: July 06, 2009, 08:28:49 AM »
I have been catching just as many on a short (3-4") rigged hook about 16" above the bucktail-usually put a schpearing or schmelt on it- hadn't used that setup in awhile til Hunter2 Eddie tied one up for me the other week....

thanks for the suggestions all! Good topic Bob!

will try the trailer hook again next time too

can never have too many short fluke....

WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA  hhppy


Offline ChrisL

  • Super Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 2790
  • Karma: +0/-0
    • Oak Lane Woodworks
Re: Rigging the Bucktail Stinger: 101
« Reply #6 on: July 06, 2009, 08:32:47 AM »
Great write-up Bucktail   t^


Offline Drew806

  • Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 75
  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Rigging the Bucktail Stinger: 101
« Reply #7 on: July 06, 2009, 10:14:47 AM »
Great post. Thanks Bucktail.

Offline Pfishingruven

  • P-Man
  • Moderator
  • Super Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 10298
  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Rigging the Bucktail Stinger: 101
« Reply #8 on: July 06, 2009, 11:26:40 AM »
Great info Bucktail!

 TT^


Offline salty pig

  • Hero Member
  • ****
  • Posts: 522
  • Karma: +0/-0
  • the pig
Re: Rigging the Bucktail Stinger: 101
« Reply #9 on: July 06, 2009, 09:44:31 PM »
I have been catching just as many on a short (3-4") rigged hook about 16" above the bucktail-usually put a schpearing or schmelt on it- hadn't used that setup in awhile til Hunter2 Eddie tied one up for me the other week....

thanks for the suggestions all! Good topic Bob!

will try the trailer hook again next time too

can never have too many short fluke....

WAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA  hhppy



 whs  All my fish have been caught like WB on the 1/4 oz spro above my 3 oz spro... gonna try that assist though  t^
'

Offline PeggyLee

  • Super Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 3970
  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Rigging the Bucktail Stinger: 101
« Reply #10 on: July 06, 2009, 10:04:25 PM »
Bucktail, Nice job and good info. chrz

Offline Capt -Jerry P

  • Sponsor
  • Super Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1475
  • Karma: +0/-0
    • Fish Monger
Re: Rigging the Bucktail Stinger: 101
« Reply #11 on: July 06, 2009, 10:45:58 PM »
Great Info Bucktail

I found 120 mono with a loop and crimp

I have found this to provide the least fouled baits. The Premaid one are better for jigs but a little flexible leaving the bait to foul or you long strip to fold over

will take pic Tomorrow

Plus a lot cheaper

Offline bassnblues

  • Super Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1492
  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Rigging the Bucktail Stinger: 101
« Reply #12 on: July 07, 2009, 07:41:01 AM »
I've been catching almost everything on a 1/2 oz teaser too.

IMO it's a case of "match the hatch". A 1/2 oz Spro with a 3" swimming mullet is a great spearing imitation.

Offline pilot2550

  • Super Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1924
  • Karma: +0/-0
  • Z'Obsession
Re: Rigging the Bucktail Stinger: 101
« Reply #13 on: July 07, 2009, 10:55:25 AM »
Bob,

Dig the spro assist with gulp.  Looks like a fluke killer.  Going to give that set a run through the paces.

Thanks t^

Offline Fishin Dude

  • Super Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 4524
  • Karma: +0/-0
  • FISH CONTROL MY BRAIN
Re: Rigging the Bucktail Stinger: 101
« Reply #14 on: July 07, 2009, 11:00:03 PM »
Got to try that instead of attaching my stinger hook with mono. No knots to tie and done in seconds.  t^  Thanks for the tip Bucktail. <'((((><
I've spent most of my life fishing, the rest I've just wasted     <'((((><


Offline Hunter 2

  • RFA-NJ Member
  • Super Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 12154
  • Karma: +0/-0
  • 36' Topaz Express "Hallie Loren"
Re: Rigging the Bucktail Stinger: 101
« Reply #15 on: July 08, 2009, 10:49:08 AM »
Thanks Bob.  Thats the first time I have seen that rig. chrz
Eddie "Hunter 2"
36' Topaz "Hallie Loren"    Charter boat sailing from Wagners Marina, Keyport NJ


 Life is short, Fish Hard.

Offline Bucktail

  • Just a Jig-alo
  • Admin
  • Super Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 12628
  • Karma: +0/-0
  • Have jigs. Will travel.
    • NJ Saltwater Fishing Tackle
Re: Rigging the Bucktail Stinger: 101
« Reply #16 on: July 08, 2009, 08:10:38 PM »
Just stopped in my local WaWa before and noticed The Fisherman had an article about stingers for fluke fishing.  Of course NJSWF beat them to it!  ;D


Offline Pfishingruven

  • P-Man
  • Moderator
  • Super Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 10298
  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Rigging the Bucktail Stinger: 101
« Reply #17 on: July 08, 2009, 09:31:32 PM »
 TT^

Offline Skolmann

  • Super Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 1087
  • Karma: +0/-0
Re: Rigging the Bucktail Stinger: 101
« Reply #18 on: July 09, 2009, 01:27:17 PM »
Bucktail,

I tired responding to your PM but your in-box is full (hey, that sounds kinda dirty)

Offline Bucktail

  • Just a Jig-alo
  • Admin
  • Super Hero Member
  • *****
  • Posts: 12628
  • Karma: +0/-0
  • Have jigs. Will travel.
    • NJ Saltwater Fishing Tackle
Re: Rigging the Bucktail Stinger: 101
« Reply #19 on: July 09, 2009, 06:45:06 PM »
Bucktail,

I tired responding to your PM but your in-box is full (hey, that sounds kinda dirty)

Sorry man.  Its all cleaned it out now.


 

NJSFlogofinal1

BSX

terrafin

Heavy Duty truck Parts On Line

Web Site Design

Bill Chaser Charters

Know Before You Go

Local Weather | Marine Bouy Weather | Inshore Forecast | Offshore Forecast | Interactive Wind Charts | Tide Charts | Sea Surface Temps | Chlorophyll Concentrates | Online Chart Viewer

-

new jersey marine weather forecastterrafin

-