Welcome klt!
I don't know if you're aware, but the Cock Robin will be targeting bonito and false albacore tomorrow,
not bluefish. They plan on leaving the dock at 6am, not 7:30. I would be on that trip, but I have to work tomorrow and can't get out of it.
For this trip that muskie rod will work for you. However, when fishing for bones and albies I prefer a 6 1/2 to 7' med to mh spinning rod with about a 4000 size reel loaded with 14 lb. test mono. Something similar to what you might use for largemouth. I also add a long leader (10-20 ft) of 14-20 lb. fluorocarbon using a uni to uni knot. I like the spinning rod as it makes it easier to cast the smaller lures I use back into the slick.
For bait fishing all you will really need are some fairly small live bait or octopus hooks and a pack of assorted split shot. Something like the Gamakatsu Live Bait hooks in size 2/0 would be a good choice.
I personally like to use artificials on these trips. Small, thin metals such as AVA 007s, Gibbs Minnows, Deadly Dicks, etc. are very effective.
My absolute favorite lures for these speedsters are the 4" and 5" Tsunami Split Tails in pink, pearl, black back and blue back. If you can't find the Tsunamis, Fin-S Fish, Zoom Flukes and Sluggos in the same sizes will work as well. Just rig them on a 1/2 to 1 oz. jighead and you're in business.
Hope that helps. Good luck!
-Bob
