Striper Jigging Spots

[shkbilly]

How do you guys decide on a spot to setup on? Obviously working birds are a dead giveaway, but if theyre not there, then what? I've left the inlet a million times only to be greeted by nothing. In those cases we set up trolling.

Will you guys set up on marks alone? A specific spot that has worked before?

Also I feel like we spend to much time at a location without action. If you put the jigs down and nothing happens, how long do you give it before you pick up and move?

Thanks guys! 

[IrishAyes]

I don't know about anyone else, but if I do not see the birds or have good marks on my machine I see no reason to put the jigs down. No need to fish in barren waters hoping something might show up eventually.

I will check areas where we have caught before (structure) for any readings.

If I get no decent readings or bird action I will put the trolling lines out.

Perhaps someone with more experience than me will say otherwise. 

[CapBob]

Echo what Joe said......no birds no drop unless i have readings.

Go to the usual spots that hold fish and look for readings..........don't just look for the birds, plenty of great fishing when the fish are down and no birds are working.......

[Noworries2009]

Depends on where you are. South of Manasquan there's not much structure along the beach. The fish usually get excited on bait early then drift offshore and go deep. Use all your senses to determine what to do. Trolling is how I used to find my jigging fish especially after 9AM on a sunny day. Running up and down the beach to find fish can waste time and burn fuel.

[shkbilly]

Thanks guys. I feel that my fishfinder is a liar 99% of the time! A friend's father once told me while we were out that those machines are just a video thats replayed to excite you!

[IrishAyes]

  He may be on to something there. 

[Capt. Carl]

Thanks guys. I feel that my fishfinder is a liar 99% of the time! A friend's father once told me while we were out that those machines are just a video thats replayed to excite you!

true statement....put your finder in demo mode and look at the readings they get on that screen....waaaayyyy better than what shows on your real time marks!  lol