Kingfish

[captainbailey]

Has anyone been fishing for them? Tired of getting skunked I fished the mantoloking bridge today for three hours an found myself dropping back to a snapper about the size of my lure. i  figure Kingfish are the only steady game in town. Just trying to get some info on targeting these buggers 

Thanks in advance

[captainbailey]

I guess no one

[ped579]

They have been getting them off the docks in Seaside Heights and Seaside Park on a regular basis.  Was over at Grumpys today and they said it was a good steady catch plus snappers coming in a close second.

Paul

[captainbailey]

Maybe those are the quick taps I get while fishing lures at the mantoloking bridge

[ped579]

What kind of hooks are you using? the Kingfish hooks are small and so should be the bait.

[captainbailey]

Well, ive been throwing fin-s on a 1/4 jighead. hook is about a 1/0. I tried targeting them there a few weeks ago with what was about a 1" killie on a # 2 baitholder hook with no luck

[ped579]

Do your self a favor and pick up a couple of Kingfish hi low rigs and use sandworms if you can get them or the Gulp look alike but cut them down to size maybe 3" long.  This is a proven tactic that will work.  If you do not get doubles I bet the hi hook will have a fish on in no time.

Good Luck.

Paul

[captainbailey]

I'll take a look at one and make my own. I haven't bought a packaged rig in about 10 years. They always tend to use the cheapest of everything in those but charge twice as much.

[Pfishingruven]

Capt...it is just a standard hi lo rig with a smaller hook a #2 or a #4, I would guess would be about the right size...maybe even a 1/0, but not much more.  Works pretty good for croakers that I remember!

What size and color fin-s are you throwing??  I would think that the weakies would be back there...bubblegum pink in 4" or so is the way to go.

 

[captainbailey]

you got it. nothing going on there. I would like to meet up at that bridge with someone who is familiar fishing the area.  The only weakfishing i've done is in the reach. totally different game

[ped579]

True, as I usually make most of my own rigs as well.  The 1/0 hook would be even too big.  a #2 or #3 long shank would do just fine.

[captainbailey]

I have a box of #2 baitholders that I will use. Picked up some dropshots today for the new hi-lo rigs I tied.

[ped579]

Sounds like you will be in good shape.  Good Luck.   

[captainbailey]

Thanks, any other tips? Tide, time of day, etc.?

[captainbailey]

Well, tried yesterday with no luck. Fished from 9am-noon. bunc if little taps but nothing to even bend the rod a bit.  

[ped579]

If you are looking for Kings you should also try for them at night.  It could be interesting and well worth your time.

Paul

[captainbailey]

Thanks