Avoiding skates & dogfish

[agent530]

In all the times I have gone fishing, I have always used a fishfinder rig, 8/0 circle hook and mostly bunker as bait occasionally clam. I have never caught anything but dogfish or bunker. What do you guys recommend I do to catch something else? I will go for anything but skates and dogfish.

Thanks in advance,
Anthony (agent530)

[Eng 94]

Try Sand worms, Rig EEL, Live Bunker, Fluke belly, Spots, Grass shrimp. Depends on where you are fishing though.

[agent530]

Thanks, will do. I might try mullet because some guys said that they are catching blues with those. I fish in Ocean Beach near Lavallette.

[Eng 94]

Thanks, will do. I might try mullet because some guys said that they are catching blues with those. I fish in Ocean Beach near Lavallette.

That's a good choice also, asking local fisherman what bait is working is the best way to get on the fish.

[ChrisL]

Bunker is a good choice for bass or blues. 
Read the water and make sure your bait is cast into the trough.  Bit sitting on the bar is more likely to attract skates (thats where they like to hang). 
After the second skate or dogfish....move spots.  Hanging out there will only result in more of the same. 
Right now, the best bet to catch something is to work a bucktail / Gulp teaser combo for fluke. 

[Hunter 2]

 

Fluke:   A small spro Bucktail heavy enough to cast to reach your desired location baited with gulp in white , chartreuse or pink.  Then tie a dropper loop 15" to 18" above that and hang a teaser hook 4/0 to 6/0 that can be dressed with a skirt and baited with gulp. Cast out and retrieve slow to cover all the area in the water. 

[agent530]

Thanks for all the replies! I am going to try a bucktail with a gulp teaser dressed on a 3/0 baitsaving hook later. Wish me luck! I will post pics if I catch anything!

[Eng 94]

Thanks for all the replies! I am going to try a bucktail with a gulp teaser dressed on a 3/0 baitsaving hook later. Wish me luck! I will post pics if I catch anything!

If you listen to these guys you will.