Fishing Bucktails for Striped Bass When Marking Them Below You
Fishing Bucktails for Striped Bass When Marking Them Below You
When striped bass are showing directly beneath your boat on the fish finder, it’s a prime chance to fish buck tails vertically. Bucktails are highly effective because they mimic baitfish and sink quickly into the strike zone. Choose a bucktail based on depth and current: 1 to 2 ounces for shallow or calm conditions, and 3 to 4 ounces for deeper water (30–80 feet) or fast-moving tides. Rather choose large profile Bucktails to get the best chance of hooking a cow.
. "A mid-August bass caught on a 3oz Bullet Head Rock Crawler-A large prolific bucktail made by us.
Use a simple, rhythmic vertical jigging technique. Drop the bucktail straight down until it hits bottom, then crank up just a turn or two to keep it slightly above the bottom. To work the bucktail in the most effcient way you want to give it a jig motion without any frantic movements. Many strikes will come on the fall, so stay alert—watch your line for twitches or sudden stops.
When a striper bites, especially on the drop, setting the hook with authority is key. Don’t wait to "feel it out"—stripers have tough mouths, so give a hard upward sweep to drive the hook home. Using a medium-heavy spinning or conventional rod is best, around 6’6” to 7’, with fast action for strong hooksets. Spool your reel with 30–40 lb braided line for sensitivity and strength, and tie on a 3-foot 30–40 lb fluorocarbon leader using a strong knot like the FG or Alberto. Braided line helps detect subtle hits at depth, and fluorocarbon gives abrasion resistance near structure.
For reels, a 4000–6000 size spinning reel or a low-profile baitcaster with a solid drag will do the job. Ensure your drag is tight enough to set the hook, but not so tight you risk pulling it out or breaking your leader. If fish are picky or stacked just off bottom, try dead-sticking (holding the jig still) or slow lifts and drops. Matching your bucktail size, color, and motion to the conditions and fish behavior is the secret to turning marks on your screen into stripers in the boat.
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