Fishing Location and Conditions: Ground fishing in Vineyard Sound during Fourth of July weekend, targeting big black sea bass. Fishing deeper water structures and drop-offs for better catches. 00:00:12
The Approach: Using long drifts over deeper valleys and micro rips, focusing on wind and tide for optimal drift trajectories. 00:01:20
Adjustments: Making short moves to reset drifts when quality of fish changes or when encountering unwanted species like small scup or sea robins. 00:02:12
Gear and Setup: Using a 7ft hybrid inshore/offshore spinning rod with heavy jigs (8-12 oz) for deep water fishing, targeting a mix of groundfish like sea bass, scup, and occasionally fluke. 00:04:13
Jigging Technique: Slow jigging with Hogy 8.5oz Squinnow jig and Beaky teasers, creating a food chain effect to attract groundfish. Adjusting for wind and tide to maintain vertical presentation in 95ft of water. 00:06:14
Lure Selection: Using 8.5oz Hogy Squinnow jigs designed to mimic crabs and lobsters, common prey for bottom dwellers. Emphasizing a clean boat and avoiding the use of natural bait. 00:08:14
Handling and Releasing Fish: Properly handling fish to avoid harm, especially when dealing with species like scup and sea bass. Using gear that allows for effective catch and release. 00:10:16
Rod and Reel Setup: Highlighting the use of The Hogy Hybrid Inshore/Offshore Spinning rod, a parabolic “soft” action rod, re-purposed from Heavy Duty Inshore striper fishing and Light Tackle Offshore fishing with 65 lb test braid, and 65 lb test leader. The prod perfectly handled the heavy inshore groundfish jigs with plenty of bend to enjoy the sea bass fishing. 00:12:18
