I have been finding myself getting broke off anytime i use chunks. Let me explain. I usually start with cut shrimp on a dropper loop rig and get some whiting or whatever wants to bite. Then I chunk that whiting and use a fish finder rig. I am using 50lb. fluro for this rig which is no match for the bigger fish with teeth. I have even chunked big mullet mullet and live lined finger mullet with the same result. Big sharks.
Recently I have been experimenting with wire. I am using this Malin stuff using a haywire twist to connect my hardware. Anyway, I find once I switch I don’t get many bites. I am really looking for red fish and not sharks but I will take one if I hook into one. I am assuming the reds would be leader shy to the wire?
So now I got myself 150lb. Ande leader material but I am still learning how to tie the stuff since its really heavy. I would rather not have to buy more stuff and start crimping. I am just wondering what other people are using for leader material when chunking? I use Gamakatsu 3/0 to 6/0 J hooks when chunking just if you wanted to know. Thanks for listening and any ■■■■■■■■ is much appreciated
I don’t target Sharks, but I do catch them. The rig I use for my “Bull Red” rods, which I only start using in late September, is; 25lb. mono main line, 30"-40" 50lb. mono rub leader, then a store bought 60#-80# coated wire single drop, 6/0 non-offset VMC 3x tournament circle. Have never had a problem with any Red, or Sharks under 6’ TL. I would think though, if you were looking to catch 6’+ Sharks this rig would need some mods. Maybe 60#-80# braid, a pretty good length of stout mono rub leader (rod length + a few raps on the spool) and for sure a bite resistant wire/cable and a bigger hook. I am sure the Shark guys could give you some better ideas on Shark rigs if you wanted to go that route. 150lb. mono? Crimp. IMO
For me, I’ll stick to catching Drum.
“There’s a fine line between fishing and standing in the surf like an idiot.”
Thanks I will try the store bought rig. My idea with the 150lb. mono was that it could hold up to sharks and the mono would not spook any reds as opposed to wire. But it looks like that is no an issue for you so I will try a pre made wire rig. I noticed you mentioned you use a 50lb. mono (rub?) leader. Not sure what you mean. I would use some 50lb. fluro before the wire rig. Thanks for all the help. I always follow your surf advice. Been using cut shrimp and it works well. Now I need to land some of these fish on the chunks. Thanks again.
Anthony
Okay, it is basically a 50lb. mono leader 30"-40" long. It holds up 2x better than the 25# mono main line against tail “Rubs”.
And you mentioned Reds being line shy? Maybe inshore, clear, shallow water.
But in the surf?..you could probly tie a piece of mullet on an anchor rope, and the Reds would still eat it.
Keep it simple.