How To: Summer Sea Bass | Jigging | No Bait

Summary

• 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 Jig Biki 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

Ground Fishing in Vineyard Sound: Techniques and Gear

Ground fishing is a popular activity in Vineyard Sound, particularly during the summer months. This article will delve into effective techniques and the gear required for a successful fishing trip, focusing on black sea bass, scup, and other groundfish species.

Fishing Location and Conditions

Vineyard Sound is a prime location for ground fishing, especially around the Fourth of July weekend. During this period, black sea bass migrate to deeper waters, making it necessary to target drop-offs and underwater structures. The conditions often include varying wind and tide, which must be considered when planning your fishing approach.

The Approach

The key to successful ground fishing in Vineyard Sound lies in making long drifts over deeper valleys and micro rips. This method leverages the natural underwater terrain to attract fish. By paying careful attention to the wind and tide, you can optimize your drift trajectory to maximize your catch. Typically, fishing takes place in depths around 96-100 feet, requiring specialized gear to reach these depths effectively.

Adjustments

Flexibility is crucial in ground fishing. If the quality of fish changes or you start catching unwanted species like small scup or sea robins, it’s important to reset your drift. This involves making short moves to reposition your boat and start the drift anew, ensuring you remain in productive fishing areas.

Gear and Setup

For deep water ground fishing, a 7ft hybrid inshore/offshore spinning rod is ideal. This rod should be paired with heavy jigs, typically weighing between 8-12 ounces, to maintain contact with the bottom. The Hogy Hybrid Inshore/Offshore Spinning rod, with a parabolic “soft” action, is particularly effective. This rod, originally designed for heavy-duty inshore striper fishing and light tackle offshore fishing, can handle the heavy jigs required for ground fishing while providing enough bend to enjoy the fight of a sea bass.

Jigging Technique

Slow jigging is an effective technique for attracting groundfish. Using the Hogy 8.5oz Squinnow jig and Jig Biki teasers, you can create a food chain effect that appeals to a variety of groundfish. The technique involves bouncing the jig on the bottom, lifting the rod tip, and allowing the jig to sink back down. Adjusting for wind and tide is essential to maintain a vertical presentation, ensuring the jig stays in the strike zone.

Lure Selection

The choice of lure is critical in ground fishing. The Hogy 8.5oz Squinnow jigs are designed to mimic crabs and lobsters, common prey for bottom dwellers. These jigs are effective without the need for natural bait, making for a cleaner and more efficient fishing experience. The jigs’ rounded belly and low center of gravity create a natural drop and flutter action, enhanced by the Jig Biki teasers.

Handling and Releasing Fish

Proper handling of fish is essential to minimize harm and ensure sustainability. When dealing with species like scup and sea bass, using gear that facilitates effective catch and release is important. Supporting the fish properly and minimizing out-of-water time helps maintain fish health.

Rod and Reel Setup

The Hogy Hybrid Inshore/Offshore Spinning rod, combined with 65 lb test braid and a 65 lb test leader, provides a robust setup for ground fishing. This combination is capable of handling the heavy jigs and the strong fish encountered in both inshore and offshore environments. The rod’s parabolic action makes it suitable for a variety of fishing scenarios, from casting big lures to managing heavy jigs in deep water.

Conclusion

Ground fishing in Vineyard Sound requires careful planning, the right gear, and effective techniques. By understanding the fishing conditions, making necessary adjustments, and using the appropriate setup, anglers can enjoy a productive and enjoyable fishing experience. Whether targeting black sea bass, scup, or other groundfish species, the methods and equipment outlined in this article will help you succeed in your fishing endeavors.