How To Fish BUCKTAILS In The Surf For Striped Bass - Surf Fishing Stripers | Smooch and Release

BOOK A GUIDED FISHING TRIP WITH ME: www.smoochandrelease.com Learn how to fish bucktail jigs for striped bass from the beach! In this episode of Get Reel Bass Fishing, I'm breaking down my approach to surf fishing with bucktails on Long Island, including the best bucktail weights, how to work your jig along the bottom, how to find striped bass around sandbars, and the fishing gear I use to catch fish in the surf. In my previous video, I covered fishing bucktails in heavy current around inlets, jetties, and bridges. Today, we're taking those techniques to the open beach, where lighter bucktail jigs and a different presentation can make all the difference. Whether you're new to surfcasting or an experienced striped bass angler looking to improve your technique, these are the tips I use to locate fish and fish bucktails effectively from shore. 🎣 *WHAT YOU'LL LEARN IN THIS VIDEO:* How to fish bucktail jigs for striped bass in the surf The best bucktail weight for beach fishing When to use 1 oz and 1.5 oz bucktails How to use the pop-and-drop technique to catch stripers How to fish a bucktail along the bottom How to identify sandbars, cuts, deep holes, and productive beach structure Where striped bass hold around sandbars and breaking waves The best surf fishing rods for bucktail jigs Why faster-action and stiffer rods can help with jig control and hooksets Why I use 30 lb braided line for surf fishing How wind and braid can cause frustrating wind knots The best bucktail colors for striped bass, including white, white with red thread, and chartreuse How to choose bucktail trailers, including paddle-style jig strips and eel tails How to position your body for a better hookset when fishing single-hook lures *WHAT WEIGHT BUCKTAIL SHOULD YOU USE IN THE SURF?* When I'm fishing the open beach, I usually start with a lighter bucktail, typically around 1 oz and sometimes up to 1.5 oz. If the waves aren't too large and the current isn't creating a strong sweep, these lighter jigs can be an excellent choice. The key is understanding the conditions and figuring out where the fish are holding. I'll often start by letting my bucktail reach the bottom, then use quick pops to lift it before allowing it to drop back down. If I consistently find fish feeding near the bottom, I may switch to a heavier bucktail to reach them more quickly. *HOW TO FIND STRIPED BASS ON THE BEACH* Reading the beach is just as important as choosing the right lure. Look for sandbars, cuts, deeper holes, and areas where waves break differently. These changes in bottom structure can create productive places for striped bass to feed. Don't retrieve your bucktail too early, either. Stripers can hold along the inside of a sandbar or close to the shoreline, so work your lure all the way back to the beach. *MY SURF FISHING GEAR* I discuss the rod power and action I prefer for bucktail fishing, along with braided line, bucktail jigs, and soft-plastic trailers. Choosing gear that lets you feel bottom, control your jig, and drive a single hook home can make a big difference when targeting larger striped bass. If you want to become a better surf fisherman, learning to read the beach and adjust your lure presentation to the conditions is a great place to start. 🐟 *BOOK A LONG ISLAND SURF FISHING TRIP* Want to learn how to catch striped bass from the beach with an experienced guide? Book a guided fishing trip with me. Website: www.smoochandrelease.com 🧢 *SMOOCH AND RELEASE FISHING GEAR* Check out the website for Surf Fishing Only hats and other fishing gear. Website: www.smoochandrelease.com 👍 Enjoy educational surf fishing videos? LIKE this video, SUBSCRIBE to Get Reel Bass Fishing, and leave a comment with your questions about bucktail fishing. Watch my previous video on fishing bucktails in heavy current around Long Island inlets, jetties, and bridges to learn how to adjust your approach for different fishing conditions:    • How To Fish BUCKTAILS For Striped Bass - S...   Thanks for watching! Stay real, Smooch and Release, and have some fun on the water. #SurfFishing #StripedBassFishing #BucktailFishing