Information taken from John Skinner’s October 2010 article “Three-Way Bucktailing the Rips”
This technique is very popular in Long Island Sound fisheries like Plum Gut, the Sluiceway and Fisher’s Island and has been responsible for more than a few 60-plus pound stripers. Greg Myerson is a big believer in three-waying bucktails, recently using this strategy to land the 73.75-pound bass that is currently this year’s Striper of the Year.
What You’ll Need:
- Bucktail Jig
- Red, Yellow, or White #70 Uncle Josh pork rind
- 5 feet of 80-pound test monofilament
- 3-way swivel
- 1 foot of 40-pound test monofilament with loops at both ends (so you can easily change sinker weight
- 8- to 16-ounce cannonball sinker
- 50-pound test braid for main line
The objective is to glide the jig near the bottom without getting snagged. With almost constant monitoring of the bottom contour on the fishfinder, drop the rig to the bottom, immediately take two or three cranks, and then just hold the rod in a position where you’re ready for a big strike.
Deep drop offs and variable structure coupled with a strong current will give you the best chance at scoring a trophy bass with this technique. Captains that are most successful at three-waying bucktails find one piece of structure (like a big boulder), and run short, consistent drifts over it, making sure the bucktail and cannonball sinker are just a few cranks off the bottom.
The On The Water staff is made up of experienced anglers from across the Northeast who fish local waters year-round. The team brings firsthand, on-the-water experience and regional knowledge to coverage of Northeast fisheries, techniques, seasonal patterns, regulations, and conservation.