It is important to keep in mind that any information that you receive from this article represents only one method and opinion of fishing for blackfish. While these methods and opinions are based on traditional methods, they are still proven to produce fish. If you are interested in pursuing blackfish, there is little doubt that you will soon develop your own method and your own decisions on rigs.

If you are fishing from a bow, if you are like most people you prefer conventional rod and reel. Most of these conventional rods have relatively stiff action. The reason so many fishermen prefer this, allowing you to present a heavier bait. It also allows unparalleled stopping power when you are fighting with big fish who are heading for rocks. Reels that contain a 30 to 50 pound test is generally used in place of other lines, and may be done with either monofilament or braided lines. Keep in mind, that ye are typically using a leader system. This means that you should not have as many broken lines.

For many, they prefer the three-way rig. This involves a three-way swivel using at least 50 pound test. Take a 2 foot length of floral carbon leader material in 50 pound weight, and tie on a 2/0 octopus hook. Using a snap or dropper loop in the second eye will connect your sinker to your rig. The final eye of your swivel will be to attach your main line
When deciding on bait, if you understand the feeding habits of blackfish, you’ll most likely select crabs.  These tend to be more durable than soft baits such as clams and sandworms and will hold up better under attacks from porgies.  You should also be aware that a usual fishing trip with one angler will require about two dozen crabs.  Don’t forget to bring along a serrated knife, typically found in all homes.

In order to open a crab, your best option is to place your blade on the belly. The point should be right between the eyes of the crab. Run a hook through the 2nd leg socket and allow it to come out of the top of the shell. Once you do this, you will notice the strong smell of the crap permeate and this will be amplified when it is dropped between rocks. For smaller crabs, there is no need to split them – simply remove the legs and hook them. Do make sure that you make use of a lead sinker to crack the shell before you do this.

Rock piles in shallow water are a good place to start looking for blackfish. You should start off in twenty feet or less of water, and that should help you with anchoring over rock piles as well. Depth finders may aid your success. Once you have determined the direction of the tide, you’ll be able to locate the best place up current for fishing. Once you identify the right location, use your depth finder to determine just how far your anchor needs to be dropped. Tie your anchor off as soon as you see rocks. This allows you to start fishing on one side and if needed you can move easily to the next spot.

Start off modestly using three ounces of weight. Drop your crab to the bottom of the water and engage your reel.  Remember to keep your line tight, similar to the action you would take if you were trying to balance your sinker. Remember, keeping a tight line will help you be more successful and prevent you from snagging your sinkers in the rock beds.   You will more than likely run into a fair number of porgies and cunner who will be interested in your bait. It’s important that you notice the different strikes that are unlike the blackfish. Blackfish tend to be more aggressive more of a “ka-thunk” feel versus the tap tap tap repetitive hits of porgy and cunner.

Once you are certain you have a strike you must set your hook quickly.  Remember, the fish is going to try to head back to the rocks for self preservation. It’s your job to ensure that he does not make it.  If you lean back on your rod a bit, you’ll lessen the drag available to the fish.  You’ll likely feel this pulling in every muscle in your arms and shoulders, these blackfish do not give up that easily.  You can wear him out by getting him away from the rocks and letting him fight the side of your boat until he wears out a bit and then grab him with a net. If local regulations allow, add a couple to your catch of the day as they make a wonderful meal.

Seasoned anglers love fishing for blackfish. It is both fun and productive and for those who enjoy fish as a meal, it’s a real treat.

When you are out saltwater fishing it is important to make sure you have the right supplies. Some of the most popular brands include Shimano Saltwater Reels, Penn Reels, and Daiwa Saltwater Reels.

Tags: Fishing Blackfish, Fishing Trip, Foot Length, Leader Material, Nbsp, Octopus, Porgies, Pound Test, Pound Weight, Rig, Rod And Reel, Sandworms, Serrated Knife, Sinker, Stopping Power