2012 - The Year of the Bucktail

I have decided that this year I will learn to fish bucktail jigs.  As with any new skill that I attempt to learn, my first step is to do extensive research.  I have read some great books including "Doc" Muller's book on fishing bucktails and John Skinner's article in Zeno Hromin's book - "The Hunt for Big Stripers."  I am hoping to get my hands on a copy of John Skinner's new book on bucktail fishing as well. 

In addition I have been watching some of the online seminars available by surfcasters journal and John Skinner himself.  These videos in conjunction with my reading research have got me excited about learning (and hopefully mastering with time) this time tested method for catching fish from the surf.

Two important factors have also influenced my decision to learn to bucktail.  First is the cost of bucktails.  They are way cheaper than most other lures that you will use from the surf.  With custom metal lips selling for upwards of $30 a pop, bucktails seem like a wise investment.  Second these things are small - which reduces the size of the plug bag that I need to carry in order to fish by about 10 lbs.

I look forward to reporting on my progress in the art of bucktailing as the season progresses.  I'll see you in the surf.  - JC