When surf fishing for striped bass around boulder-strewn beaches, using the Hogy Skinny Surf Eel rigged on a swimming tin offers an effective way to target bass that are hugging structure and ambushing prey. This method combines a traditional approach with modern soft plastics for a more efficient and user-friendly experience.
The Historical Roots of Rigging Dead Eels on Tins
The tradition of rigging dead eels on swimming tins goes back generations. In the early days, surf anglers would thread a dead eel onto a swimming tin, which provided weight for casting and a wobbling action as it moved through the water. This setup was particularly effective when targeting striped bass holding near rocky structure, as the tin allowed the eel to swim naturally in the water column.
However, using dead eels presented many challenges. They were hard to store, slimy to handle, and often flew off the hook during casting or became tattered after just a few bites. This led to the evolution of soft plastic alternatives, like the Hogy Skinny Surf Eel, which maintain the action of a live eel without the mess or fragility of natural bait.
Approach: Where to Stand and Cast Relative to Boulders
Your positioning in relation to the boulders is crucial for maximizing the effectiveness of the swimming tin and eel rig. Here's how to approach:
Stand Up Current of the Boulders: Position yourself so you’re standing slightly up-current or upwind of the submerged boulders you’re targeting. This allows your lure to naturally drift and swim over the structure as you retrieve, mimicking a baitfish or eel moving through the rocks.
Casting Angle: Cast parallel to the shore or slightly diagonally across the boulders. The goal is to keep your lure in the strike zone (just above the structure) for as long as possible during the retrieve. Avoid casting directly on top of the boulders, as this can lead to snags or spooking the fish.
Work the Troughs and Edges: Striped bass often ambush prey from behind the boulders or in troughs between rocks. Focus on retrieving the lure along the edges of these areas, where bass are likely lying in wait.
Technique: Fishing the Skinny Surf Eel on a Swimming Tin
Steady Retrieve with Pauses: After casting, allow the eel to sink toward the bottom. Start a slow and steady retrieve, keeping tension on the line to feel any subtle strikes. The swimming tin will provide a natural wobbling action, while the soft plastic eel’s tail kicks gently, mimicking a swimming eel.
Every few seconds, pause the retrieve to let the lure flutter back toward the bottom. This simulates an injured eel, often triggering strikes as the lure descends.
For a more erratic presentation, give the rod tip quick twitches every few cranks. This adds a darting action to the eel, making it look like prey trying to flee. This technique works particularly well when bass are more aggressive or during faster currents where the extra action can entice a reaction strike.
Tips for Success When Fishing Over Boulders:
Positioning: Focus on casting parallel to the shore or slightly diagonally, aiming to keep the lure in contact with the structure for as long as possible.
Line Control: Keeping a semi-tight line is key, especially during the pause. Bass will often hit the lure as it flutters down, so always be ready for a hit during these moments.
Current Awareness: Stronger currents might require slightly faster retrieves to prevent the lure from being swept into rocks and snagging. Adjust your reel speed to match the water movement while still keeping the lure near the bottom.
Timing: This method is especially effective during lower-light conditions like early morning, dusk, or cloudy days when striped bass are more actively hunting.
The Benefits of Using the Hogy Skinny Surf Eel on a Swimming Tin:
Easy to Re-Rig with Keeper Hook Combo: The soft plastic construction of the Hogy Skinny Surf Eel makes it easy to rig and re-rig on a swimming tin without the hassle of threading fragile dead eels. The keeper hook combo ensures the eel stays securely attached through repeated casts and strikes.
Less Mess: Unlike using dead eels, the Skinny Surf Eel eliminates the mess of handling slimy bait, making for a cleaner and more efficient surf fishing experience.
Durable and Reusable: Soft plastic lures like the Hogy Skinny Surf Eel are reusable, meaning you can fish them throughout the day without constantly replacing bait. This makes the lure both cost-effective and environmentally friendly.
Natural Action: The combination of the swimming tin’s wobble and the eel’s soft, flexible body creates a lifelike presentation that mimics an injured eel swimming near the bottom—exactly what striped bass are looking for in rocky, boulder-filled areas.
Fishing the Hogy Skinny Surf Eel on a swimming tin over boulders in surf combines the best of traditional rigging methods with the innovations of modern soft plastics. Whether you’re a beginner looking to simplify surf fishing or an advanced angler fine-tuning your technique, this approach offers an effective, durable, and mess-free alternative to rigging dead eels. By understanding the structure, positioning, and retrieval techniques, you can maximize your chances of success while targeting trophy striped bass in rocky surf zones.
