After getting blown out two times last month, I finally got a chance to fish with Captain Mike, Hareball, and Captain John today. We met at the dock at 5am and were on our way looking for the big stripers that were reported to be hanging under the bunker schools off LBI.

Capt. Mike found the bunker quickly, and the guys managed to snag a few to liveline. We also did some jigging around the schools. But the bunker were scattered and we soon discovered that the big stripers just weren't on them like they were only a few days ago.

While we were disappointed that the stripes weren't biting, we still had part two of our trip left to take care of. So we picked up our lines and Mike pointed the boat east to find a productive wreck. My plan was to finally get to field test Shimano's new Lucanus Jigging System. I had the rod. I had the jigs. It was up to Mike to put us on the fish, and he did not disappoint.

After checking out a few wrecks in the area, Mike found one that he felt had a good amount of life on it. While I broke out the Lucanus jigs, the other guys baited up with "stinky" clams. The action was immediate and fairly steady on both the clams and the jigs. I (and I think everyone else) was really surprised at how productive and easy it was to catch these fish on the Lucanus jigs.

We probably caught over 150 sea bass, a few spiny dogs, and one tog. Final keeper count for the day was about 33 keeper sea bass and one nice sized ling that Hareball caught.

As far as the Lucanus System. I will be writing a complete summary of my field tests of this system soon. But first indications are that this system is for real!

All in all it was a terrific day on the water with a great bunch of guys! Thanks to Capt. Mike for inviting me! I look forward to fishing with you guys again for the NJSWF Fluke Tourney in July!

-Bob