Jumbo Surfcasting Bluefish Crushing Poppers 

Mr. Skinner you are the Long Island Legend!! I’m from Rocky Point, currently going to college and fishing up in Rhode Island, I would love to run into you on the beach and just soak up as much knowledge as i could greatest to ever do it

In the 70s and 80s on OBX there would be 20-30 miles of huge Blues like this around Thanksgiving- Christmas. I was there.

Some of the most consistently good fishing videos out there. I hope to where you are one day. Good stuff....

John thank you for showing me the jigging rod technique for poppers, caught 10-16lb gator blues in point pleasant, 1st time in Nj. Our blues in Chesapeake are 1-3lbs, big difference

I had a big ol’ grin listening to the background whooping and hollering! How fun!

This is a bucket list experience for me. I grew up with stories of my dad getting into these big blues in the Outer Banks in the early 70's. By the time I started going as a 10 year-old, those bigger blues were gone. I have managed a good number of big blues live baiting for cobia in the late spring, and last year I got into big blues in Delaware this spring. Unfortunately it has always been on bait (bunker chunks or live bait.) I desperately want to hit a blitz of choppers on topwater just once.

One of the strongest fish out there, they actually ruin it for me when I go freshwater fishing for small mouth bass because they put them to shame, I had who never caught a bluefish and I told him that a 1lb blue will fight harder than a 5lb small mouth he didn't believe me so I took him bluefishing and change his mind on the first one he couldn't believe how strong they were I forgot to tell him they have teeth and he went to lip it like a bass I caught him just in time

I use to wonder why you seemed to horse your fish in so fast. I have since learned that most of the things you do are very well thought out. The fish you release are still very fresh and seldom need any resuscitation. Another lesson for me. Thank You

John, I think your use of Braden is the main reason your hooks get mangled..no stretch...I catch the same fish on cheap jigs and rarely bend a hook unless it is when I use my pliers too aggressively.

I encountered Blues this size one time in the LI Sound. It was off a beach in Smithtown Bay. There were hurricanes in the Atlantic creating lots of wind so no one was fishing. But for some reason the wind died and it was calm. I'm fishing all by myself, catching the usual 1 to 5 lbers, when I saw a huge splash. I started fishing that area and caught the two of the biggest Bluefish in my life, each in the 18-20 pound range. Then the school left as quick as it had emerged. It was memorable.

Thanks for sharing John! Hoping we'll see the big blues blitz's down on the outer-banks again some day.

Damn! That's some big blues! Here on the space coast of Florida we only get them up to a few pounds. Still put up a good fight

There seemed to be quite a few big blue fish out there. Beautiful catch John.

i love it when those monster blues are around

I thought we had nice beaches in Maine but with the videos I’ve been watching in Martha’s Vineyard and Long Island. I’m jealous

Those fish were in stunning condition... I'm sad we don't get these Blues in the uk ... thanks John .

Nice footage ! Usually, here in Mediterranean sea, bluefish are jumping out of the water to get rid of the lure. This is making the battle fantastic! I didn't notice such of behavior at these "ocean" bluefish ....

everyone complaining about a bad season except for John 🤔

I always hear stories about the big blues in the 1970s and 1980s down here in the Chesapeake. Can't say I've ever caught one over 26" myself though.

I had this exact action on the western south shore of LI this past May. Gator blues every cast on poppers.

Nice rig you have perfect size for these fish

Had this once at Sandy Hook in October. Every fish was 38" or so until i stopped measuring. Wears you out after a dozen or so fish on every cast. That day they were feeding visibly so I just ended up watching them for a while.

Long Island Sound is such an excellent fishing spot. Have used chunk bunker at Caumsett State Park at night at low tide and wading far out to cast. 15 minutes in a lawn chair drinking beer and the big blues are very willing. Jones inlet in the 70 s people were catching thousands on the incoming tide. 4-6 lbs. Like all great fishind it did not last to modern times

What a wealth of knowledge. Wanted to see a good Blues video. Very entertaining ..Thank-You!!

lets be truthful about the SF-V reel. it's a tank, many surf flips in my kayak, after 2yrs without service its still a great smooth reel. They are the budget torque option. from 20lb stripers to 50lb stingrays

One day I'll get on some fish like this... Thanks for the video!

Hi mate from down under Australia Really in joy your videos The fish you call blue fish are tailor here I have never seen them this big I have got them around 5 to 8 lb Might have to come visit you when they are on the bite Tight lines 🐟

Nice sizes John, i was catching some bluefish like those in Orient point.

Agree few blues around but when they were they were huge had multiple 20 pounders early fall

Love that sound. Big fish pulling hard.

John thank you for another great Blue fish video I am trying out using a singal circle hook but straighten out the point because of the good deph of circle in the hook on my knife made lures I am using a 8/0 as fishing on the ocen rocks and not bach becuse the trebles get hooked up on the growth on the rocks will let you know the results on our Tailor

Awesome action! Thanks John!!!

I caught jumbo blues right in sheepshead bay Brooklyn

U always deliver!!! Another awesome vid!!!💯💪👊LET'S GO!!!

John, that is one of the most beautiful fishing I have seen. The waters...WOW...beautiful! It’s is perfectly clear and calm, it can’t get any better than that. I live here in East Tx but drive down to the coast nearby Galveston Tx, more specifically Crystal Beach, Tx. The waters here hardly get that clear and calm. Them blue fish, are they good eating? We named see them here. Also, where are you fishing, such as in what state, or at what beach area? What are the weather like conditions there during this time of the year? Incase I might come there and try some of that fishing when I get close to retiring, which will be a many more years to come. I would like to a Google Earth and take a look at drive time and look at the terrain there. Also, what other fish are good to catch with that kind of plugs?

that looks like paradise!

Thanks for the great Video's John. Great info

Dang. That's what's up. Great video. Awesome fish. Good for you man. I want to come back up there and fish.

Great video

I can't believe how large they are. Great fishing day. I would have kept two. That's all it would have taken. How do you cook you're Blues?

Where on Long Island is this place?

Great stuff as always John!

wow those are some gators! awesome video

That's impressive! John, you mentioned something about single hooks getting snapped off? I hate trebles. Can you give me more on that? Also, are those waders and shoes actually keeping you dry? Thanks in advance!

Nice fish

Good fishing place thank you for your videos

Great vid. Love the topwater

Awesome video, are you on the New York side or Connecticut side?

Now that's what I call action

Those fish are strong !!

we never got the big fall run here in Delaware

HI! What distance can you cast with these rods? And for a regular surf rod? In Barcelona where I live, we also fish for Blues and Leerfish from the beach but, we usually use different tackle, I don't know why surf rods are not popular, I'm really interested in know more about it. Thanks for sharing your videos.

Same type of blues in back bay SIC this spring...so much fun....caught all mine on Sluggos..6 inch Arkansas shiners on 3/8 oz jig, 17lb Trilene XL with wire leader...they actually chew through after several fish. check out Sea Isle City Blues on RU-vid...Great job John love your videos.

Penn really needs to make this rod again

hey john, you gonna make a florida trip next year?

Nice going how often do you use just poppers instead of pencils

Wow. Flat as a lake...that's fun.

I know your in New York you can sell the blues to black market seller we use to do that in the 80 s. What’s the price per pound for blues

Great action!

Awesome video...

Damn John.... we haven't seen those class bluefish along the Rhode Island Shore in a few years at least not schools of them....Mostly just a lot of small bass blitzes this year....Starting to see a trend here....small bait=small bass/bluefish blitzes in areas known for good fish in the past. I've come to the conclusion that as long as there's action it's a good day... we just downsize the equipment LOL

Great video!

great fishing john what kind of tennis shoes or waders are you using thanks

Yes may I know the place sir

That's the first time I've heard you talk any freshwater. How about some videos or books?

Massive blue fish

Thanks for posting, only problem was two very clear voices speaking at the same time, made it hard to hear you.

every one know where is in long island sound

Where on LI Sound was this video shot.

friend nice video and where is that place

Man even though it's a trash fish people seem to love it here in Lebanon I'm no fish eater so I only catch and release haja

That’s it John, move over I’m moving to the north fork!! lol

awesome video

Hey John what view is that on the go pro, is that the wide view? Thanks, great videos

Great video ..I love my penn

Hi.I just have to ask. Which knot did you go with to connect your leader to the braided line.

John....what action is the rod?I am fairly new to this type of fishing and had to buy a Tica 8' rated 1-3 ounce lures with moderate fast action on short notice. And needed something to fit in my vehicle that was one piece.It seems very stiff and not as much action as some that I see you use. Still a good rod and hate to spend more money..Tuff to feel buck tails while jigging for bass.Can you recommend a two piece longer rod for blues and stripe bass for us beginners..I may be able to go to a one piece 9'...

Hey John - do you ever use a wire leader when targeting blues?

I know it's really not your thing but a different angle weather its a chest mount/tripod or selfie stick you should try to capture these fish a bit better. I know a dslr is pricey but your content would be awesome with some quality footage. Good video love your content.

Can you offer this information for a west coaster? Roughly speaking--not specific spots--which state, and time of year tends to be best for surf fishing blues?

where does one find such calm waters?

Video was shot late October people

Wheres that at?

Where on long Island is this?

I have read that Bunker populations are being over harvested....as a guy fairly new in the salt game, its troubling. I fished freshwater my whole life, but made the leap 2 years ago into the salt game. My wallet regrets it, but the angler in me can't get enough. I just wish i was around for the "good ol days " where blitzes were common all fall and you had to pick your way thru 20lbs to get a 40. Now a 9lb bass is a common grown man selfie picture. It is what it is i guess....

Why were you throwing the fish back in the ocean I thought you were there to fish and eat

John, What camera do you use?

Where on Long Island is this? Looking for an amazing place to fish in LI

What size treble hooks are in this video

John, what type of action do you like for a pencil popping rod? Some guys really like a more moderate action while others like a fast rod like a century Slingshot

Seems like everyone else had a better fall than I did

Some body know the name dat beach

I never use wire leaders either, don't even own any.

What happened to the Penn clash?

Unreal. So jealous

What leader do you recommend? Recently got cut off twice on 40 pound flouro

John if I click on your links I get all sorts warnings

Where is this John?

aren't you horsing those fish?

trebles rip them apart