Bunker tails
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BUNKERTAILS>>>
We are going to get into this in greater depth during the winter, but the Bunkertail which was a later creation from the famous lure maker Don Bingler, was ment to be used from a boat...We would cast them out and do one of two things...jig them up and down on the bottom, or what we call POUNDING THE BOTTOM, or cast and slow retrieve along the bottom. Originally the lure came in the 3oz, and from what i knew, only a handful of Montauk fishermen had the heavier 5oz...later on the 5oz size became available to the public (thank goodness!). In Montauk, i use the 5oz due to the amount of current in the rips off the point. We have found the green colors work best, but i have caught fish on the other colors, with the yellow colored bunkertail, suprisingly catching a bunch of fish for us.
The below portion of the picture shows you the difference in size of the Bunkertail to a standard Baittail, and on the bottom pic, it shows Bingles heavier Smiling Bill head bait tail. As you can also see the early model bunkertails had painted eyes...the most recent ones have a pasted on refrective style eye which i like better. The new company that sells the Bingle products is Bite-Me tackle, and these lures are available at many tackle shops....its one lure i would definitly bring, if i was going out to Montauk to fish for bass!
EC NEWELL MAN>>>>
We are going to get into this in greater depth during the winter, but the Bunkertail which was a later creation from the famous lure maker Don Bingler, was ment to be used from a boat...We would cast them out and do one of two things...jig them up and down on the bottom, or what we call POUNDING THE BOTTOM, or cast and slow retrieve along the bottom. Originally the lure came in the 3oz, and from what i knew, only a handful of Montauk fishermen had the heavier 5oz...later on the 5oz size became available to the public (thank goodness!). In Montauk, i use the 5oz due to the amount of current in the rips off the point. We have found the green colors work best, but i have caught fish on the other colors, with the yellow colored bunkertail, suprisingly catching a bunch of fish for us.
The below portion of the picture shows you the difference in size of the Bunkertail to a standard Baittail, and on the bottom pic, it shows Bingles heavier Smiling Bill head bait tail. As you can also see the early model bunkertails had painted eyes...the most recent ones have a pasted on refrective style eye which i like better. The new company that sells the Bingle products is Bite-Me tackle, and these lures are available at many tackle shops....its one lure i would definitly bring, if i was going out to Montauk to fish for bass!
EC NEWELL MAN>>>>
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I'll shed some more light. It's a variation of the original Tiger Tail, which was a better version of the curved Bingle Tail or "whip tail", concieved by Don Bingler who started it all. During the mid to late 70' the sheepshead bay pin hooking fleet was slaying weakfish on the Tin Can and between the channels, I'm talking thousands of pound per boat per day. An old Tiger tail add stated that Donald From the bay (NO NAMES PLEASE WAS ASKED THAT FROM HIM! )(one of Long Islands best fishermen, period !!) caught 186,000 lbs of weaks one year, I don't doubt it. He nearly sank his boat with them many times.
I would fish near these guys and watch in awe. I tried bucktails, diamonds, sandworms etc. Only the tiger tails would produce. Finally I got my hands on some and started catching big time. Originally, they came in only 1/4 and 1/2 oz sizes. We would anchor uptide of the fish, toss them back, let them sink and slowly drag them on the bottom using 12-15 lb baitcasters. This was during the daytime. Eventually heavier versions (up to 3 oz were available) which made life a bit easier.
After a couple of years, everyone was into it and the Nordic Eel (or Nordic Tail was introduced). At this point it became a night game and everyone, including the party boats got into the game.
I remember hooking and landing a 35lb bass on a Nordic Eel from an anchored boat on 15 lb line between the channels while weakfishing one dark memorable night. This was some of the finest fishing the bight ever had to offer.
I would fish near these guys and watch in awe. I tried bucktails, diamonds, sandworms etc. Only the tiger tails would produce. Finally I got my hands on some and started catching big time. Originally, they came in only 1/4 and 1/2 oz sizes. We would anchor uptide of the fish, toss them back, let them sink and slowly drag them on the bottom using 12-15 lb baitcasters. This was during the daytime. Eventually heavier versions (up to 3 oz were available) which made life a bit easier.
After a couple of years, everyone was into it and the Nordic Eel (or Nordic Tail was introduced). At this point it became a night game and everyone, including the party boats got into the game.
I remember hooking and landing a 35lb bass on a Nordic Eel from an anchored boat on 15 lb line between the channels while weakfishing one dark memorable night. This was some of the finest fishing the bight ever had to offer.
PaulH...sounds like you were around our neck of the woods during those years. When we do the thread on BAIT TAILS REVISITED i would like for you to post some more information for the guys on the board, on what it looked liked on the water when the weakfish 'infested' the areas you mentioned during those years. And yes, Donald, does read this board! By the way, do you have the old TIGER TAIL ad, you mentioned in this post?
EC NEWELL MAN>>>
EC NEWELL MAN>>>
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I've fished bunkertails in montauk on Mike Brumms Daybreaker with some success,I was wondering,Would they be affective in the Jones/Fire Island area as well.Never tried them here.If so,where would be best in the inlet or back bays?Thanks,paulie
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B.Attidue and JI for bait tails
Well that is a good question. I myself have just moved out this way from Brooklyn and I?m just starting to learn the waters here. The back bays are rough on the bait ails because of the weeds. The only place I have had good success is the bridges. I have been using them on the weak fish with great results in Reynolds channel but the fish have turned over to the power baits sand worms. Last fall I killed the weak fish on them every day for like 2 weeks. I did use them out side to the west of the inlet for the fall bass run and they work great so I hope this gives you a clue. Read the post I have up in this forum on how to use a bait tail to help good luck mike
ALL ABOUT BAIT TAILS
Well that is a good question. I myself have just moved out this way from Brooklyn and I?m just starting to learn the waters here. The back bays are rough on the bait ails because of the weeds. The only place I have had good success is the bridges. I have been using them on the weak fish with great results in Reynolds channel but the fish have turned over to the power baits sand worms. Last fall I killed the weak fish on them every day for like 2 weeks. I did use them out side to the west of the inlet for the fall bass run and they work great so I hope this gives you a clue. Read the post I have up in this forum on how to use a bait tail to help good luck mike
ALL ABOUT BAIT TAILS
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Togmaster,
thanks for the info,I'll give it a try while eeling around the inlet and on the outside.
paulie
thanks for the info,I'll give it a try while eeling around the inlet and on the outside.
paulie
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3,953 Posts
iningolob and size
The weight is all an issue of being able to hit the bottom and able to drag or pop it. so depending on the tide wind or current that is the way to judge what size you'll need. The Bunker tail is used in heavy current areas like Montauk which it was originally designed for. But in our are you could us the bait tails from like 3/4 oz. to 3 oz. depending on conditions. As far as how to work it click on the link above which I posted a whole article on the how?s too. Hope this helps>
The weight is all an issue of being able to hit the bottom and able to drag or pop it. so depending on the tide wind or current that is the way to judge what size you'll need. The Bunker tail is used in heavy current areas like Montauk which it was originally designed for. But in our are you could us the bait tails from like 3/4 oz. to 3 oz. depending on conditions. As far as how to work it click on the link above which I posted a whole article on the how?s too. Hope this helps>
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The BaitTail
After Many emails on the baittails here is a history on them and how they work ! Use this knowledge well guys!!
: For us guys from who commercially fished for bass, and weakfish, the Bait Tail, next to the diamond jig, is probably the best all around lure for the bight. And unlike the diamond jig, the bait tail will catch fish at night.
For the last 20-25 years or so, the most popular makers of these lures were Don Bingle, and Gary Goldberg & Bob Sparta, of S&G lures. Also Al Rhindfelder was the inventor of these. He died in a Canoe accident in Del. Their heads by far fished the best due to their well balanced design, and the way in which the rubber was cut. I have used Sekora baitails, and must say, that their rubber and the way it is cut, is not as good as Bingles or S&G. Period.
Their are some variations of the heads, but the basic design is still the same, with either a Mustad 34184/5 or 91750/ST hook inserted in the leadhead weighted from less then a half ounce upto 3 ounces. The tails were specially cut with either a long clothing shears, or a special tool that is made by craftsman and sold at Sears. (Blades must be extra sharp when cutting the rubber)..two things are critical with the making of the bait tail...one is the balance of the lure, and the second which is as, or more important, is the correct cutting of the tubing. Tubing has to be used that comes from straight rolls, not the curved stuffed that you seem packed...a tube must be cut that is straight, with as little as possible curling at the ends, and, where the end of the tube runs up to the base near the bottom of the hook...tubing comes in different sizes ranging from 3/16, 5/16, 3/8 and 1/2, with the smaller sizes the most popular. The best color by far was what we called devold' which was slightly darker then the natural color we see...the second best was a shade of green that worked incredible in the fall, especially when fishing in the river for bass (Battery and East River). Black, white, wines , dark red and purple also work but natural seems to outfish them all. Heads do not have to be painted, but can be, with either a white or yellow base, with black eyes with a red smile.
The bait tail is to be worked by casting it out and very slowly retrieving it along the bottom...it also can be fished straight up and down in a jigging motion, with a slow lift and drop. The bait tail works incredibly well for king mackeral, with a light trace of light coffee colored wire in sizes 2 through 4 when fishing it on top. Use heavier wire from #5-8 when bluefish are scattered around...Down in the Florida Keys, bait tails, work incredibly well fishing off the bridges for tarpon and snook. They can be cranked at mid level or on top, and work very well at night for all species. You can even cast a light bait tail out and skip it along the top for false albacore.
Question: Do you fish them with a strip of squid? What about when you target fluke, do you add squid and a spearing/killie or squid alone?
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Balance is important
No Doc you cannot use a strip or any other bait on the hook. If you read my post on the way a bait tail works Balance is the most important fact here. By putting on any object you would throw off the center of Bal. causing the baittal to list back. When seen in the water the baittail should be on a 90% angle to the line it is tied to . That is why a good made bait tail will be weighted perfectly so the line is 90% from the main line. This has everything to do with the presentation and action of the baittail. good secrect. This lure is used in many diffrent actions!
I will list the fishing tactics below for diffrent spiecs I have caught with them.
1)Bass + Weak's, You must let the lure hit the bottom and slowly retrive dragging the bottom. once you are straight up and down re cast. If there are weeds in the water or grass put it away it is useless
2) Blues: Fast retrive or slow retrive work s with blues you need to keep trying till you find the right action.
3) Tarpon: this is a difficult Tech. It envolves keeping the lure ontop on the suface reeling real fast and (keeping it with the wave or current) It will not work uless you have the right direction.
4) Fluke yes I have caught some nice fluke on them just jigging up and down. In deeper water a slow lift and drop works well and in sallow water more of a quick jig.
5). Bontia and albies: Hit bottom or skim surface and crack that baby as fast as you can!
6: Seabass: slow jig on the bottom off the bottom will work on seabass. remember try and matchthe head of the baittail to the size of the bait in the area!
Well my fingers are tired for now hope this helps Good luck catch them up!
(This post edited by togmaster on 09/13/2004)
After Many emails on the baittails here is a history on them and how they work ! Use this knowledge well guys!!
: For us guys from who commercially fished for bass, and weakfish, the Bait Tail, next to the diamond jig, is probably the best all around lure for the bight. And unlike the diamond jig, the bait tail will catch fish at night.
For the last 20-25 years or so, the most popular makers of these lures were Don Bingle, and Gary Goldberg & Bob Sparta, of S&G lures. Also Al Rhindfelder was the inventor of these. He died in a Canoe accident in Del. Their heads by far fished the best due to their well balanced design, and the way in which the rubber was cut. I have used Sekora baitails, and must say, that their rubber and the way it is cut, is not as good as Bingles or S&G. Period.
Their are some variations of the heads, but the basic design is still the same, with either a Mustad 34184/5 or 91750/ST hook inserted in the leadhead weighted from less then a half ounce upto 3 ounces. The tails were specially cut with either a long clothing shears, or a special tool that is made by craftsman and sold at Sears. (Blades must be extra sharp when cutting the rubber)..two things are critical with the making of the bait tail...one is the balance of the lure, and the second which is as, or more important, is the correct cutting of the tubing. Tubing has to be used that comes from straight rolls, not the curved stuffed that you seem packed...a tube must be cut that is straight, with as little as possible curling at the ends, and, where the end of the tube runs up to the base near the bottom of the hook...tubing comes in different sizes ranging from 3/16, 5/16, 3/8 and 1/2, with the smaller sizes the most popular. The best color by far was what we called devold' which was slightly darker then the natural color we see...the second best was a shade of green that worked incredible in the fall, especially when fishing in the river for bass (Battery and East River). Black, white, wines , dark red and purple also work but natural seems to outfish them all. Heads do not have to be painted, but can be, with either a white or yellow base, with black eyes with a red smile.
The bait tail is to be worked by casting it out and very slowly retrieving it along the bottom...it also can be fished straight up and down in a jigging motion, with a slow lift and drop. The bait tail works incredibly well for king mackeral, with a light trace of light coffee colored wire in sizes 2 through 4 when fishing it on top. Use heavier wire from #5-8 when bluefish are scattered around...Down in the Florida Keys, bait tails, work incredibly well fishing off the bridges for tarpon and snook. They can be cranked at mid level or on top, and work very well at night for all species. You can even cast a light bait tail out and skip it along the top for false albacore.
Question: Do you fish them with a strip of squid? What about when you target fluke, do you add squid and a spearing/killie or squid alone?
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Balance is important
No Doc you cannot use a strip or any other bait on the hook. If you read my post on the way a bait tail works Balance is the most important fact here. By putting on any object you would throw off the center of Bal. causing the baittal to list back. When seen in the water the baittail should be on a 90% angle to the line it is tied to . That is why a good made bait tail will be weighted perfectly so the line is 90% from the main line. This has everything to do with the presentation and action of the baittail. good secrect. This lure is used in many diffrent actions!
I will list the fishing tactics below for diffrent spiecs I have caught with them.
1)Bass + Weak's, You must let the lure hit the bottom and slowly retrive dragging the bottom. once you are straight up and down re cast. If there are weeds in the water or grass put it away it is useless
2) Blues: Fast retrive or slow retrive work s with blues you need to keep trying till you find the right action.
3) Tarpon: this is a difficult Tech. It envolves keeping the lure ontop on the suface reeling real fast and (keeping it with the wave or current) It will not work uless you have the right direction.
4) Fluke yes I have caught some nice fluke on them just jigging up and down. In deeper water a slow lift and drop works well and in sallow water more of a quick jig.
5). Bontia and albies: Hit bottom or skim surface and crack that baby as fast as you can!
6: Seabass: slow jig on the bottom off the bottom will work on seabass. remember try and matchthe head of the baittail to the size of the bait in the area!
Well my fingers are tired for now hope this helps Good luck catch them up!
(This post edited by togmaster on 09/13/2004)
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