I use 80lb fluoro or mono to 65lb Daiwa J-Braid multicolor braid -- I use a long leader (start w 15-20ft) attached to braid with an FG knot (takes some time/patience to learn but great knot for this!). I use 80lb leader mainly abrasion resistance more than tensile strength -- sooner or later you're gonna hook a big fish that will drag you down in structure before you can turn them. The 80lb line at least gives you a fighting chance, but even then I get cut off occasionally. Re: hooks. I make my own assist hooks and use anywhere from 6/0 to 9/0 "live bait" style J-hooks. Hooks really need to be larger than the width of the jig to prevent getting fouled up around the jig body.

Thanks. I'm figuring out a few things as I go along. So I paid more attention to audio on this because of the music in the intro and end. I'll try to remember to even out the audio in the future before I upload new videos.

i use 150 to 200 gram knife or "speed" jigs -- make sure you match jig size to rod. Jigging rods usually give you a gram size range where they work best (eg. rod rated for 175-250g). Rod will have best action in that range -- too light or too heavy will make it difficult to work jig well. I love the Star Aerial jigging rod for a good starter rod -- available at Chasin' Tails (Atlantic Beach) for $99. UglyStik Tiger Lite jigging rod good beginning rod, too -- just not as good as the Star Aerial (IMO). Jigs: Chasin' Tails will carry more once their new section is open (any day now). Be aware of the difference between speed/knife jigs and slow-pitch or "flutter" jigs. The latter usually have wider bodies, meant be worked more slowly and allowed to fall or flutter -- where you'll get most strikes. I prefer a knife jig on head boats. Need to have the jig directly below you to avoid tangles. But people use flutter jigs all the times off the Stacy/Princess. Neuse Sport shop also sells jig (Cedar Point & Kinston).

@@BubbaNoze Thank you for the advice. I am looking at a daiwa jigging rod for like 175, just have to pick a middle of the line weight for it so i can do both. Looking forward to getting down there and hopefully catching something in may. Thank you again

I was going to ask the same thing! I haven’t found anything other than slow pitch jigs locally, but I did catch a decent almaco with one on my last trip!

Yes, cheapest way to fish offshore!

Not confident I understand what you are asking. Yes, you keep your own fish -- mates will help you ID the fish and whether or not it is of legal size. The boat has decent house gear you can use for bottom fishing -- along with bait. You are also welcome to bring your own gear -- I always do.