How to keep eels an catfish off my chunk bait? Anyone use floats while chunking

[Camicwrath]

Fairly new to chunking in the hudson for stripers all I seem to get is eels an catfish I run my set up this way -main line- slide sinker with 3 oz weight- swivel- 24 to 30 inch leader -circle hook.

I want to use a float to try to keep the bait off bottom anyone have luck using floats or is it just a waste of time?
If so what size float is appropriate to susspend a chunk of herring ?

[Tippin'Scales]

Keep changing the chunk frequently,  older prices washed out eels will tear up. Cats your going to get either way. I change chunks every 15-20 min. You can try a float but a 3vway with a long dropper with 3oz to keep bait up higher a few feet but that rig is a bit unwieldy.

[greensider]

Back when I attended a striper seminar at sunset sporting goods putting a float on to keep bait off the bottom was the main thing I got from the whole thing only need them for shore fishing though

[walkabout]

Move when/after the eels and cats are hitting your line every time you cast.

[gill1]

yup

Move when/after the eels and cats are hitting your line every time you cast.

[Camicwrath]

Tried moving but seems no matter what town what spot always cats an eels around lol even walked a mile up the tracks one day trying diff spots same result cats cats cats

I fish from shore only. Don't know anyone with a boat lol. Thats why wanna try a float but not sure what size I need to buy to try it

[greensider]

Cats are moving into the rocks to stake out spawning grounds you should try to find a steeper ledge to fish should help

[Relf25]

That’s an age old question I never found an answer too. Walkabout suggested a marshmallow stuffed into the chunk, pretty good idea but never tried. Get a scap net a fish with live herring. At least the cats and eels (for most part) won’t make u crazy

[Camicwrath]

As soon as the herring run close enough to shore I only fish live line herring, chunking is something I'm trying in April mainly then may hits herring are abundant I catch live herring with a scap net

[greensider]

I believe net prrmits are limited and last I checked you would have to apply earlier to get one but I could be wrong I have not looked into it in a while

[Tippin'Scales]

4x4 scap no permit needed but still limited to 10 fish possession.

[Patr]

You need to try fishing different tides.Very important while shore fishing. Each spot has a few hours of good fishing.
When your catching eels & cats Ron is right move if you could. But like most shore fisherman you don't have many places.
Fish different tides try 2 before, 1 slack 2 after. Good luck !!

[Bman]

Best response to your post I heard is to catch live herring and fish it live. I’ve been fishing this river for 30 years and have to say that I’ve caught more stripers on chunk than live in my time. Catch the garbage and put a fresh chunk on and try again. One day it’s going to work for you

[Camp Cook]

It’s part of the chunk bait game.   When you get a run or tap on chunk, always treat it as a striper.   You may be surprised in the results.   Good luck

[Steve_J]

I hardly chunk anymore... Personally I do much better with live.