If you are looking for bunker, then there are a number of places where they can be found. Of course, you can just rent a boat to catch them on your own. The bunker are plentiful, less plentiful today because of over fishing. When schools are being chased by larger fish-, they make it almost impossible to catch fish with bait. If you are looking to find some bunker yourself here are a few tips to help you find that elusive dish that you are craving.
Live Bunker
I have never seen Live bunker sold at seafood markets around the area because they smell so bad. They can probably be purchased on the water from other boats that are done fishing for the day.
Frozen Bunker
In my life, I have NEVER purchased live Bunker. I only buy Frozen Bunker for bait. When they are frozen the absolute rancid smell of them is minimized. But, this smell is what attracts fish and shellfish. So, what is a negative in this case can work out to be a big Positive. Some advice – if you are done fishing and have left over Bunker, give it away or leave it in the ocean to be eaten. This will save your home from the smell. Otherwise, you’re well on your own. You have been warned.
Bunker Habits
You will find bunker in coastal bays and estuaries in the summer months as this is where the young ones grow up. The bunker lay eggs primarily in the open seawater of the ocean. As they grow, they will become roughly small to medium size. At this point they will begin to attract the attention of striped bass and bluefish as they swim in schools.
Where to Find Bunker
Bunker can be found almost anywhere that has appropriate breeding grounds for the fish. They can be found in large numbers in the Chesapeake Bay. However, by looking at striped bass populations researchers can tell how the bunker population is doing.
Bunker Population
The population of this fish is dwindling due to overuse for consumer products. That is bad news for Bunker, but also bad news for the species of fish that feed on them. There is a price to pay for messing with the ecosystem. Please go to the link below to read much more about this.
Last year, I posted about blue fishing in Montauk, NY. Bluefish are savage consumers of Bunker. In that post, there is video of a feeding frenzy. Quite a sight to see. Please take a look.
If you are trying to find bunker in the northeastern states, just ask locally if you are visiting a coastal area and someone will be able to point you in the direction of a seafood restaurant or local seafood market. Some stores that specialize in fishing gear may also have live bunker for sale.
Follow Us!