Thought some might like to revisit this. Good topic, bucket.....
The last time I did this.....I was desperate....out on JB's boat late Spring 2015..(first time doing that in years)..because the larger fish just were not coming into the NJ beaches this year.....

The bunker pods were miles long....the actual catches of bass were scattered....we were among bunker schools all night.

Started out at the perfect time in late afternoon.....and couldn't buy even one fish....with the exception of a hefty cownose ray I caught......

If you want a large bass this Fall, either
1. fishing live bunker,
2. Pencil popping among actively feeding fish,
3. or trolling seems to be the most logical way to do it.

Fin was out on the boat yesterday, and today.....among the bunker schools.....
They did pretty well.
Just to clarify....(They don't really snag and drop....they snag the bunker, bring them in, and put back out on a circle hook.
That reduces the chances of gut hooked bass).....

Nonetheless, he saw quite a few dead bass floating in the water yesterday......

Thank you all for the different opinions and the adult discussion....
Bumping this thread, in case any of ya's had more thoughts....or wanted to add to it....thanks....