I need some help. When I was a kid we would go out on the boat and catch Tog all the time. As it has been a long time since I have access to a boat I have forgotten anything a may have know about catching Tog. I caught a few dozen green crabs Sat night and took the boat out Sun Am and hit every rock pile and reef I know of to no avail, not even one hit in 4 hours of fishing. If anyone would be so kind as to let me know what kind of rigs I should be using , water depth etc I really be grateful. We keep the boat in the Pirates cove and I hit everything from the island to sachest pt. Or if anyone would like to get together some time and go out that would be great as well.

Thanks KL

KL –
The key to togging is to fish structured water (rock piles / a wreck / mussel beds / moving water). As far as bait is concerned - Green crabs are the common bait… but this time of the year, you might want to use smaller bait such as fiddler crabs or small cut crab pieces.

As for the type of rigs to use – It depends what type of bottom you are fishing. If it is a very ‘sticky” place (where you can lose a lot of rigs)… I strongly recommend a single hook. If it is an open rocky structure – You can use a high & low rig. The key to togging is to locate a prime spot – keep your offering as close to the bottom (use enough lead to hold bottom). Remember – small cut crabs (to allow some crab juice flowing / chum the area) and it should work. Also – Tide & Moon has a lot to do with it. Avoid the new or full moon tides because the water moves too strong and the window of opportunity for those critters are shorter. The off moons (1/4 – ½ moon) are prime time!

These are the basics – but it’s enough information to get ya started! Enjoy! ;-)


“Crazy” Alberto
NonStopFisher@Optonline.net

I'm shore bound so I don't know if this works out on a boat, but at this time of year if fishing for bass and fluke is slow, i'll switch to a kingfish hi-lo rig that has hooks size 2 or 1/0 with some clam on it. This usually produces quite some fish for me down here in Jersey.

Togs are a spring and fall fish. They like rocky places and they also like chum, mussels, periwinkles, quohogs, crabs, hermit crabs, moonshells, slipper limpets.
I don't think to many fishermen target tautogs this time of year.

There aren't as many togs around as there were "when you were a kid".

I refuse to keep them at this time of year because they're carrying around eggs still make sure they get back into the water as fast as possible.

I saw a guy spear fishing for them the other day, and he was both over the 1 fish/day limit and under the minimum size imit of 12". :af: :af: :af: Some people are just sick.

Dude, your gonna haveta wait till waters cool down...like october

Tautog are a spring/fall fish. NOT. Mulder there are guys killing blackfish from the shore right now. Some of my best days have been in early July. There are tons of blackfish and big too. Just talk to some of the divers. The reason you don't see people getting blackfish is because everyone is fishing for bass. You can get blackfish all season long. Just make sure you bleed them and ice them down good.

Originally posted by Crazy Alberto
KL –
The key to togging is to fish structured water (rock piles / a wreck / mussel beds / moving water). As far as bait is concerned - Green crabs are the common bait… but this time of the year, you might want to use smaller bait such as fiddler crabs or small cut crab pieces.

As for the type of rigs to use – It depends what type of bottom you are fishing. If it is a very ‘sticky” place (where you can lose a lot of rigs)… I strongly recommend a single hook. If it is an open rocky structure – You can use a high & low rig. The key to togging is to locate a prime spot – keep your offering as close to the bottom (use enough lead to hold bottom). Remember – small cut crabs (to allow some crab juice flowing / chum the area) and it should work. Also – Tide & Moon has a lot to do with it. Avoid the new or full moon tides because the water moves too strong and the window of opportunity for those critters are shorter. The off moons (1/4 – ½ moon) are prime time!

These are the basics – but it’s enough information to get ya started! Enjoy! ;-)


“Crazy” Alberto
NonStopFisher@Optonline.net

What Alberto said.

Guys,

For the record… Tautog feed all year long… and if you plan to fish it during summer time. Fish cool waters along rocky dropoffs (preferably inlets, rips, holes) around moving waters! In fact, I have several summer spots where they will bite their heads off! Again, don’t start with whole green crab - use small pieces until you find them. If there are big ones around (you’ll know) use a whole crab… but crack their shell to let out the juice flow (as chum).

Note: Be patience with them… When they hit your bait (tap – tap) – give it time and give a little slack (and they will chew harder) and when they start tugging… That’s the time to give it all you’ve got and cross their eyes.

The truth of the matter is… I am an avid tautog hunter. I used to target tautog all summer long (for the past 30 years)… but the recent two years – They imposed severe restrictions and closed the summer season. New York’s season is closed until Oct. 1st. :(

You guys are fortunate to have a summer tautog fishery… So take advantage of it. These fish are feisty and they will test your patience and skill. ;)

Also – If you could get the Offshore Magazine (May 2001 Issue – Title: A Forlorn Fish) – I’ve disclosed 4 pages on Tautog tactics from behavior, timing, Choosing a Spot, How to Hook’em and tackle.


“Crazy” Alberto
NonStopFisher@Optonline.net

Originally posted by Crazy Alberto

I am an avid tautog hunter. I used to target tautog all summer long (for the past 30 years)… but the recent two years – They imposed severe restrictions and closed the summer season. New York’s season is closed until Oct. 1st. :(


Alberto, let me know if you want to take a ride up to Newport for some tog. I saw some slobs being taken from the rocks - almost as nice as your _ _ _ _ spot. :hihi: