A few years ago I was able to get a bucket of live Louisiana CRAWDADS. Not the little things that you would use for freshwater fishing but the ones that you would use for eating. They are 3-5 inches long; brown/red mottled and look exactly like small lobsters. Hooks will easily pierce any part of their shells and they have incredible live action. Definately a preferred bait for blackfish.
2 words of caution:
1-when blackfish are in full season the crawdads are generally in low season.
2-Good idea to carry an invoice explaining the origin and species of the crawdads so DEC doesn't think you are using lobsters.

Anyone want to go blackfishin"?

I wouldn't even think of using live crawdads for fishin :eek:

I'd be thinking ETOUFE!!!

-spence

MMM live crawfish....... Thats a great idea, F---- blackfish, gonna try that next year with bass.

I've never tried them for tog, but the folks I know that have claim that they don't work, even though they look like little lobsters. Hermits are much better.

Originally posted by MakoMike
I've never tried them for tog, but the folks I know that have claim that they don't work, even though they look like little lobsters. Hermits are much better.

I've tried them, early to late season and crawfish have not worked out very well for me.

Truth be told, you're better spending the effort going to your local fishmonger and get a bushel of live blueclaws.

Even better are fiddler crabs, if you can get 'em.

Whatever crab you use, I find that quartering the large ones and halving the small ones is essential.

5 times out of 10, I'll also fish smaller fiddler crabs (available in the NY area). Popcorn shrimp for the top. :D

Whatever crab you use, I find that quartering the large ones and halving the small ones is essential.


Halve them all... just get a bigger hook if the crab is bigger...
















8/0:happy: :D

Where ya gonna be going, SB/Lou? ;)

Send me a pm - haven't tog fished since I was a little kid.

I did the crawdad thing back a few years ago, they were local crayfish not Louisiana (can imagine passing up a fresh pot of jumbo) mmmm... neways it was mixed results crayfish IMO aren't worth the effort in collecting for tautog... you'd be better off with what ever local shellfish is available at the spot your fishing at... you'd be surprised at what tautog eat..., mummies, squid, anything with a shell, diamond jigs, during mating season I've caught these beasts pencil and polaris poppers while trying to entice schoolies.

IMO the definition should be-

Tautog: def: (Noun, Adjective) 1. A thick skinned fish that is native the North Atlantic Seaboard. 2. A powerful fish that is pound for pound one of the strongest bottom dwellers in the Atlantic Ocean. Also known as the Poor Mans Lobster. (Adj): Holy tautogs batman, For a Tautog that is one strong tautog, Hey why did you tautog me? Lets go tautog fishing and hope we can catch some Tautogs!
:smash:

Ok I’ll go finish my coffee now...

Im sure blueclaws work good for togs but they work better in my belly. :D

I had crabs once.

Originally posted by quick decision
I had crabs once.

Now where did I put that 10 foot pole???:laughs: