Togging
 

Even though I won't be able to make this weekend (TheBetterHalf is going to a wedding shower), I am interested in giving it a shot this year. I've never targeted tog but was wondering what the best way to get started is.

From previous posts, I'm guessing my 9' 1089 Sabre Meat stick with a 7000 and 30# test will sturdy enough to pick a fish out of the rocks. Is togging a subtle hands-on fishing? Not a beach chair reclined type (I'm past sitting in chairs hand off the rod - puts me to sleep now).?

What would be the 2 big keys to toggin' ?

Thanks,

John

(Bloo & Goose - I'm gonna shadow you guys sometime soon for some togs - thanks ;) :p )

:p

Sinker and Hook!!!



....oh yeah....and CRAB!!! :happy:

John,


The spots I've been targeting can be fished with a stout 9'er . The length isn't so much for the distance, its for keeping your fish out of the rocks which are closer to shore. I am currently using a 10' B'- Doer with my 7000 BG. 30# test is almost a must. I strongly suggest it for where I fish. The edges on the rocks you'll be fighting are like open scissors and the bite starts at sunrise. Its very rare to get Tog while its dark. They're sleepers, just ask FishEye ;) The tide will also vary with the spot. I don't care for using two hooks unless I'm in an area thats safe. I don't need to donate 2@ time. I generally tie the bank sinker to the end of the line and tie the hook ..(4/0 or 5/0).. so that it hangs an inch above the sinker or even with it - keeping it close to the ocean bottom. Having a second hook increases the odds of getting hung up as well as losing xtra gear. Another good practice to use while Togging is to tie the bank sinker on with a weaker # line. If using 30# main, use 17-20# on the sinker. Pre-tied is the way to go - {about 2"}. This way if you hook up and the sinker stays lodged or gets stuck, you don't have to worry about breaking off as much because the sinker's line should snap first and you'll keep the fish. They're cave dwellers, so as soon as you set the hook...they're heading for the rocks..so -llHOLD ON!!ll-

How is the bite?

For me, there are two types of bites. The choggy nibble , and the Tog Tug. I generally don't set on the nibble. I wait for the Tog to come in and see whats going on. Tog are curious by nature. While diving, they're one of the few fish that will approach you from time to time...just to check you out! If for some reason, I am not getting bites I will quickly raise the rod tip and allow the set-up to fall into a new spot/crevice (you must be careful NOT to drag the ocean bottom)...but as far as it being a "hands-on" type of fishing - you can catch Tog out of a spike, but you can also catch Bass the same way. I HOLD MY ROD ;)

2 biggest keys for me....??

1: Quality of your line - Constantly checking for knicks

2: After I set the hook - Not allow him to get into the rocks

...hope this helps, if you got more....fire away

I know I didn't hit all the aspects of Tog fishing...and I'm sure some will argue my methods...but Good Luck with however you do it. :)

Bloo~


This poor guy had an ULGY morning...he didn't break it on a fish neither...:(

Bloo, nice rod for the kids to fly kites with.

BLOO crabs are better tog bait than GREEN crabs. :p :smash:

:drool: ...actually, the best crabs <<IMHO>> are orange-bellied-green-crabs. Like the one pictured above. I wanna say their the females. Only because I only see orange ones carrying eggs :smash: pretty good huh???

The little tarantula looking crab also works good, but give me orange-bellies all day!!!

Bloo-

I'm not as familiar with the area as you are...do you happen to get "white" or lady crabs up there?

-WW

Wasn't it gorgeous by the ocean this morning??.....:D


YES....IT WAS!


The soldiers were there waiting patiently...

Was reeling in a Tog this morning, got stuck....moments later - -

Hello Mr. Tog :)


The sinker in the picture is only there for example. The arrows are pointing to the before and after picture...here's a shot from this morning.

ummm....I don't know what color crabs the ladies get up here

:smash: :smash: :smash:



:laughs:

Got Hooks? :D


...here's a quick fix for keeping your Tog hooks untangled -

Bloo,
This is a great how-to tutorial on tog fishing! Thank You.

HEY TATTOO!!


I can't fit a Tog in a propane bottle!!!



:smash:

Son of a b#%$#$!



I am a dumbass! :smash:

Yeh Bloo - nice work... So tell me, how many sinkers do you recycle on a moon low tide :D

John

I left 22 sinkers on the ocean bottom this morning :af: 5.5 #s of Lead!! :af:

About 12 hooks :rolleyes:

The tide KILLED me today. It was pushing your package right into her cracks. Most casts got stuck before the line even tightened. Kept hoping for choggies to pull me free. Still got Tog though ;) so all is good. I'll post a report in the report section.

I've caught some tautaug before, but I think largely by accident from what I'v eread so far in this thread. This has been very educational for me, but I have two questions. First, do you plan on losing that many sinkers and possibly hooks when you go out just because of the rocky bottom terrain you're casting into? And second, how do you cook 'em when you catch 'em?

2 good questions
 

Hope this helps,


.."do you plan on losing that many sinkers and possibly hooks when you go out just because of the rocky bottom terrain you're casting into?"..

The particular area I've been targeting lately, YES. Unfortunately, I cannot pick my tides only my times. Fishing the same area on the right tide - produces the most fish and Gear loss is kept to a minimum. I'm stubborn, and go regardless of tide :smash: There are plenty of spots that you could get away with 1/2 doz. of each (gear)...but there won't be too many Tog there

The reason I go "over-prepared", is that I'd hate to be sent home due to not having anymore gear just as the bite turns ON- <<its happened>>

Sometimes its cheaper to just go buy fish, than catch it :eek: ...but I ain't in it for that. I'm in it to WIN IT!! :D me just loves to fishks...;)

.."And second, how do you cook 'em when you catch 'em?"...

Tog is enjoyed in just about every way possible.

Here are some of my favorites:

Grilled Cajun-Blackened-Blackfish :D
They make great Fish/Chips...I just hate wasting tog like that
Baked in the oven w/lemon and *****
They make an incredible Tog Chowder
Momma used to fry up chunks /flour em up...and make a KILLER sauce to put over them -w/ boiled potatoes
Even boiling them works, you don't lose too much flavor...<<Health Kick>>:rolleyes:
Similar to the chowder is the stew <<different ingredients Portuguese Style>> *my most favorite*

see what ya did....ya went and made me hungry :p

Hey Tattooo...


What's for Dinner??

:D:D:D . . >> :p

:drool:

hey bloo, i'll leave a bucket outside my door too...

eyeballs with the choppers still on em,or is that choppers with the eyeball still on em,, aahhh same thing:smash: WHERES MY STEW

The amazing thing is that fish is probably still alive! Tog are tuff cridders (but taste great!!)

ok....let's barter :)

>>>Can you beat a Tattoo trade??<<<



Goose, you know the drill ... Just Ask! ;)

Milo.....my name ain't STEW...:confused: :confused: :laughs: Where ya been?? Fishin or Wishin??...Goose called me from his tree....so I know where he's been :rolleyes: Him and Bill are playing cards in their stands...

Sandman, your SO right!!...Had their hearts still beating in my palm after undressing them....@ home 3 hours later!!!:eek:

bloo, ask tattoo. he can tell you. it would take a lot of tog though

Mmmm fish-head soup!:p