[Got Stripers]

Since getting into this game years back I’ve tried a number of traditional tog rigs and was never satisfied and about three or four years back I settled on my own method and since the change my hook up rate easily doubled.

Pretty simple 30lb power pro, 130lb spro swivel, 40lb seagar, to 6 gamakatsu octopus hook. Off the eye once the hook is tied in, I tie on a short length of 30lb mono and form a loop tight to the hook, usually within an inch.

Used Shimano Trevala 7ft spinning rod rated for 20-50lb braid and 55-135g weight and that rod is the balls, has power but even the small tog or sea bass are fun on it.

The weight swinging close to the hook easy to grab also eliminated the need for a net with all but those double digit slobs you don’t want to risk losing.

Today was killer, easy quick limit of big tog early and then just some fun fishing until we headed in before noon. I grabbed the deepest baking dish we own to bring the filets in from the outside table, but not quite deep enough, vacuumed sealed six bags and will eat the last filet tonight. Panko dusted with chef pauls blackened red fish magic, roll in butter cover with panko, side burner with skillet with hot, hot oil........yum.