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...
