New to Togging

[Hookmanski]

Last year at the NJF Christmas party, I won a shirt with a photo of a Tautog on it that reads "Fishing, I like that $**t". Well I've never caught a tog before so i feel like a poser wearing that shirt!! Looking to change that this season.

I read through the article Gerry has posted titled "Doing Battle with Blackfish" and i did give it a shot last year, with no success. I was using rigs and having issues with snags/tangles. I think this year i'd like to switch to jigs. While they might have more of a learning curve, I feel like they're a bit more fun to use. I have an 8ft MH rod that i think would work for tog.

I have seen some people start fishing for them on the rocks and canals already. My question is, is togging a daytime bite? Or do they also bite at night? I noticed the weather all week is going to be rough, and most of my saltwater trips are after work and after the sun sets. Not looking to keep them really, just looking for a tug on the line and some salt air in the lungs. Looking for something to do on these days where the wind is blowing at 20mph from the NE and throwing plugs into the surf is a bit tougher. Thanks in advance! Tight lines!

[nsc_tpt]

Subscribed to this thread.. i started last year with no luck yet for a keeper.. I used party boats for fishing so no idea on the Canals and Jetties....

[porgylber]

Trying to walk out on a jetty this week is nuts. The hard NE winds and strong tides make it dangerous. I know that waiting another week sucks...but unfortunately that’s what we have.
I’ve never caught a blackfish at night. In fact, I’ve never seen one caught at night. I believe that they are sight feeders.

[Chrisper4694]

I'm sure it's not impossible to catch them at night but i don't think i've ever heard of that either... If you want to catch them from shore, you'll have to get info from someone that's done it. I'd imagine it's a real pita with snags bottom fishing rocks from a static shore position though.

I'd highly recommend getting on a boat of some sort that's known for good tog fishing. They'll get you on some good spots, then you just have to worry about getting bit and winning the battle haha that's the tough part.

Once i started using a jig for tog, I now ALWAYS try to get away with it if i can. But, that being said, it doesn't always work; it's not always the way you're going to get them. You have to be ready with bait rigs too.

If your biggest issue was getting snagged try a lighter weight and a break away loop on it. so basically you'll snag just as much, but you won't have to retie the whole rig when you break off (just loop another breakaway and weight on, much less frustrating) and if you hook a fish you don't have to worry about fighting a snagged weight and a strong fish at the same time!

[MudCat08]

Hey man, I fish for tog from shore exclusively. The jetty bite has been going strong since September. They leave to deeper water once it gets too cold so get on them asap. They are generally a daytime fishery.
A few tips for you:
Slack water tide in clearer blue water is best. Muddier faster water can be tough.
If the ocean jetties are rough, fish the canal.
Stock up on hooks and weights cuz you're going to snag and lose plenty. Same with jigs if that's what you use.
If you snag every cast, move over a little.
Use a larger hook like 3/0 to cull for only bigger Blackfish.
Half a green crab works wonders. Cut the legs off, remove the top carapace.

Good luck! Post up a photo when you get your first tog.

[hartattack]

https://www.njfishing.com/NJ_Blackfish_Fishing.php