Big Tog

[Scotty]

Sunday DEC 20th, 2015 was one of those cold windy mornings, flying to the grounds on Dik Larson's center console with 3 die hard toggers (Dik Larson, Dave (Tats) and myself) all wrapped up for some action.* Dik says, "Someone is going to nail something big," on the ride down; and "I bet it's Scotty," or something like that (can't say on an open forum).*

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Get to the spot and I start fishing half whites with one of those 2 hook snag rigs.* Even though some boats prefer them, I know Dik despises them.* After going thru about a half dozen crabs in the first hour, I figure I'll help to make the bait last and switch to a single hook tog rig.* Problem is that my pre-snelled Owner 5/0s were not finished and because my fingers couldn't move, and I asked Dik to tie a perfection loop on for me.* After re-rigging, I cut a half white w/ legs and drop it very slowly down.* Not 2 seconds later, game on.* This fish takes the bait, and I lift and the laminglass 1143 and it bends like it never has before (according to Dik) and he's seen me boat another 16+ fish before.* I tried to turn the handle but it wouldn't move; the fish was still free and eventually I get a quarter turn on it, then some more, then it starts to come up bucking and bumping with a lot of force. We had some very nervous guys waiting to see what happens.* As I'm reeling it up very slowly and Dave preparing the net, Dik say's, I hope you snelled that right.* Next thing, the fish sees the boat and tries to go down.* Pole goes parabolic, but no drag is pulled from the Newell 220.* A few cranks later, Dave swoops the tog up and all three of us yell "YEAH!!!"*

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[Dave asked, what did it feel like after the trip and I told him like grabbing a freight train in full motion.* Best I could explain at the time].

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Well, then comes the dilemma, save it for mounting or throw her back.* This fish was super healthy and was still very ready to go back home, so we took a few pictures, weighed it at 16 lbs and threw it back in.* Dave got it on video, but my releasing technique although perfect for the fish, was not very film worthy.* I didn't get the length or girth and now am very sorry we returned it so quick.

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Needless to say, it was a great trip with a bunch of good quality tog (aka roasters).* Tats had a double keeper limit, Dik ten keepers and another four for me, only retaining allowable limit (oral)

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