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).*

*

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!!!"*

*

[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].

*

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.

*

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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[hookset]

Nice fish Scotty!!

[shrimpman steve]

Very nice fish and nicer release. Way to go Scotty!!!!

[the directa]

Nice job chop stix merry Christmas

[jlrotary]

Nice fish Scotty!

[hammer4reel]

Thanks for sharing a great story, and releasing a super fish for someone else to also have a chance at.

what size tip are you fishing on your 1143 ??

[CadiShackFishing]

Nice fish and C&R Scotty

[Man Workin]

Nice job

Great report and phenomenal job on the release. Right call in my book....maybe you'll be rewarded with a 20 lber in a few years now that you know where the big girl lives. congrats on the catch of a lifetime!

[Joey Dah Fish]

Great story thanks congrats on the beast and cudos on the release. You can determine the length of the fish by scaling the photo . Blow it up measure your figure on your hand then measure your finger on the pic and then measure the fish in the pic and do your guzentas Merry Christmas Scotty !!!!