As the saying goes, “the tug is the drug!”
Tautog, blackfish, slippery bass or whitechin, whichever name you choose to refer to this highly sought after bottom dweller, the mood can quickly change from one of excitement, to utter disdain. Known for their unpredictable bite and bait stealing ability, this species can frustrate novice and seasoned angler alike.
This may be one of the main reasons why this fish has such a “cult like” following among anglers throughout the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states. They say, the “tug is the drug,” and having spent 40 years pursuing my favorite saltwater gamefish I would have to agree.
Admittedly, looking back on my first few trips, I knew little about the target species, the tackle needed to catch them, or the technique for success. I remember watching skilled fisherman putting fish on the deck, while I was not getting a bite, or so I thought. On one of those first few tautog trips aboard the Big Mohawk with Capt. Gary Fagan at the helm, I remember one of the mates – I can’t recall his name – who saw me struggling, and quickly tied me a rig. After a brief “how to” session, I connected with a decent size keeper.
And as the saying goes, I was hooked!
Evolution Of Togging
Many seasons have passed since then, and I have certainly learned a lot. I have been truly fortunate to fish with some of the best captains and share the deck with a few truly skilled anglers. Watch and learn, as my father taught me, has helped me sharpen my tog fishing skills. Of course, the advancement in rods, reels, and line have shortened the learning curve for many tautog anglers.
Today’s rods are made from lighter, more sensitive material; fishing reels have moved in the same direction. During my Big Mohawk days, braided line was not a thing. We spooled up with monofilament and used Virginia style hooks. Fiddler and green crabs were the most popular baits. There are now many diverse types of bait available; everyone has their favorite, depending on the water temperature and time of the year. Green crabs, being readily available at most tackle shops, are the most popular for early season togging.
As the season progresses and winter arrives, white and Jonah crabs are the go-to baits in the cooler water. Buy a bushel of crabs, and you will see all assorted sizes crawling around in the bag. From smaller crabs sometimes referred to as “cherries,” to the larger ones called “soups” found occasionally in the basket of bait, all will entice a hungry tog to investigate your offerings.
Rigging and preparation of your selected bait should not be overlooked. Proper placement of the hook in a substantial part of the crab will reduce the bait coming off too easily. One of the preferred methods is to place the hook through the leg socket; if possible, bring the hook point and barb through another socket. If the crab is too large, consider cutting your bait into quarter-size pieces, ensuring there is some “meat” on each piece bait. Generally, the crab is cut in half and rigged as mentioned above.
Smash & Grab
One very effective presentation method for bait is to smash the shell, exposing a small portion of the guts. This can be done by using your sinker attached to your rig or gently stepping on the bait while on the deck. I have seen this technique produce quality fish countless times. The type of rig you are fishing – like the slider rig, snafu, or sweetheart rig – will give you some options regarding hook placement. I have had solid success using the slider rig which consists of two hooks, one snelled, and one that slides freely above the snelled hook. If I am fishing some real nasty bottom, I prefer a single hook.
Whichever rig you choose, keep it simple. No extra hardware is needed, like three-way swivels, or barrel swivels. You must use quality hooks too, such as Owner, BKK, and Mustad to name a few. Size 3/0 to 5/0 are the most common. And keep in mind that your connection to your possible personal best tog is the line. There is no room for cheap quality lines, mono or braid. I have seen people spend upwards of $500 on a good rod and reel combo, only to put inexpensive line on the reel to save a few bucks.
There are multiple knots that work well when attaching your mono or fluorocarbon top shot to the braided line. Use the upcoming offseason over the winter months – once tautog season is over of course – to really learn the proper way to tie your knots of choice. Chances are you will continue to use these same knots while fishing for other species at different times of the year. Online resources will help you find multiple sites with step-by-step instructions on proper knot tying, and a few short cuts too (find a few effective Fishing Knots and Fishing Rigs at TheFisherman.com under TOPICS at the top of the page).
I am often asked at shows the one common issue I see while tog fishing. My answer is almost always the same, equipment that is inadequate to wrestle a big fish out of the structure it’s living in. I have witnessed some excellent fishermen use light spinning gear to land some real brutes on jigs. Everything has to go your way in this scenario. It can be done.
No one can predict when the fish of a lifetime may inhale your bait, and the battle that ensues thereafter. All rod, reel, and line manufactures make quality equipment and reasonable prices. Do a bit of homework before your purchase. Your fishing buddy’s equipment may not be your first choice.
Jigs vs. Rigs
It is an undeniable fact that fishing a jig for tog is here to stay. I recall fishing on one of my favorite charter boats and watching some guys bailing fish while I fished my rig with limited success. There are days where the jig will outperform a rig by a sizable margin, although I have also seen the complete opposite. Conditions will generally dictate whether you use a jig or a rig. A strong current or tide (yes there is a difference) may or may not allow you to throw a jig, so the rig becomes the obvious choice. I prefer to use the lightest weight jig I can, based on the conditions. In early October, I may use a 5/8-ounce jig in shallow water, but as conditions change the jig weight should be adjusted accordingly.
You can add a stinger hook to your jig as a “second chance” hook, which may help in your hook-up ratio. Another option is to make what I call a “jig rig”. As the name implies, you have the benefit of a bait being presented on a jig, and another bait that is a few inches away on a snelled hook similar to the traditional rig set-up. This allows you to use different baits on each hook which might also provide a clue as to which bait the fish prefers. Don’t make the “rig” hook too long; 8 to 10 inches is fine. As mentioned above, use quality line.
Today, there a multiple style jigs and colors available from various makers. If you ask five different anglers which is their favorite style and color, you will probably get five different answers. So, which is really the best color? Honestly, it’s the color you have the most confidence in. If you had success on your last trip using the glow jig, chances are that will get the call first up on your next outing. Just make sure that whichever jig brand you choose, it’s made with a quality hook. The old adage certainly applies here, you get what you pay for. Any experienced togger can tell you about lost fish and bent or broken hooks. Most agree it’s the bait that has peaked the fish’s interest.
No doubt there is a learning curve if you are new to jig fishing. The bite can differ on a jig compared to a rig. Become a line watcher. In many cases, the fish will pick up your bait, with no detectable bite, and swim off into the current. Other times, there will be no doubt you are getting the bites every togger dreams of. What works on one day, may not the next. Conditions change all the time, sometimes in an hour of less. Your willingness to adapt to these changes, could determine how successful your day will end.
Finally, listen to the captain. When you’re fishing a winter head boat or charter, the captain’s goal is for you to catch fish, and have a great day of fishing! If he or she says “guys switch to a certain bait,” or “crush the whole crab and send it down,” do it!
Keep an open mind, observe changing conditions, and pay attention even when the bite is slow. And stay at the rail! Change your bait often, and always check your hook points to ensure sharpness, as well as your top shot and leader. In a hot bite, no one wants to take the time to change hooks, or replace line with visible damage. Unfortunately I have seen the end result of not doing just that.
Blackfishing demands attention to detail! Even after 40 years of chasing these fish up and down the coast, I strive to learn something new on every trip, and so should you. Your fish of a lifetime awaits!
