Whether you call them blackfish or tog, whitechinners or bulldogs, there is no denying that we are smack-dab in the middle of the fall frenzy of angling pressure and interest for our good friend, Tautoga onitis. And even more than targeting these inshore warriors, anglers like pitting their skills against their fellow fishermen for the crown of Top Togger in the area!
Well there is no shortage of local tournaments here in New England, so here is a little breakdown of the where and the when by our friends and advertisers. And if I happened to miss your tournament, email me at [email protected] and I’ll add you to the list.
Good luck!
FALL BLACKFISH REGULATIONS
Massachusetts: No closed season, 3 fish per person, 16-inch minimum.
Rhode Island: 8/1-10/14: 3 fish per person, 16-inch minimum. 10/15-12/15: 6 fish per person, 16-inch minimum. ** Maximum per-vessel possession limit on private boats is 10 fish regardless of number of anglers onboard.
Connecticut: 10/10-12/6: 4 fish per person, 16-inch minimum.
New York: 10/5-12/14: 4 fish per person, 16-inch minimum.
May 1 – November 30: The Fisherman Magazine’s Dream Boat Challenge. This is the annual tournament of tournaments pitting the best fishermen in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic states against each other in a multi-species, season-long angling competition. And of the eight eligible species, you know we wouldn’t leave good old Mr. Tog out of the running! Complete details can be found at the official Tournament Rules page.
October 7 – December 2: The White Chinner Challenge hosted by Snug Harbor Marina. There will be cash prizes for largest blackfish and calcuttas available as well. Visit the shop at 410 Gooseberry Road in Wakefield, RI, or call them at 401-783-7766 for more details.
October 10 – December 6: The Fishin’ Factory 3 Fall Blackfish Tournament. The entry fee is just $10 with the largest fish taking the entire pot. Fish may be weighed-in at either Fishin’ Factory 3 at 238 East Main Street in Middletown, CT, or at Rivers End in Old Saybrook. Visit the shop or call them at 860-344-9139 for more details and to sign up.
October 10 – December 6: Annual Rivers End Tackle Blackfish Tournament. The entry fee is $10 per person and there are weekly big fish prizes of a $25 shop gift certificates with a final payout of the top three fish at $500 for 1st, $200 for 2nd and $100 for 3rd. Stop by River’s End at 440 Boston Post Road in Old Saybrook, CT, or call them at 860-388-2283 for more details.
October 10 – November 20: The Last Tog Round-Up presented by AW Marina in New London, CT. Prizes will be awarded for the big fish of each week as well as cash prizes for the three heaviest fish. For more details, please call the shop at 860-443-6076.
October 14 – 21: The 29th Annual Eddie Beauvais Blackfish Tournament. The entry fee is $40 per person and the top payout is $500. Visit the Guilford VFW or Captain Morgan’s at 21 Boston Post Road in Madison, CT to register by October 13. There will be a raffle and buffet at Fireman’s Field at 3 PM on October 2.
October 14 – 15: Black Hall Outfitter’s 4th Annual Tog-Tober Tournament. The entry fee is $30 with both separate boat and kayak divisions, and there is a separate "Barbie Rod" calcutta for $20 with proceeds benefiting the Sound School The top boat angler’s prize is a cash pot, winner takes all, and the kayak angler top prize is a brand new Malone kayak trailer. Stop by Black Hall Outfitters at 132 Shore Road in Old Lyme, CT, or call the shop at 860-434-9680 for more details and to sign up.
