Tog fishing question

[Slick Moedee]

I was reading the tautog section from Bigelow and Schroeder's Fishes of the Gulf of Maine the other day, and the last paragraph on tog is very informative, and the last sentence is right on target...

"Tautog are not the easiest fish to catch on hook and line. When a tautog bites, it passes the bait back to the pharyngeal teeth to crush the shells before swallowing them, and in doing so it gives several distinctive jerks or twitches. This is the time to hook it. Many fish are missed by being struck too soon by anglers not experienced in the ways of the tautog."

[FishnGrega]

I've been very unsuccessful in my outings lately. countless hours and 1 maybe 2 bumps. If someone could PM me a fairly good place on Aquidneck Island for some tog that would be very very very appreciative!

[Mr. Sandman]

Originally Posted by Slick Moedee

I was reading the tautog section from Bigelow and Schroeder's Fishes of the Gulf of Maine the other day, and the last paragraph on tog is very informative, and the last sentence is right on target...

"Tautog are not the easiest fish to catch on hook and line. When a tautog bites, it passes the bait back to the pharyngeal teeth to crush the shells before swallowing them, and in doing so it gives several distinctive jerks or twitches. This is the time to hook it. Many fish are missed by being struck too soon by anglers not experienced in the ways of the tautog."

Yeah but that is why they are so much fun to fish for!! It is a blast when you go out there and you see an experienced fisherman missing them left and right and getting POed. Everyone starts laughing..Then it happens to you! It;'s like getting the "shanks" in golf.

There is a technique and once you master it they are a blast to fish for. I look forward to it every season.