Tog fishing question

[Andy D]

Hi - Lo rigs are o.k from a boat when pulling them straight up. I use a single when shore fishing, to me the extra hook is just another snag but thats just a matter of preference. If the green crabs are big then I cut them in half and leave the legs and claw/s on. If they are on the smaller side then hook them near the back of the shell and take your sinker and crack the shell slightly to get the juices flowing. My bait of choice are the smaller Asian crabs which you can find by turning over rocks at lowtide. As far as tide as long as it's moving in or out you should be good. I hope this helps . Good Luck

[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.

[bloocrab]

Originally Posted by Andy D

,,,If the green crabs are big then I cut them in half and leave the legs and claw/s on. ...

Personally, I don't like leaving the legs on the green crab. If only the legs are in his mouth as he repositions himself, when you try to "set", you ain't gonna hook em'. Also, give me the red-bellied greens all day....although an asian salad has it's place as well.


Sorry, iffen I wasn't much help.

[Mr. Sandman]

you should try the gulp peeler crab. Amazing. (its redish) Stays on the hook for lots of fish. It is amazing how rugged it is and how long it lasts. You can also put them back in the jar if it isn't lost and use again later. Costly by the bucket (like 40 bucks) but nice to have onboard, will last many trips.