Went out of Mattituck yesterday on board the Celtic Grace. Steamed up to CT and anchored up on a piece. Tide was running and shame on me for not checking moon phases. 14oz sometimes 16 just to hold bottom. Clams and green crabs for whatever you wanted to target. Me, I stuck with crabs and trying for Tog. Guys using clams had all the Porgies you'd want, plus some very nice BSB were in the mix. Had two shorts off the bat then finally a keeper. Once the tide slowed down, I was able to switch over to spinning setup and hold with a 2oz jig no problem. I ended up with my biggest Tog at 6 1/2lbs. Rain started to pick up and so did the tide again. Tried for my limit and was unsuccessful with a couple more shorts. All in all a good first outing for Tog
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Forum/Inshore Tackle & Techniques/Post up up your 2019/2020/2021/2022 Blackfishing Pix/Reports/Adventures/Musings
Post up up your 2019/2020/2021/2022 Blackfishing Pix/Reports/Adventures/Musings
AdmiralOriginal Crew20,417 postsSince 2019
Late night with friends and family last night. Last thing I wanted to hear was wind and rain early this morning after getting very little sleep. Pushed though it and met my brother in law at the ramp and we both said “what are we nuts?” Well it’s tog season so move it. We had constant action and managed a limit of tog with the smallest kept being 17 inches. All solid and feisty. Set up in the dark and done by 10.
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AdmiralOriginal Crew20,417 postsSince 2019
Went out of Mattituck yesterday on board the Celtic Grace. Steamed up to CT and anchored up on a piece. Tide was running and shame on me for not checking moon phases. 14oz sometimes 16 just to hold bottom. Clams and green crabs for whatever you wanted to target. Me, I stuck with crabs and trying for Tog. Guys using clams had all the Porgies you'd want, plus some very nice BSB were in the mix. Had two shorts off the bat then finally a keeper. Once the tide slowed down, I was able to switch over to spinning setup and hold with a 2oz jig no problem. I ended up with my biggest Tog at 6 1/2lbs. Rain started to pick up and so did the tide again. Tried for my limit and was unsuccessful with a couple more shorts. All in all a good first outing for Tog
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MateOriginal Crew241 postsSince 2019
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George R. Scocca
george@nyangler.com
www.nyangler.com - Your Secret Spot Online !
george@nyangler.com
www.nyangler.com - Your Secret Spot Online !
CommodoreOriginal Crew5,174 postsSince 2018
S
3 friends and I had the pleasure of fishing for the first time with Captain Mike on the Captain’s Table today. Sensational weather and calm water. We managed 11 keepers that were brought up in the Fisher’s Island area, with the biggest at 5 to 5.5 lbs. Mike is an absolute gentleman - extremely helpful with anything asked for, and in sharing his knowledge, tips and techniques. The boat is extremely well organized and comfortable. Thanks to the forum for making me aware of this awesome charter!
Mate65 postsSince 2020
Ran two more Tog charters this week and the results could not have been more different, ranging from our best trip of the season, so far, to a real struggle the following day.
On Thursday I had our own Matt (Snapperhead), his friend Joe, and two great guys from southern NJ, Vince, and Adam. First off, let me note that both Matt and Vince are part of our law enforcement community and during these exceptionally tough times I am very grateful for their efforts to keep us all safe.
This was a special trip for Vince as his wife purchased it as a birthday present for him. Although he is an experienced fisherman, he mentioned his Tog efforts to date had been mainly off jetty’s. So our trip was his first shot at a serious boating Blackfish trip, “North Fork Style.” All I can say is he really made the most of his opportunity. We shoved off, predawn, as I wanted to catch the last part of the ebb tide on my favorite reef on the CT side. Matt got us started with a nice 17” keeper among many other short Tog and Sea Bass the rest of the crew kept boating. With a little persistence we did ultimately put 4 keeper Tog, same size, in the box here before losing the tide.
Next stop another popular nearby reef where the short parade began again but Vince managed to lead the way by boxing 2 more small keepers on this drop. Then it was time to move on to my #1 jig spot off Fishers for the real action to begin. Typical start with about 15 minutes of short action then Matt breaks off a real good one on his spinner. That encourages Vince to change his tactics who break out his own spinning rod and jig. Within a few minutes he has a beautiful 4.5# fish flopping on the deck. The bite became very steady for the next 90 minutes and slowly but surely the crew filled the 5-person boat limit in addition to throwing back a couple of extra keepers.
The big thrill for the afternoon was when Vince’s spinner doubles over a second time and the fish starts zipping drag and swimming out and away from the boat. He was convinced it was a Striper but I said that is how a big Tog fights in shallow water on light tackle. Sure enough, after a very spirited battle I slid the net under out biggest Tog of the season to date, a 7.75# slob. A few quick photos and the fish was released the fish to fight another day. So, my special guest was not only high hook but he also took top honors for the best Tog of the trip. Great way to celebrate your 35th, Vince!
Today was almost the opposite side of the spectrum. I had the “Rod Professor” Al Goldberg and his friends Rusty, Mike, and Paul aboard, all very experienced anglers. Overcast skies with rain in the forecast and a steady SE breeze really limited the number of areas we could fish. Started on the north side of Plum and found the usual abundance of short Tog but Al does manage to put a nice 3.5# fish in the box. A little while later Mike adds a 17” keeper but as the ebb tide slowed down so did the bite.
We tried another slightly deeper drop a little to the west but only caught more short Tog plus one nice 3# Sea Bass. Now the SE breeze is really freshening so we headed further west into the Sound to seek shelter and hopefully a better bite. The flood tide was really pushing hard on the last drop and the crew needed up to 16 oz. sinkers to hold at times and try to catch the fish on some very light bites. The whole team worked hard but only managed to cull 3 more keeper Tog and one more Sea Bass, plus a surprise Triggerfish for the box. Pretty bumpy ride back to port but at least we did get in the day which may be the last one until next week with the continued terrible weekend weather approaching. Oh well, welcome to Blackfish season!
On Thursday I had our own Matt (Snapperhead), his friend Joe, and two great guys from southern NJ, Vince, and Adam. First off, let me note that both Matt and Vince are part of our law enforcement community and during these exceptionally tough times I am very grateful for their efforts to keep us all safe.
This was a special trip for Vince as his wife purchased it as a birthday present for him. Although he is an experienced fisherman, he mentioned his Tog efforts to date had been mainly off jetty’s. So our trip was his first shot at a serious boating Blackfish trip, “North Fork Style.” All I can say is he really made the most of his opportunity. We shoved off, predawn, as I wanted to catch the last part of the ebb tide on my favorite reef on the CT side. Matt got us started with a nice 17” keeper among many other short Tog and Sea Bass the rest of the crew kept boating. With a little persistence we did ultimately put 4 keeper Tog, same size, in the box here before losing the tide.
Next stop another popular nearby reef where the short parade began again but Vince managed to lead the way by boxing 2 more small keepers on this drop. Then it was time to move on to my #1 jig spot off Fishers for the real action to begin. Typical start with about 15 minutes of short action then Matt breaks off a real good one on his spinner. That encourages Vince to change his tactics who break out his own spinning rod and jig. Within a few minutes he has a beautiful 4.5# fish flopping on the deck. The bite became very steady for the next 90 minutes and slowly but surely the crew filled the 5-person boat limit in addition to throwing back a couple of extra keepers.
The big thrill for the afternoon was when Vince’s spinner doubles over a second time and the fish starts zipping drag and swimming out and away from the boat. He was convinced it was a Striper but I said that is how a big Tog fights in shallow water on light tackle. Sure enough, after a very spirited battle I slid the net under out biggest Tog of the season to date, a 7.75# slob. A few quick photos and the fish was released the fish to fight another day. So, my special guest was not only high hook but he also took top honors for the best Tog of the trip. Great way to celebrate your 35th, Vince!
Today was almost the opposite side of the spectrum. I had the “Rod Professor” Al Goldberg and his friends Rusty, Mike, and Paul aboard, all very experienced anglers. Overcast skies with rain in the forecast and a steady SE breeze really limited the number of areas we could fish. Started on the north side of Plum and found the usual abundance of short Tog but Al does manage to put a nice 3.5# fish in the box. A little while later Mike adds a 17” keeper but as the ebb tide slowed down so did the bite.
We tried another slightly deeper drop a little to the west but only caught more short Tog plus one nice 3# Sea Bass. Now the SE breeze is really freshening so we headed further west into the Sound to seek shelter and hopefully a better bite. The flood tide was really pushing hard on the last drop and the crew needed up to 16 oz. sinkers to hold at times and try to catch the fish on some very light bites. The whole team worked hard but only managed to cull 3 more keeper Tog and one more Sea Bass, plus a surprise Triggerfish for the box. Pretty bumpy ride back to port but at least we did get in the day which may be the last one until next week with the continued terrible weekend weather approaching. Oh well, welcome to Blackfish season!
CaptainOriginal Crew1,853 postsSince 2018
Thanks again for another wonderful trip!! I'll see you Tuesday morning.
Commodore5,031 postsSince 2020
3 friends and I had the pleasure of fishing for the first time with Captain Mike on the Captain’s Table today. Sensational weather and calm water. We managed 11 keepers that were brought up in the Fisher’s Island area, with the biggest at 5 to 5.5 lbs. Mike is an absolute gentleman - extremely helpful with anything asked for, and in sharing his knowledge, tips and techniques. The boat is extremely well organized and comfortable. Thanks to the forum for making me aware of this awesome charter!
George R. Scocca
george@nyangler.com
www.nyangler.com - Your Secret Spot Online !
george@nyangler.com
www.nyangler.com - Your Secret Spot Online !
CommodoreOriginal Crew5,174 postsSince 2018
What an amazing post! Three fishermen enjoying a day with one of the best, all thanks to nyangler.com. It's incredibly satisfying!
BTW, you might want to go back to that "remedial math class". I count 4 fishermen in the photo. 🤣
CaptainOriginal Crew1,853 postsSince 2018
Sailed solo yesterday to a local reef, sort of a head-clearing trip after nearly a month of not fishing my boat. Intention was to hit some of the newer drops as listed on the NYDEC website. Left in the dark, and sailed over there on a gorgeous ocean, only to find a pair of Downeasters already double-anchored up, with so much line in the water that I was not comfortable squeezing in. Not looking to start a turf war with anyone, I'm getting too old for that sort of thing. Just a bit disappointing, as I've often thought about that area over the past few weeks. No worries, plenty of other quality bottom to check out in close proximity. Went over to one of my fav drops and got on it first try - not so easy single anchoring with the wind in opposition to the tide.
And then found an hour's worth of nothing, despite a good bit of forward and back on the anchor, along with some rudder adjustments. Dead-nuts on the piece and almost no life, other than a couple of bergalls. Geez, how can this be? Nothing at all? Was strongly considering moving, but then some scratches, then stolen baits, then a steady parade of just-shorties. Building life can take a bit of patience and a solid belief in a drop that has given up plenty for years, including a pair of DD's. Anyway, ended the day with a double rec limit of solid fish to just under 20 inches (ORL!). Whew, my faith in the local togging scene is restored, at least until the next trip. LOL!
My newly built Abu mini-togger got a solid workout yesterday - and worked like a champ!
And then found an hour's worth of nothing, despite a good bit of forward and back on the anchor, along with some rudder adjustments. Dead-nuts on the piece and almost no life, other than a couple of bergalls. Geez, how can this be? Nothing at all? Was strongly considering moving, but then some scratches, then stolen baits, then a steady parade of just-shorties. Building life can take a bit of patience and a solid belief in a drop that has given up plenty for years, including a pair of DD's. Anyway, ended the day with a double rec limit of solid fish to just under 20 inches (ORL!). Whew, my faith in the local togging scene is restored, at least until the next trip. LOL!
My newly built Abu mini-togger got a solid workout yesterday - and worked like a champ!
"Luck" is when preparation meets opportunity.
I prefer fishing evolution to fishing extinction.
If ya want to clean up the water, ya gotta get the pigs out of the creek.
I prefer fishing evolution to fishing extinction.
If ya want to clean up the water, ya gotta get the pigs out of the creek.
CaptainOriginal Crew2,216 postsSince 2018
Sailed solo yesterday to a local, a sort of head-clearing trip after nearly a month of not fishing my boat. Intention was to hit some the newer drops as listed on the NYDEC website. Left in the dark, and sailed over there on a gorgeous ocean, only to find a pair of Downeasters already double-anchored up, with so much line in the water that I was not comfortable squeezing in. No worries, plenty of other bottom to check out besides there. Went over to one of my fav drops and got on it first try - not so easy single anchoring with the wind in opposition to the tide.
And then found an hour's worth of nothing, despite a bit of up and back on the anchor, along with some rudder adjustments. Dead-nuts on the piece and almost no life, other than a couple of bergalls. Geez, how can this be? Nothing at all? Was strongly considering moving, but then some scratches, then stolen baits, then a steady parade of just-shorties. Building life can take a bit of patience and a solid belief in a drop that has given up plenty for years, including a pair of DD's. Anyway, ended the day with a double rec limit of solid fish to just under 20 inches (ORL!). Whew, my faith in the local scene is restored, at least until the next trip. LOL! Pic attached.
My new mini-Abu togger got a solid workout yesterday, worked like a champ!
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AdmiralOriginal Crew20,417 postsSince 2019
Thanks very much, to yourself Geroge and NY Angler.
BTW, you might want to go back to that "remedial math class". I count 4 fishermen in the photo. 🤣
True. But now we find out those photos were from a different trip. I'll take the math class, but you need to see your optometrist ?
George R. Scocca
george@nyangler.com
www.nyangler.com - Your Secret Spot Online !
george@nyangler.com
www.nyangler.com - Your Secret Spot Online !
CommodoreOriginal Crew5,174 postsSince 2018
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Post up up your 2019/2020/2021/2022 Blackfishing Pix/Reports/Adventures/Musings