Captain's Table - Season Finale

[captmike28]

Made the traditional season ending Tog tip today with my good friend Lep. For once the weather forecast was actually correct, very cold and overnight strong winds diminishing right after sunrise.

The long ride out to Fishers I. was pleasant and based upon all the intel I was getting I felt compelled to try a deeper drop in 70' of water for the very short slack water window before the full moon ebb started to scream. We had a steady bite for 90 minutes but 99% of the Tog were all short with Pete landing the only 17" keeper.

So, the only logical move was to my very reliable jig spot nearby and once again we were rewarded with a consistent bite for the balance of the ebb tide. Only needed 1.5-2 oz. jigs and overall, the bites were very light. Did a ton of sorting, as usual, but managed to put our limit of healthy tog in the box, mostly 16-18" fish but nice and thick. Top fish today on my spinner was about 4.5#.
So, no monsters for our season finale but still a good bite and lots of tasty fresh Tog filets for our efforts.

I want to personally thank all of the charter customers, both old and new, who joined me on what was a pretty darn good 2023 season. I greatly appreciate your patronage and hope to see you all again next year. BTW. I already have 6 dates booked for 2024 October Tog, so if you have a favorite time to fish in the fall it is not too soon to give me a call.
Have a great Holiday season and healthy, prosperous New Year. Be sure to look me up at the Ward Melville H.S Outdoor Show the first Saturday in March. I will be at my usual table in the gym.

Capt. Mike
516-317-5423

 

[Snapprhead27]

Made the traditional season ending Tog tip today with my good friend Lep. For once the weather forecast was actually correct, very cold and overnight strong winds diminishing right after sunrise.

The long ride out to Fishers I. was pleasant and based upon all the intel I was getting I felt compelled to try a deeper drop in 70' of water for the very short slack water window before the full moon ebb started to scream. We had a steady bite for 90 minutes but 99% of the Tog were all short with Pete landing the only 17" keeper.

So, the only logical move was to my very reliable jig spot nearby and once again we were rewarded with a consistent bite for the balance of the ebb tide. Only needed 1.5-2 oz. jigs and overall, the bites were very light. Did a ton of sorting, as usual, but managed to put our limit of healthy tog in the box, mostly 16-18" fish but nice and thick. Top fish today on my spinner was about 4.5#.
So, no monsters for our season finale but still a good bite and lots of tasty fresh Tog filets for our efforts.

I want to personally thank all of the charter customers, both old and new, who joined me on what was a pretty darn good 2023 season. I greatly appreciate your patronage and hope to see you all again next year. BTW. I already have 6 dates booked for 2024 October Tog, so if you have a favorite time to fish in the fall it is not too soon to give me a call.
Have a great Holiday season and healthy, prosperous New Year. Be sure to look me up at the Ward Melville H.S Outdoor Show the first Saturday in March. I will be at my usual table in the gym.

Capt. Mike
516-317-5423

Thanks Capt for a great year as usual. I will be in touch to reschedule.

 

[Roccus7]

Made the traditional season ending Tog tip today with my good friend Lep. For once the weather forecast was actually correct, very cold and overnight strong winds diminishing right after sunrise.

The long ride out to Fishers I. was pleasant and based upon all the intel I was getting I felt compelled to try a deeper drop in 70' of water for the very short slack water window before the full moon ebb started to scream. We had a steady bite for 90 minutes but 99% of the Tog were all short with Pete landing the only 17" keeper.

So, the only logical move was to my very reliable jig spot nearby and once again we were rewarded with a consistent bite for the balance of the ebb tide. Only needed 1.5-2 oz. jigs and overall, the bites were very light. Did a ton of sorting, as usual, but managed to put our limit of healthy tog in the box, mostly 16-18" fish but nice and thick. Top fish today on my spinner was about 4.5#.
So, no monsters for our season finale but still a good bite and lots of tasty fresh Tog filets for our efforts.

I want to personally thank all of the charter customers, both old and new, who joined me on what was a pretty darn good 2023 season. I greatly appreciate your patronage and hope to see you all again next year. BTW. I already have 6 dates booked for 2024 October Tog, so if you have a favorite time to fish in the fall it is not too soon to give me a call.
Have a great Holiday season and healthy, prosperous New Year. Be sure to look me up at the Ward Melville H.S Outdoor Show the first Saturday in March. I will be at my usual table in the gym.

Capt. Mike
516-317-5423

Congrats on a great season Mike!! Nothing like a experienced and dedicated Captain to take care of his fares, expand the love of the sport and protect the resource!!

 

[Sc42]

Capt Mike - this was my first year on your boat, and both tog trips were fantastic. Our crews had a memorable and fun time, with the bonus of putting together very good catches. I plan on booking with you again next year, both for fluke and blacks. Thank you and Happy Holidays!

 

[Kona]

Thanks for the report, it was good fishing next to you at Plum earlier in the season ,

 

[captmike28]

Capt Mike - this was my first year on your boat, and both tog trips were fantastic. Our crews had a memorable and fun time, with the bonus of putting together very good catches. I plan on booking with you again next year, both for fluke and blacks. Thank you and Happy Holidays!

My pleasure, Steve, It was great to have you out twice and fortunate the weather, as well as the fish, cooperated both times. Looking forward to expanding your fishing horizons next season!

 

[captmike28]

Thanks for the report, it was good fishing next to you at Plum earlier in the season ,

Thank you Kona, for your comments and fine reports/results this season. Although I and a few of my friends struggled a bit north of Plum for Tog this year you seemed to have it dialed in. Congrats on your successful trips.

 

[captmike28]

Congrats on a great season Mike!! Nothing like a experienced and dedicated Captain to take care of his fares, expand the love of the sport and protect the resource!!

Thanks very much, Roccus. Somehow, some way we need to find a way to share the deck on a trip in the future!

 

[Chinacat]

Glad you had 1 last nice good trip with a good friend Capt Mike.
We were thinking about you on our "cruise' to New London yesterday to bring Dan back and hoping you made it out on such a beautiful day as the conditions seemed very nice and calm.
Thanks for the great trip we had with you this year and a special THANKS for all the support, including the support for the band, directions, and all the answers to the questions I ask you throughout the year.
Have a great holiday season and I can't wait to join you again next year, or sooner

 

[longcast]

Excellent trip. Great fishing with you during the season.