CT Record 25 pound Tog!

[george]

New Record for Catch & Release Blackfish: Today, CT fisherman Aiden Cole caught a breathtaking 36-inch, 25.78-pound Tautog, affectionately known as “Taugzilla” among marine anglers. This spectacular catch happened aboard the Melissa Ann, with Captain Luke Wiggins, in the Thames River. A green crab was the bait of choice. The fish was measured and weighed by Karen Westerberg at A&W Marina/Tackleshop before its release. The moment was thrilling for all, including spectators.

Fun fact: The previous state record for a catch & release Tautog was held by Captain Luke from 2020, measuring 32.5 inches and weighing nearly 24 pounds. Check out Marine Fisheries State Record Catch & Release Fish (ct.gov) for more.

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[Roccus7]

View attachment 70075​

New Record for Catch & Release Blackfish: Today, CT fisherman Aiden Cole caught a breathtaking 36-inch, 25.78-pound Tautog, affectionately known as “Taugzilla” among marine anglers. This spectacular catch happened aboard the Melissa Ann, with Captain Luke Wiggins, in the Thames River. A green crab was the bait of choice. The fish was measured and weighed by Karen Westerberg at A&W Marina/Tackleshop before its release. The moment was thrilling for all, including spectators.

Fun fact: The previous state record for a catch & release Tautog was held by Captain Luke from 2020, measuring 32.5 inches and weighing nearly 24 pounds. Check out Marine Fisheries State Record Catch & Release Fish (ct.gov) for more.

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I'm not sure about the success of the release here. It would be far more reassuring if they were standing on a dock by the water instead of a sidewalk on a street!!

 

[OVERBORED]

Yeah....... I agree. seen many fish including a 22lber unsuccessfully released while being handled much less than that fish. I don't think that fish had a chance at surviving.Hope I'm wrong......

 

[george]

Yeah....... I agree. seen many fish including a 22lber unsuccessfully released while being handled much less than that fish. I don't think that fish had a chance at surviving.Hope I'm wrong......

The odds of survival are slim but much better than being fileted ?
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[CELLFISH]

Blackfish are hardy type, why should he lie… see em in chinatown swimming in tanks all the time, flopping on the ice waiting for a customer…

leave it to R7 to be the negative skeptic… great catch gentleman… cellfish…
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[CELLFISH]

$13.00 / lb…
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[OVERBORED]

Blackfish are hardy type, why should he lie… see em in chinatown swimming in tanks all the time, flopping on the ice waiting for a customer…

leave it to R7 to be the negative skeptic… great catch gentleman… cellfish…
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I guarantee you, not 1 fish in the tanks in Chinatown was paraded around like the Stanley cup AND THEN released or put in a tank.

 

[CELLFISH]

species - Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission

asmfc.org

 

[CELLFISH]

Search for: blackfish (1/6) ~ New Jersey Scuba Diving

 

[CELLFISH]

I guarantee you, not 1 fish in the tanks in Chinatown was paraded around like the Stanley cup AND THEN released or put in a tank.

do ya have warranties as well..

he most likely transported it in a cooler full of water, to the legitimate weigh station… C22…

 

[CELLFISH]

surely OB, that Black knows he’s a champion, he’s nearing the end of his 30 year expected life span and clearly he dosent mind being paraded showing his happy smile… ???
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