Beauties!
Post up up your 2019/2020/2021/2022 Blackfishing Pix/Reports/Adventures/Musings
- Thread starter Leprechaun
- Start date
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!
Snapprhead27
Well-Known Angler
Blackened Tog
captmike28
Well-Known Angler
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!
Snapprhead27
Well-Known Angler
Thanks again for another wonderful trip!! I'll see you Tuesday morning.
What an amazing post! Three fishermen enjoying a day with one of the best, all thanks to nyangler.com. It's incredibly satisfying!
captmike28
Well-Known Angler
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.
Matts
Angler
Maybe only three of them enjoyed the day?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.
To clear this up, the photos were not from my trip (no photos were posted, my trip was 10/17), there were 4 of us plus the Captain, and I assure you we all had a great time. ??
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!
longcast
Well-Known Angler
That’s a great day. Some good looking fish there!!
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 ?
Only one drop Georgie - one-stop shopping makes a trip like this even more special. Like my old friend Capt. Rick Smith told me numerous times years ago, you just gotta have faith in your drops. I normally can no longer remember what I had for breakfast, but for some reason, fishing-related conversations from 20 years ago remain laser-sharp in my mind - especially when they include those that I respect. Priorities, I guess.
Anyway, enjoy this Winter in Florida, you deserve it!
Anyway, enjoy this Winter in Florida, you deserve it!
Snapprhead27
Well-Known Angler
Nice job Lep. It sure was a nice day on the water yesterday.
Chinacat
Well-Known Angler
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