Penn #10 reel - wow, does that bring me back . . . That's the newer version of the Monofil #9 - with mag adjustment for the spool, no? It was a very nice reel and still is.
Post up up your 2019/2020/2021/2022 Blackfishing Pix/Reports/Adventures/Musings
- Thread starter Leprechaun
- Start date
movetheboat
Well-Known Angler
He was trying to get the spool to let the line out faster playing with something. I can say that reel is over 20 years old...never been serviced the right way,,,he did hit it with w-d in any screw/cap that came out
he told me. But yeah...if you're going to work a reel hard with little maintenance that be the one.....I think I remember the porgy pin hookers in Montauk used the 9 and 10 back in the day and daily maintenance was dunking it in the ocean at the end of the day....fished with one of them....and that's what he did......over the winter maybe let Johnnys tackle over haul them
Mrs. Lep’s “Blackfish Valencia.”
Almost ready:
And plated up:
I had two portions!
Almost ready:
And plated up:
I had two portions!
Snapprhead27
Well-Known Angler
Can't tell everything that's in it.... But it looks amazing!!
Sweet red peppers, artichoke hearts, shallots, small can Tuttorosso diced tomatoes, celery, small red potatoes, lots of fresh basil, capers, quartered garlic cloves, pinch of hot red pepper, salt, 1/2 cup of red wine, bottle of clam broth.
Occh639
Angler
Looks yummy
captmike28
Well-Known Angler
First let me send a belated “Happy Veterans Day” to all those who have served and may still be serving our country. You are among the most revered folks in the USA in my mind.
Had the 4-man Sal party out yesterday looking to avenge a tough day on the very windy Halloween trip they attempted 2 weeks ago. Their persistence was rewarded with the best trip of our Tog season so far.
First drop on a favorite jigging spot near Fishers on the end of the ebb tide. Within minutes John lands a healthy 19” keeper Tog then Frank G. follows suit with one of similar size. Shortly after that John’s rod doubles over again and although we first thought it was a trophy Blackfish the drag stripping runs were a bit too long. To everyone’s pleasant surprise up comes a 29” Striper! Back to the Tog fishing and amid many shorts we culled 4 more keepers. Then yours truly gets to put down his jig once I finished the bait prep chores. Despite a fairly light hit I am soon fast to a Tog with some serious horsepower. This fish made at least five strong surges for the bottom but ultimately Frank slips the net under a beautiful 8.5# fish just as the jig falls out of his mouth! That is the largest Tog I have taken, so far, on my new Grappler M/Stradic 3000 combo which handled this powerful fish with ease.
As the tide starts to slow it was time to hit a deep drop as my current intel told me the better fish are starting to appear in these areas. Moved just NW of Fishers in 85’ and began to fish the very end of the ebb tide. Non-stop action with short Tog and a small keeper or 2 for the first hour. Then, when the tide shifted to flood the big boys came out. In the next hour we hit our full boat limit with 3 fish between 6-7# and threw back at least a half dozen more keepers. Close to a dozen nice Sea Bass also found the box. Needless to say, the guys all went home with full bags of filet.
I am surprised that no one has yet jumped on my remaining open dates. So, a quick reminder I still have Sat, Sun 11/20,21 and Fri, Sat 11/26,27 left before the close of my 2021 season. Last year we were slamming them until the very end so all you need is a little luck with the weather and I am confident you will go home smiling.
Capt. Mike
516-317-5423 cell
Had the 4-man Sal party out yesterday looking to avenge a tough day on the very windy Halloween trip they attempted 2 weeks ago. Their persistence was rewarded with the best trip of our Tog season so far.
First drop on a favorite jigging spot near Fishers on the end of the ebb tide. Within minutes John lands a healthy 19” keeper Tog then Frank G. follows suit with one of similar size. Shortly after that John’s rod doubles over again and although we first thought it was a trophy Blackfish the drag stripping runs were a bit too long. To everyone’s pleasant surprise up comes a 29” Striper! Back to the Tog fishing and amid many shorts we culled 4 more keepers. Then yours truly gets to put down his jig once I finished the bait prep chores. Despite a fairly light hit I am soon fast to a Tog with some serious horsepower. This fish made at least five strong surges for the bottom but ultimately Frank slips the net under a beautiful 8.5# fish just as the jig falls out of his mouth! That is the largest Tog I have taken, so far, on my new Grappler M/Stradic 3000 combo which handled this powerful fish with ease.
As the tide starts to slow it was time to hit a deep drop as my current intel told me the better fish are starting to appear in these areas. Moved just NW of Fishers in 85’ and began to fish the very end of the ebb tide. Non-stop action with short Tog and a small keeper or 2 for the first hour. Then, when the tide shifted to flood the big boys came out. In the next hour we hit our full boat limit with 3 fish between 6-7# and threw back at least a half dozen more keepers. Close to a dozen nice Sea Bass also found the box. Needless to say, the guys all went home with full bags of filet.
I am surprised that no one has yet jumped on my remaining open dates. So, a quick reminder I still have Sat, Sun 11/20,21 and Fri, Sat 11/26,27 left before the close of my 2021 season. Last year we were slamming them until the very end so all you need is a little luck with the weather and I am confident you will go home smiling.
Capt. Mike
516-317-5423 cell
captmike28
Well-Known Angler
CAPTAIN'S TABLE NEWS FLASH!
Trying to set up a split Blackfish Charter for Sat 11/20. I have 2 fares confirmed for that day and looking to fill 2 more slots. Tog fishing is approaching it's peak on the North Fork so now is the time to jump on this opportunity.
You can reach me via phone, text, e-mail.
Capt. Mike
516-317-5423 cell
Trying to set up a split Blackfish Charter for Sat 11/20. I have 2 fares confirmed for that day and looking to fill 2 more slots. Tog fishing is approaching it's peak on the North Fork so now is the time to jump on this opportunity.
You can reach me via phone, text, e-mail.
Capt. Mike
516-317-5423 cell
HighHook4Hire
New Angler
Would have jumped on this opportunity, but NJ opener is finally this Tuesday, so I can catch a few in local waters on Sat. Hope you all crush em.
captmike28
Well-Known Angler
Although yesterday mornings temps were rather chilly the winds were light, perfect conditions for my good friend Lep and I to tap into the Fishers I. Blackfish population.
First drop was in 80’ near the location where we slayed some big Tog last Thursday. Arrived on the last 1.5 hours of flood into the first of the ebb. Bites and Tog action was insane but this time 90% of the fish were short. Lep did manage one keeper of around 4# and then on the change it seemed some slightly better fish began to chew so I quickly put 2 more smaller keepers in the box. As the full moon ebb began to gather steam it was time to move to a more protected location.
So, on to my favorite jigging spot and once again, once I got the boat anchored properly, the bites were instant and sustained through the last 2.5 hours of the trip. A much nicer mix of fish was found here, perfect for playing with our spinning gear. I had a particularly hot hand and put a couple more keepers in the box before Lep found his stride and landed the best fish of the day a solid 5.75# fish. We both had great fun landing many more Tog and throwing back several keepers in the process. One interesting observation we made yesterday. All season long the numbers of short Tog have been huge and on almost every occasion more than enough keepers to reach a boat limit. However, the fish larger than 6# always seem to have been caught on the ¼ phase moon trips. Some folks speculate about Tog exhibiting “moon sickness” and not biting well during the big moon periods. Perhaps this is evidence supporting that theory!
Only 10 days left in my season and 4 more charters to run, weather permitting. I sure hope the winds are light because there is certainly no shortage of feisty Tog on the North Fork.
Capt. Mike
516-317-5423 cell
First drop was in 80’ near the location where we slayed some big Tog last Thursday. Arrived on the last 1.5 hours of flood into the first of the ebb. Bites and Tog action was insane but this time 90% of the fish were short. Lep did manage one keeper of around 4# and then on the change it seemed some slightly better fish began to chew so I quickly put 2 more smaller keepers in the box. As the full moon ebb began to gather steam it was time to move to a more protected location.
So, on to my favorite jigging spot and once again, once I got the boat anchored properly, the bites were instant and sustained through the last 2.5 hours of the trip. A much nicer mix of fish was found here, perfect for playing with our spinning gear. I had a particularly hot hand and put a couple more keepers in the box before Lep found his stride and landed the best fish of the day a solid 5.75# fish. We both had great fun landing many more Tog and throwing back several keepers in the process. One interesting observation we made yesterday. All season long the numbers of short Tog have been huge and on almost every occasion more than enough keepers to reach a boat limit. However, the fish larger than 6# always seem to have been caught on the ¼ phase moon trips. Some folks speculate about Tog exhibiting “moon sickness” and not biting well during the big moon periods. Perhaps this is evidence supporting that theory!
Only 10 days left in my season and 4 more charters to run, weather permitting. I sure hope the winds are light because there is certainly no shortage of feisty Tog on the North Fork.
Capt. Mike
516-317-5423 cell
I put that good-looking "best of the day" female back so she can make more baby toggies. Seemed like the right thing to do, after a really strong fight from a mid-sized fish. This trip had an insane amount of "just-shorties," but no problem sorting thru to a full North Shore boat limit, plus at least another 5 or six keepers returned. Moon or no moon, the light tackle action was Muy Caliente!
Snapprhead27
Well-Known Angler
Nice job Capt and Lep!!
captmike28
Well-Known Angler
Yesterday’s split charter consisted of Rich and his “79 year young” Dad from NJ plus regular Frank G and Matt.
Very cold start with some left over Northerly breeze had me heading to Ct for our first drop in 50’ of water. Full moon flood tide was pushing pretty hard at first and for a brief time we had to exceed my self-imposed weight limit of 12 oz. to drag out the 16’s Fortunately the tide backed off quickly. Although Rich is a lifelong avid fisherman, he claimed he had never pursued Tog in the past. It only took him about 5 minutes to put the first 17” keeper in the box! For the next 2 hours we enjoyed constant action with the usual sorting going on. However slowly but surely, we managed to put a total of 7 keepers to 5# in the box before losing the tide. Thankfully, everyone made a contribution to the catch during the first drop.
Now the wind has dropped out nicely so it was time for the run over to my favorite jig drop north of Fishers. About 3 minutes after I get the boat positioned properly Frank G’s spinning rod doubles over and following a very spirited battle, I slip the net under what was to be the top Blackfish of the day at 6.75#. Once again, this drop came up big time for my crew and we started to see a very nice mix of keepers. Rich, who had never used a spinner on Tog boated a nice fat fish of just about 6#, Frank G another 5# fish, and Matt broke in his new Grappler rod with a pretty 4# keeper. We quickly reached our 5-man limit in about an hour. Just before it was time for me to prep the catch, I slipped my jig down for a quick try and came up with a healthy 5.5# female that was promptly sent home to rebuild the population. While I stood at the cutting board the guys caught and released many more Tog, including several more keepers. A nice comfortable cruise home on a flat calm Sound capped a terrific day.
Sadly, I have now come to the last week of my 2021 season. I have several crews ready, willing, and anxious to take their last shot at the solid North Fork Tog bite. At this point it is all in Mother Nature’s hands. Hope to squeeze at least one or two more adventures for what has proved to be another outstanding Blackfish season out east.
Capt. Mike
516-317-5423 cell
Very cold start with some left over Northerly breeze had me heading to Ct for our first drop in 50’ of water. Full moon flood tide was pushing pretty hard at first and for a brief time we had to exceed my self-imposed weight limit of 12 oz. to drag out the 16’s Fortunately the tide backed off quickly. Although Rich is a lifelong avid fisherman, he claimed he had never pursued Tog in the past. It only took him about 5 minutes to put the first 17” keeper in the box! For the next 2 hours we enjoyed constant action with the usual sorting going on. However slowly but surely, we managed to put a total of 7 keepers to 5# in the box before losing the tide. Thankfully, everyone made a contribution to the catch during the first drop.
Now the wind has dropped out nicely so it was time for the run over to my favorite jig drop north of Fishers. About 3 minutes after I get the boat positioned properly Frank G’s spinning rod doubles over and following a very spirited battle, I slip the net under what was to be the top Blackfish of the day at 6.75#. Once again, this drop came up big time for my crew and we started to see a very nice mix of keepers. Rich, who had never used a spinner on Tog boated a nice fat fish of just about 6#, Frank G another 5# fish, and Matt broke in his new Grappler rod with a pretty 4# keeper. We quickly reached our 5-man limit in about an hour. Just before it was time for me to prep the catch, I slipped my jig down for a quick try and came up with a healthy 5.5# female that was promptly sent home to rebuild the population. While I stood at the cutting board the guys caught and released many more Tog, including several more keepers. A nice comfortable cruise home on a flat calm Sound capped a terrific day.
Sadly, I have now come to the last week of my 2021 season. I have several crews ready, willing, and anxious to take their last shot at the solid North Fork Tog bite. At this point it is all in Mother Nature’s hands. Hope to squeeze at least one or two more adventures for what has proved to be another outstanding Blackfish season out east.
Capt. Mike
516-317-5423 cell
Snapprhead27
Well-Known Angler
What can I say? Another great trip with Capt Mike. Thank you very much for being able to complete the charter when I called two weeks ago asking to go out yesterday. What a difference it is Tog fishing with spinning gear from conventional. ?? That we can get out on the 28th. If not, I'll definitely be making trips out next year!!
HighHook4Hire
New Angler
Got out 2x this weekend in NJ. Sat was mainly a striper chasing day with not much luck until later on, but we set up on one snag in 40’ for about an hour. Few small togs and one nice 18” fish that nearly took the rod out of my hands with a kamikaze crunch. Found a few slot stripers on small bait and got em with the savages. Glad those nasty suckers are finally clearing out so I can focus fully on white chinners. Sunday was a gorgeous day but the bite was sluggish. Got 2 keepers and a few just short. Guess the togs were out enjoying the nice day too. Side note that Saturday there was a tog tourney where a 21.2# tog took big fish pool. That team somehow finished 2nd to a 40# 5 fish bag caught on another boat. Mixed feelings about killing so many big togs, but it is what it is unfortunately. Congrats to the anglers, especially for the big papa hog. Grabbed the photo from another site, so feel free to take down if it violates any rules or anything. I do not know the lucky fellow, but he should buy a lotto ticket soon .
captmike28
Well-Known Angler
That is one hell of a Tog and congratulations to the lucky angler. It is also the third 20#+ Blackfish I have seen written up this season with the other two coming from CT and RI respectively. On a sad note, I don't believe any one of those fish were returned alive. A real shame since we all know how slowly those fish grow. Plus, with the very high-resolution photos we can all take with our phones today it seems a couple of good shots should do the job when it comes to bragging rights. Heck any decent taxidermist can make a very nice commemorative mold of a trophy Tog like this with a few good pictures.
I realize that it is everyone's individual decision and right to keep any legal fish but I would encourage folks to do what they can to preserve this very important species. Tog are a very hearty fish and will usually survive even the most spirited battle as long as they are not brought up from some of the very deepest drops.
Kudos to all those anglers that do their part in returning these extraordinary fish.
I realize that it is everyone's individual decision and right to keep any legal fish but I would encourage folks to do what they can to preserve this very important species. Tog are a very hearty fish and will usually survive even the most spirited battle as long as they are not brought up from some of the very deepest drops.
Kudos to all those anglers that do their part in returning these extraordinary fish.
Occh639
Angler
I couldn’t agree more
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