Tautog

[Dave]

Went out for some Tautog (Tog) last week and clocked them.  Wish I had some pics to show the process as this was the first time I tried this, and the prep was 1/2 the fun.  Tog only eat crabs, so that tells you how fantastic they are to eat. 


First we swung into a big fish market/restaurant and picked up two bluefish carcasses, and filled the cooler half up with their 'waste' ice (ice that was used for packing fish and then dumped on the pavement) in hopes to pack our own fish on it. 

We then drove to a jetty, cut the carcasses up into about 8 pieces, tied about 5 feet of twine to each and threw them in next to the rocks.  Wait a few minutes and start lifting the baits and net the crabs that are clinging to them.  I felt like a kid again doing this - ok, so it doesn't take much to amuse me.  We spent about 45 minutes doing this and had way more than enough perfect size crabs to use for bait.  They ranged in size from a quarter to a silver dollar.

We then hopped on my buddy's boat and motored out to an inlet jetty.  We anchored up about 50 yards off the jetty and backed the boat in close to the rocks.  When about 15 to 20 feet away you toss out a sacrificial rope tied to a small piece of rebar over the top of the jetty (this rope gets cut once you are done with the spot).  Once you get this to 'anchor,' the boat becomes stable with the anchor line off the bow and the sacrificial line tied to the stern.  Now you're positioned right over the rocks.  The water depth along the jetty is about 15 to 20 feet deep at a distance of 10 feet off the jetty.  Drop a crab over the side and get ready.  When the tide is moving the action is fast (it brings the stench of the crushed crab along the jety and to the tog).  The limit is 6 fish per man with a min size of 14."  My brother, his son, my son and I were there about 2 hours and left with our limits.  Here is the only pic I have of the mess, once we were home.  Most in this pic are about 16 to 17 inches.  We had a few that were 18 to 19.  After fileting the mess, I think I'd try to keep the ones on the smaller side as they filet up nicer.



And wow are they excellent tablefare!  Better than flounder or crappies (which are right at the top of my fish list).

[HaMeR]

Never heard of Togs before. But those fillets sure look tasty!!   What time is the fish fry anyway Dave?? 

[Dave]

You're right on HaMer.  The fish fry is Christmas eve day when all the in-laws are here.  Dante and I will be running the fryer and you're officially invited (you just have to listen to my father-in-law - I'll be a fryin the fish, ... outside, ... where it's cold)! 

[HaMeR]

    I'm goin to a fish fry!!!!!!!!!! 

[FinsnFur]

  I'm goin to a fish fry!!!!!!!!!! 

SHOTGUN!

[HaMeR]

  I'm goin to a fish fry!!!!!!!!!! 

SHOTGUN!

Maybe Dave can sneak some filets away & we can have em at the LBL instead. That otter get you there Jim!!