’Tog Jigs Make Fishing Easier and More Productive
Back in the day, a fisherman would use tarred line, a fishing pole fashioned out of bamboo, a hook, and a crab or glob of clam in to catch a blackfish (tautog). Just like today, a little patience, a gentle touch, and a firm hand was needed in order to extract these hard-fighting fish from their cover and entice them to peck at the bait.
To add weight, a common white bucktail jig was used in place of a single- or double-hook rig. The hair of the Upperman jig, sometimes referred to as a lima bean jig, was removed before any bait was attached and dropped to the bottom. This enabled one to fish deeper water, from a few feet to 15 or so. It also enabled one to explore rocky structure without the need to attach a dangling weight that could easily get swallowed up by the bottom.
Today, we still use simple setups when attempting to outsmart these cautious, bait-stealing bulldogs, although the idea of an Upperman for ‘tog fishing has come a long way. It has only been a few years since the advent and popularity of ‘tog jigs has come into vogue.
Shapes, styles, and colors may all vary, but the idea is the same. Take a sturdy 60- or 90-degree sharp hook, embed it in a pre-shaped lead mold, and pour. After a few finishing touches, including some fantastic paint renditions, and we have a simple, but very effective ‘tog jig. Of course, design, balance, and the ultimate shape is key to the whole process. How the crab and jig finally sit on the bottom is important, considering the way that a tautog cautiously approaches and examines the offering before it strikes. Once committed, game on!
Not having several ‘tog jigs in various colors and sizes to fit the need in one’s tackle box is like fishing with a hook and no bait. The pros are fewer pieces of terminal tackle to get hung up, easier access to crevices, less to interfere with a hook set, more direct contact with the fish, quicker descent, and pinpoint accuracy. The one notable con is that ‘tog jigs are generally more effective when ‘togging in shallower water than in depths more than 20 feet. So, when you head out to go ‘togging, break out those ‘tog jigs. For now, we have through Saturday, April 30, when the season ends and then re-opens again on Friday, July 1.
On the Water
A cold front was brushed aside as high pressure built into the waters prior to the weekend before moving east. A warm front then crossed our waters ahead of a series of frontal systems, setting up the Easter weekend with the threat of intermittent showers as high pressure gradually took hold. A following frontal system and low pressure then brought some rain. Air temperatures dropped from the mid- to high 60s and into the 50s and then back up as inshore Long Island Sound temps hung around the mid-40s, yet continued their warming trend.
With spring tautog season winding down at the end of April, all eyes have been on the gusty winds, sea conditions, and water temps. As of late, the latter part of the month appears to be shaping up on the side of more optimum conditions, something which will be big improvement over the past couple of weeks that were variable at best. ‘Tog jigs and crabs have been the most productive by the walls and inshore reefs and rock piles.
Schoolie striped bass river action has ticked up, along with nearshore catches, as these holdover linesiders spread out. Light setups are the way to go for the most enjoyment as these aggressive schoolies are taking soft baits, small jigs, spoons, top waters, and flies. This is the time of year where the tidal rivers are seeing good action on both tides, however, early morning and late in the day are the prime times. Working structure, creek outlets, river bends, and points generally pay off, especially just prior to one of the multiple fronts that have been plaguing the area lately. When bait fishing, remember to rig up with inline circle hooks—it’s the regulation.
For additional tidal river activity, look to engage with the American shad run in the Connecticut River, white perch that typically stack up in the brackish and fresh water coves, and runs of hickory shad migrating to many of the minor tidal rivers. Alewives and blueback herring are still protected, so hands off. For those looking for saltwater baitfish, don’t forget to obtain your inland fishing license needed once fishing beyond the inland and marine line of demarcation. On the outskirts and adjacent to several tidal rivers, a fisher will most likely find a small school of winter flounder working the bays, channels, and flats. It is worth launching a small vessel, dropping a hook, and working those areas during a flipping tide or walking up or down the sides as the case may be. Soft baits like clams, mussels, and sea worms, along with some chum, fit into their diet perfectly.
Right about now, two of the most active species of fish on the freshwater scene have to be trout and the pre-spawn basses. Most all of the stocked rivers and trout parks are showing off quality fish, while several lakes are producing fish in spite of such a variable weather pattern. Scented and natural baits, along with artificial lures and flies, have all had good results, while the basses have pretty much been nailing artificials and worms.
Trout Contest
The registration deadline for Captain Morgan’s annual trout contest honoring Codi and Bubba is Saturday, April 23 at 6:59 a.m. Fish anywhere. Prizes for heaviest trout weighed and best photo. Saturday for weigh-ins and both Saturday and Sunday for submitting photos for those unable to make the weigh-in. Five bucks gets you in. Kids under 12 fish free with registered adult. Register by phone at 203-245-8665 or in person at the shop. Call for details. Come join the fun!
Note: Email us pics of your catches to share with our USA and international fishing friends who keep up with the latest fishing news and frequent social media.
For all things fishy including clam supplies, swing by the shop (203-245-8665) open seven days at 21 Boston Post Road in Madison. Until next time from your Connecticut shoreline’s full-service fishing outfitter, where we don’t make the fisherman, we make the fisherman better.
Tight Lines,
Captain Morgan
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