Fall Togging/Blackfish

November 16 marks the beginning of the 5/PP fall blackfish(tog) season.   Tog are one of the most popular target species in the Mid Atlantic region, and South Jersey is known as a prime location for the chance at a truly trophy fish. 

On top of being an excellent eating fish, tog are also one of the most challenging to catch. They seem to bite different every time you drop a bait down, and it takes a lot of practice to get used to the many ways that they bite. Once you figure it out, it’s well worth the effort as these fish fight hard and taste great!  There are few challenges in inshore fishing greater than successfully hooking and landing a trophy blackfish!

Our tog trips leave at 7am, and return around 3pm. Green crabs are provided aboard, and when available, white crabs will also be aboard. The Miss Chris features two anchors for proper positioning and keeping us over the wrecks and structures where these fish live.  

Tackle for tog should include 7 foot range rods with a medium heavy action. Conventional reels with 65lb braid are paramount, as is 60lb mono top shot and 60lb leader to a 4/0 to 5/0 octopus hook. Powerful fish in sharp, snaggy structure require high test equipment.