Dogfish Suggestion

[wrktoomuch]

On the last couple of bottom fishing party boat trips I've been on, when the dogfish started coming up all around the boat, the Captain was forced to move, although the targeted fish were still being caught as well. It seems that most of the dogs are caught on a high hook, as opposed to baits on the bottom. I tried myself by only baiting my bottom hook and only caught a few dogs, while others next to me were killing them on their
high hooks. I know that Cod like the high hook, but maybe the Capt. and mates could suggest that anglers only bait their bottom hooks when the dogs are present. It sucks for anglers, mates and the Capt. to have to re-anchor, when we could work through a pick of dogfish instead of an infestation. What do you think?

[PaulNreel]

I agree that re anchoring eats into productive fishing time but I had dogs hit my bottom only rig on the way down... The flip side is when a captain thinks he can do better and leaves a productive spot in hope of getting better fish. I cant second guess the captain but hind site is always 20/20 and somehow the poor decisions are the ones that seem to be remembered. Most of the boats I fished the captain does the right thing, giving the other side of the boat a chance to be on the honey hole thus making most of the fares happy. Dogs, Bergall, Conger, Robin are not species I keep but inevitably I catch.

[ALS Mako]

it is best to move. doggies will also attach hooked fish being brought up. wouldn't you rather wait for some better fishing than have to retie rigs and getting out tangles. but as the old saying goes, hind sight is 20/20. and never ever question a capt's actions.

[mickrazz]

I'm fairly certain that most of the bottom fishermen here already know that. Why they continue to use a high hook when doggies are around I have no idea. If they are thick enough they will take the bottom bait also. The only thing to do is move and hope for the best.

[Jay]

Captain, knows best, why waste everyone's time. If anything that was a great move. Personally, if there are dogs present don't bother baiting the top hook or using any grubs or anything with color to attract them.

[broken bobber]

Def alot of dogs around and def fun to catch but def not fun to get off the hooks.... and they can def mess up your rigs

[wrktoomuch]

I am in no way saying the Captains are making bad calls, it's just my opinion that if anglers were persuaded to not bait top hooks when dogs are starting to be caught, that you could stay on a spot longer before moving if need be.

[snowbank104]

what bothers me is when people throw the dogs back i don't see why you can't keep them on the boat till u leave the spot

[wrktoomuch]

A little headache before letting them go is all you need.

[Jay]

Originally Posted by snowbank104

what bothers me is when people throw the dogs back i don't see why you can't keep them on the boat till u leave the spot

What is the difference? If you throw them back in different spot?