How old are big tog???

[Togman316]

Thank you for your information. I guess they only good thing is they are difficult to catch and the nj/ny area has so much natural bottom unlike the maryland fishery.

[bulletbob]

Originally Posted by Togman316

Thank you for your information. I guess they only good thing is they are difficult to catch and the nj/ny area has so much natural bottom unlike the maryland fishery.

We do have a lot of good bottom.. Problem is, we also have a LOT of boats, and a real lot of very good fishermen with a lot of time to fish... Years ago, winter tog fishing was a very small part of the rec fishery.. Today, its the only decent winter fishery.. The best thing that could happen for tautog is a strong resurgence in the numbers of Cod, Ling, and dare I say it, Whiting,,, The rec boats need other targets beside tog.. They simply don't grow fast enough, and I fear too many are being taken and eaten.. I applaud those that have been letting big ones go.... I personally would like to see "gamefish status" on Tog, but thats a pipe dream.. A more likely scenario would be potters and pinhookers getting the lions share, and paying the states or feds big money for the priviledge, while recs get a limit of 1 or 2.. I hope the stocks stay at a reasonable level.. If not, head and charter boat fishing will no longer be a year round business.... At least until we get a viable winter rec fishery back .. bob

[NJ Dave]

With all that said, the slow growing process and all, why is it never publicly complained about when someone kills a big tog BUT....... the time someone poses with two big stripers ALL hell breaks loose with how you shouldn't kill those big breeders and the declining striper fishery.
Just saying

[Joey Dah Fish]

Originally Posted by NJ Dave

With all that said, the slow growing process and all, why is it never publicly complained about when someone kills a big tog BUT....... the time someone poses with two big stripers ALL hell breaks loose with how you shouldn't kill those big breeders and the declining striper fishery.
Just saying

You trying to start trouble Whisperer? Don't make me come up there. Here's what happens some can be released and quite a few are. Others it's obvious that they will not survive so they are taken.

[NJ Dave]

Alright Joe, but I have been good all year.... well it's only been 21 days. Lol.
Just saying. I know it's "expected" anything over a 10 is a photo and release but sometimes you see picks of a lot of hogs and all everyone says is congrats. Post a 40 Lb old sperms shooting striper and you get 50 replies that you single handed have just depleted the entire future of our already declining striper fishery.

[Joey Dah Fish]

Originally Posted by NJ Dave

Alright Joe, but I have been good all year.... well it's only been 21 days. Lol.
Just saying. I know it's "expected" anything over a 10 is a photo and release but sometimes you see picks of a lot of hogs and all everyone says is congrats. Post a 40 Lb old sperms shooting striper and you get 50 replies that you single handed have just depleted the entire future of our already declining striper fishery.

I know what you mean brother. Nice to hear from you

[lenny bent rod]

I asked this question to capt. Charlie of the charter boat Snappa out of Point Judith R. I. He is very knowledgeable about the tog fisherie and he said quote "there just isn't enough studies done on this species for a definite answer ". If anyone knows of a Web site or link on this subject please post.