Deep south Tautogs 12/2/24

[bulletbob]

The excuse that water temps need to drop is absurd.. decade after decade the peak of blackfish season was mid october until mid november. water temps in the mid to low 60's into the mid to low 50's. Thats when they are most active, most aggressive and feed most readily. The idea that water temps need to drop into the 40's is ludicrous in the case of tautog, regardless if they are deep or shallow.. The reason blackfishing is slow for most is that over the past 30 years they have become a highly desireable COMMERCIAL species that bring big dollars.. Ask a party boat mate you know well that know where to ell them how much he get for a live 5 pounder.. I think the answer will shock you.. Many people [especially in cities in and around the NY Bight]in 2024 love to eat them raw and thinly sliced, and will pay big money for the privilege. They are being exploited far beyond their capacity to rebuild their numbers to historic levels.. Not a good scenario for a species thats stays relatively close to the coast, and has very specific and restricted habitat requirements..bob

[bulletbob]

http://asmfc.org/species/tautog

Read where the worst commercial exploitation is taking place.. I promise it will came as no surprise.. There is a big reason tog fishing is better north and south of the NY Bight.....

[Tuna Tales]

Drop in water temps def helped yesterday. I agree with what Dan said here.

We had our 6 man limit with releases including 4 DDs: 13, 12 and two 10s. We always try to release the big ones as best as possible. Most of the blackfish were 4 to 7 lbs - quality fish overall. All caught on @ToggyTimeJigs.

The last quick video (screenshot) is my 10 lber which we released right from the net.

Again, as I mentioned a few times, IMO - NJ should mirror what RI has in blackfish regs.

Joe T.