[Dr. Bass]

I am all ears on this one.

New to the Toggin scene actually. I love it!!

Caught my limit today, but it took 3 hours. Would have been done in 45 minutes had I not lossed about 20. I think it is the way I hook the crab.

Any masters out there that want to share how they hook'em??

Thanks in advance

 

[aimless]

I just hook them thru a leg hole. I wait for the second or third bite to set the hook. The only fish I've caught that is a better bait thief than tog are sheepshead in Fla. We cut the big ones in 4 pieces, small in half. I'm not a master but it's my second favorite fishing. Did well today.

 

[mastergaffer]

hook them through there leg sockets.what size hooks were you using?

 

[Dr. Bass]

#2

 

[aimless]

We use #4 virginia hooks. Used to use 5's when we could keep smaller fish.

 

[KAYAK DRIFTER]

Aimless ! what you up to? have not seen you at the house, or heard you on the board lately. Any flounder yet, or just the tog. Went Monday in the boat- one 16"er- thats it. None today from the kayak. later. Kayak Drifter.

 

[Dr. Bass]

Thanks Dan, MG. Dan so go a little bigger? I was using a J hook. Forget circles here I guess.

Maybe it was the waiting for the third strike thing?? I did almost do 2-3 back flips a couple of times on the boat.

 

[mastergaffer]

yeah u dont want to use circles for tog.yeah i also like a bigger hook for tog.butt if the crabs are little use the whole crab togzilla should bite it.

 

[Hooked4Life]

Where are the tog hot spots around the GE Bay heard behind margate is good i use to tog at the longport bridge but ever since the rebuild its so hard to get close to the polls!

 

[aimless]

Hooked- the margate bridge should have tog now or the docks near there.
Kayak- been doing some home improvement stuff lately, haven't fished much.Sure can pick the wrong season to start stuff. I'll give them hell is a couple weeks

 

[DopicDick]

My preferred hook for tog is a Virginia hook, a Mustad 4011E, size 4/0 and 5/0.

I usually get a 100 pack from Jamestackle.

Oh, and as far as hooking, yes, through the leg hole, claws removed so the tog don't have a "hand to pull them off your hook.

I also many times use what I am told is a BelMar or a Cape May rig, which is simply two hooks tied together so that when you hold the rig by the loop to put on the line, the two hooks hang like an umbrells. You put both hooks into one crab. Use a whole one here unless it is too big.

To tie this rig you simply take a length of leader, snell a hook on both ends, then knot it so that each hook has a 4-6 inch length, and then tie a dropper loop about 3 more inches above where the "umbrella" is to hook on to your line.

Works well. Good luck.

[ 05-13-2004, 12:20 AM: Message edited by: DopicDick ]

 

[mastergaffer]

dopic dick i also like to use that rig. it has worked well for me

 

[captadamnj]

Due to the short throat on the 4011E as opposed to a standard J-Hook, you use a #4 or a #5 (with a #4 being slightly larger than a #5)...a 4/0 or a 5/0 in that style hook would be about as big around as a half dollar.

[ 05-13-2004, 09:20 AM: Message edited by: captadamnj ]

 

[Dr. Bass]

Are these virginia hooks easy to get

 

[Jameytree]

Dr Bass,

The most popular virginia blackfish hook is the mustad 4011E that Dick mentioned. I use size 6's for jetty togging and size 4 on the wrecks. I use a snafu rig when the bite is difficult. I ordered my last batch from Fisherman's Headquarters, but I will GIve Jamestackle a try next time now that I know he carries them.

 

[aimless]

I think most tackle shops have virginia hooks. If you don't find them go to Captain Tate's. I know they have them.

 

[med]

I have been using Gami Octopus hooks recently and they have drastically increased my hookups...they are very sharp and always seem to hit home...they are a bit harder to get out of a togs mouth (short shank) but thats what needle nose pliers are for...besides thats a "Good" problem....at least the fish is out of the water...

 

[T0GGINB0B]

Trust me -#6 Virginia style. I usually buy 300 or 400 at a time from mail order catalog. Tie on 6" to 8" 40lb leader. Tie loop at end of line for sinker. Up about 3" tie a loop for the hook. Any kind of crab is good. About the size of a silver dollar is great. Cut crab in half, cut off claw, remove the shell. Put the hook in crab between 2 rear legs and bring it forward. Let it come out of crab either between legs or out a leg socket. Leave the hook fully exposed. Drop it down and keep it still. In the spring clam will catch as many as crabs. There's nothing like a 5 lb or better tog on the end of your line. Good luck.

 

[DopicDick]

TogginBob

I agree with you. The way you suggest tying the hook and sinker on is basically the equivalent of a Snafu rig.

I also have, at times, put a heavier sinker on to get down quicker and hold the line still. A flat bank sinker is about the best.

I switch back and forth between thwe two types of rigs. I guess I am inconsistent.

I will have to try the gami hooks. Lord knows I could use some help with these tog!

Time for bed. I am going wreck fishing with Adam Bomb at 800am this morning. Hope we have something good to post!
Good toggin' to all.

 

[BIGGESTJACK]

Originally posted by DopicDick:
TogginBob

I agree with you. The way you suggest tying the hook and sinker on is basically the equivalent of a Snafu rig.

I also have, at times, put a heavier sinker on to get down quicker and hold the line still. A flat bank sinker is about the best.

I switch back and forth between thwe two types of rigs. I guess I am inconsistent.

I will have to try the gami hooks. Lord knows I could use some help with these tog!

Time for bed. I am going wreck fishing with Adam Bomb at 800am this morning. Hope we have something good to post!
Good toggin' to all.

DD--WHAT THE HECK IS AN OLD GUY LIKE YOU DOING UP AT THIS HOUR? HOPE YOU CATCH THEM.