Printer Friendly Version - Clash Between Bulldogs vs. Toggers Begins Thursday

Aiden Cole (right) caught the new CT State Catch & Release blackfish record in October 2023, weighing 25.78 pounds and measuring 36” in length, put on the spot by Captain Luke Wiggins (left). Let’s see what 2024 brings for the rest of the toggers this fall. Photo courtesy of Captain Luke Wiggins

This holdover brook trout cleared water three times after multiple stalkings before being caught on 4# test line and released by familiar angler and park ranger Chris Brockett of Clinton. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

Chowing down ahead of the big migration, striped bass and bluefish take advantage of large intermittent schools of Atlantic menhaden that moved near shore, like this one by Meigs Point. Photo courtesy of Captain Morgan

The only big loser here will be crabs, as the fall blackfish (tautog) season sparks a high level of enthusiasm. Thursday, Oct. 10 has eagerly been awaited - even more so since all through the summer (usually a slower time for toggers), catches have been on the plus side of average. Although weather has had its moments, this year’s fishing season has been electrifying pretty much across the board.

Blackfish have a preferred water temperature range of 50 to 68 degrees with seasonal movements. Springtime brings them into the shallows to feed and spawn, whereas in colder months, they tend to move from skinny water into depths of 40 to 100 feet before semi-hibernating. Currently, nearshore Long Island Sound water temperatures have been around 67 degrees within a tog’s optimum range and trending downward.

It is no wonder that Connecticut’s top catch last year has added additional optimism to the already pumped-up togger crowd and brought newcomers into the fold. In October 2023, Captain Luke Wiggins put Aiden Cole on the current CT Catch and Release state record blackfish, now referred to by the locals as “Taugzilla,” that measured 36” and weighed in at 25.78 pounds, caught on a green crab in a key eastern tidal river. It is the captain’s second state record.

Togging is a very relaxing and enjoyable fishing experience. Rigs are simple, baits are easy to rig up, and appropriate tides are generally very navigable. So what’s the draw? People inherently do not like to look foolish - especially by a fish. Blackfish have a way of doing just that. It is like the old slap the back of a hand game, when concentration, sensitivity, and quick reaction are demanded, but one’s timing is off.

Hooking a tog requires all of that, and, when bait keeps getting stolen, toggers get frustrated and become challenged. Until the fisher understands how a tog eats, and timing is improved, they keep getting drawn in until at last, success. Of course, getting a blackfish out of the rocks may be a different story. At the end of the day, it is all about the food. Blackfish (tautog) is one of the best tasting fish because of its seafood diet (mussels, clams, crabs, lobsters, etc.), and its meat is great for chowders because it holds up well under heat. Any fisher looking for a relaxing day on the water, a challenge, and a great meal, hit the briny and rig up for tog.

High pressure remained in place over the Northeast as an area of low pressure passed off the Mid-Atlantic coast. A weak cold front from the west formed before high pressure re-established itself over the region and remained in control for the weekend. A weak cold front then passed through followed by high pressure. A stronger cold front is anticipated to move through, prepping the week for some rain but mostly a mix of sun and clouds. Daytime air temperatures will continue to fluctuate between the 70s-60s, while after-dark temperatures will see a range of 50s to the high 40s. Long Island Sound nearshore water temperatures are slowly trending downward from the high 60s, while 5-10 knot winds have been light to moderate and seas relatively calm.

Although some vessels are beginning be hauled, most fishers are still taking advantage of the mild weather and cauldron of fish that are mixing it up out in the Sound and its tidal waterways. Small striped bass have been pounding the rivers and the immediate shoreline. Half-pint baits have been the ticket, whether hard or soft, natural, live, or frozen, as well as various fly patterns. A fisher can easily expect a big tug on its line, since over-the-slot linesiders are picking up their feeding pattern. Intensely colored sunrises and sunsets along with milder seas have added to fishing adventures. But then again, it is October, and the Fall Run is underway where live eels and diamond jigs are making their mark.

Bluefish have added to the action with their aggressive feeding and uptick of topwater blitzes. Poppers and flashy spoons cast and worked on the edges of these blitzing schools will contribute to more hookups than just plopping one in the middle of a blitz. Dropping a bait chunk or even maneuvering a jig on the back side of a moving school can be quite effective. Hickory shad are running (along with scattered bunker schools), making it even more interesting. Adding to the excitement, there has been a noticeable increase in medium sized weakfish catches on simple squid-based setups. Colorful and good fighters, they surprise fishers that take their tagged name weakfish for granted.

Taking a break from fishing the running tides, setting anchor on one of the reefs where porgies and/or black sea bass school up gives fishers a chance to relax. That is, unless you are fishing with light gear and get into some really good slabs that this time of year has to offer. Where these scup can be found closer to shore pretty much all along the shoreline, those sea bass are found in deeper water reefs. Nevertheless, those two species are hungry and on fire. Squid is the number one bait, followed by sea clams, and then jigs, with or without tipped bait.

In about another week (Tuesday, Oct. 15th), it will be sayonara for this year’s fluke season. Things are already winding down, but until then, the serious fluke hunters are managing to grab a few of the 19.5 inchers or better and some of the migrating shorts. As fluke are slipping by, toggers are quick to pick up the slack when that season re-opens on Thursday, Oct. 10. Based on the summer season results, the shop has been gearing up for some good action, but in many cases, fishers will be in competition with harbor seals for a meal, and, if water temperatures remain on the warm side, sand tiger sharks might get into the act, as well. In time for the opening, Captain Morgan’s will have everything needed to hook you up with a blackfish - including live crabs - unless there is a conflict between weather and traps.

Sand tiger sharks like water temperatures around 72 degrees or warmer. Long Island Sound nearshore temperatures have been dipping and are around 67 degrees, so their influence on tautog predation at this point is minimal. However, brown sharks, not known to target togs, will be actively around until water temperatures drop to somewhere below 60 degrees. Skate, kingfish, sea robins, etc., are still very much in play, as are blue crabs once one enters the wetlands and checks out the nooks and crannies of our expansive chain of wetlands.

Anglers wading trout waters have been finding that trout have not only been feeding on natural and artificial baits and flies, but they have also been aggressively pursuing them with acrobatic similarities. Runs, jumps, and shakes rewarded anglers who stepped into the back country. A few of the state parks have also turned out to be occasional hot spots for holdovers. If largemouth bass and/or smallmouths are your fish, action is also quite good, along with the panfish and toothy critters piscators enjoy catching while fishing the main tidal rivers from the brackish northward into the sweet water.

Note: Email us pics of your catches to share with our USA and International fishing friends who keep up with the latest fishing news and frequent social media.

For all things fishy, including the latest gear, flies/fly fishing, rods/reels, clam/crabbing supplies, fishing trips, licenses/permits, and much more, swing by the shop (203-245-8665), open seven days, located at 21 Boston Post Road, Madison. Until next time from your Connecticut shoreline's full-service fishing outfitter and Authorized Penn Premium Dealer, where we don't make the fisherman, we make the fisherman better.