Beginner's Guide to Cape May Tog Fishing
The 2026 fishing season kicked off with incredible conditions for blackfish on the Southern New Jersey coastline. Renowned angler and captain, Tom Daffin, led an incredible expedition aboard his 38-foot boat—Fishin’ Fever. Capturing impressive blackfish, or tog, off Cape May has become a thrilling adventure for both seasoned fishers and newcomers alike.
During a recent trip, anglers were eager to catch big tog. These unique fish can often reach impressive weights, making the stakes high and excitement even stronger with every bite. Fishermen like Mike Kim, known for landing a remarkable 22-pound tog, demonstrate that it is indeed possible to reel in trophy fish during the winter months.
Essential Tog Fishing Techniques
Successfully catching tog, especially when they’re larger than your average catch, requires understanding specific fishing techniques. Many anglers utilize two-hook rigs, like the slider rig or the snafu rig. The snafu rig, favored by Tom Daffin due to its reliability, features two fixed hooks, providing an edge when it matters most. It's noted that a blackfish caught on a slider rig would be disqualified from world record consideration due to the free-sliding hook, emphasizing the importance of knowing your rigs.
Weather and Wrecks: Factors to Consider
Weather conditions vary greatly and affect fishing locations and fish behavior. Tom stated he often travels 20 miles offshore to reach depths over 100 feet, where the largest tog hide among wrecks. Notably, fishing on calm days can yield a better catch rate if you adjust to the prevailing conditions, which can change hourly!
Fresh Bait for Finicky Tog
Using fresh bait is another critical component to success. Mike Kim even trims his bait to entice those finicky tog, sharing that less resistant bait makes it easier for fish to bite. Techniques such as crushing and trimming crab shells can lead to more bites, especially in cooler waters when fish tend to be less aggressive in feeding.
Final Thoughts: What Tog Fishing Teaches Us
For those new to tog fishing, understanding rig choices, adapting to weather, and using fresh bait create a foundation for successful catches. These adventures not only connect us with nature but foster community and friendship among anglers, making for unforgettable experiences as you work to increase your fishing skills.
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