JIGS FOR TOG'S??

Of course, the standard hi lo rig works just fine...90% of the time.You can catch plenty of limits of tog with just that rig. But, when the bite gets a little finicky, get out the tog jigs!

Fishing with jigs offers the opportunity to fish these rock loving, bottom dwellers with a touch more finesse and lighter tackle when the bite gets picky. We have found that when we are fishing the last hour or two of the tide and it is starting to run out of steam, switching over to the tog jigs and smaller baits can be just the ticket to turning the action back on.

Rods & Reels

Elaborate, expensive Tog jigging rods are not required. Basically, any light, medium action 6'6- 7' rod and reel combos already in your arsenal will do. Just make sure not too light...you will still be handling 1-2 oz of terminal tackle and bait and you will be some glad to have a rod with a little backbone to turn around a giant slob if you run into one

On rod that size and action, any decent quality, saltwater worthy reel in the 3000-4000 size range will suffice. You won't likely be needing giant line capacity. Tog can fight like the Dicken's, but are not known for long, line peeling runs.

What kind of jigs should you use?

Fishing with quality, proven jigs over no name brands can make a big difference. Where that difference manifests is in the quality, durability and sharpness of the hook and the head design so that your bait sits just right during presentation. At the Goose, we stock two "go-to's":

JOEBAGGS LAY-PERFECT TOGZILLA JIGS

Ultra sharp,4xx custom designed hook in all sizes of jigs. Shop Joe Baggs Toggzilla Jigs

TSUNAMI TOG TREATS

Tsunami Tog Treats are perfect for the popular tautog (blackfish) jigging presentation. The head is designed to lay flat and present the crab perfectly. Equipped with a heavy-duty Mustad hook, these jigs get fish to the boat.  SHOP TOG TREATS

You'll have to judge, based on prevailing current speeds where you like to fish, what size jig head is most suitable. That being said, Between 3/4- and 2-ounce weights generally work well in most places tog like to frequent on the Cape.

It's a good idea to have a selection of tog jigs in a variety of colors...most often, they show a decided preference for the muted, natural coloration of their favorite food stuffs, the green crab. But, we have had times when bright oranges and yellows were all they would hit.

You can use jigs on offshore wrecks and reefs, but they are also super effective off of jetties. Because of the design of the jig, you will necessarily have to down size your bait offering from what you might use on a standard high low rig.

Get some jigs, downsize your bait and go out and get tight on some big tog on lite gear!!