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Club Events |
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Club |
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Upcoming Events January 9, 2008 Regular Meeting 7:30PM By-Laws Review 7:00PM February 2, 2008 Annual Flea Market 8AM — 2PM February 13, 2008 Regular Meeting 7:30PM |
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The Raritan Bay Anglers Club meets the
second Wednesday of each month at the Knights of Columbus at 116 Grand Street in Iselin, NJ.
Meeting time is 7:30 pm. Meeting on January 9, 2008 Meeting on February 13, 2008 |
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The ‘Tog Touch
WHEN A BLACKFISH STRIKES, GETTING IT OUT OF THE ROCKS MEANS BEING
QUICK ON THE DRAW - BUT WITH AN ULTRA - SOFT HAND.
Although a ten - pound blackfish, or tautog, is considered a giant, it
is not the size of the fish that dictates the tackle needed to catch them.
Sturdy conventional gear and stiff leaders are necessary to combat the jagged
rocks and wrecks where these fish live. But having the right tackle is only
half of the battle. Success comes down to the perfect hookset. When these
fish strike, they quickly turn and retreat into their lairs, making it
essential that you set the hook fast and pull them away from the bottom. A
moment too soon and the fish is gone, Too late, and it’s snag city. Follow
this guide to crossing their eyes, and you’ll get the hang of it in no
time.
- Joe Cermele 1. Ready: Hold the rod at shoulder
height and point it up at a 45-degree angle. The left hand should hold the
foregrip and support most of the rod’s weight, while the right hand either
thumbs the reel spool or slightly pinches the line between the thumb and
forefinger. 2. Set: When a fish hits, drop
the rod tip a few inches. This will generate extra power for the hookset.
Move the right hand to the rod butt. Wait for the second tap before setting
the hook. 3. Go: With your left arm, sweep
the rod up over your head in one fluid motion. The right hand should
simultaneously push the rod butt down. If the tautog is hooked, you will feel
the weight of the fish instantly. Do not allow any slack in the line. 4. Reel: Crank the reel quickly
and steadily. The drag should be set tight so the fish cannot take any line
on the strike. Once the fish has been pulled away from the structure, you can
back off the drag as needed.
Saltwater Sportsman - November 2006 |