Tautog and Puppy (CBBT and Rudee), Mar 11, 2022

[ComeOnFish]

I planned to fish two places on Last Friday, Mar 11, 2022. Based on the weather forecast, the last Friday was the only good day for a while for both Tautog and Puppies. The very strong wind and cold front would move in on 12th (Sat). Puppy drum wouldn't like sudden temperature drop.

Anyway, I caught 6 tautog out of 10 bites in the morning. I kept three at 23.5", 18.25" and 16.5".

In the late afternoon, I fished Rudee for puppy drum. Once I anchored between two boats, I started getting bites. For 1.5 hours, I landed 4 puppy drums @24-25". I hooked a couple on a lure, but puppy drum got off.

I used a bobber and a shrimp on a 1/4 jig with 3/0 hook. I noticed that some anglers did what I did, using both shrimp and lures. It seemed that shrimp was more efficient than lures by far.

Fishing Log:

Thanks
Joe

[Jman]

Nice work Joe - I was super close to making the trip down. 23" is the min size if you're releasing trophy tog or 9 lbs for capture (https://webapps.mrc.virginia.gov/pub...shingrules.php) - congrats on the trophy! Shrimp should work well for the drum until the crabs become more active in late April/May, then you'll have to keep the crabs off the shrimp.

[FishnFun]

Nice work Joe - I was super close to making the trip down. 23" is the min size if you're releasing trophy tog or 9 lbs for capture (https://webapps.mrc.virginia.gov/pub...shingrules.php) - congrats on the trophy! Shrimp should work well for the drum until the crabs become more active in late April/May, then you'll have to keep the crabs off the shrimp.

What does "release citation" mean? If you release it, you can still get a citation? You must release it, and can't keep it? You have the option of releasing?

[Jman]

What does "release citation" mean? If you release it, you can still get a citation? You must release it, and can't keep it? You have the option of releasing?

Yup, must release it if you want to submit for length in this case, otherwise you would submit for weight. Some species only have release citations, such as red drum. Official information is here - https://mrc.virginia.gov/vswft/2020/...T_Brochure.pdf. You’re able to have someone sign as a witness on the form too. Not sure if it’s changed recently, but the plaques they used to give out for citations were really nice.

[ComeOnFish]

Thank you, Jman for the correction. I got confused with Sheepshead release citation (24"). I got to re-read all regulations again every year and when change the location (State). I had released 15 inch togs in DE by mindlessly applying VA regs (16") in the past.

Anyway, I hope you can come and fish VA Beach sometimes. Gas price was pretty high. I spent $145 just for gas for the last trip. I am expecting more this coming weekend,

Joe

[Jman]

I mix it up with the sheepshead one too - they are similar. It’s about the same for me with gas/tolls - thankfully the kayak doesn’t use gas!

[tufnik]

Nice ones, Joe. Got to get ready to go down there!

[moc]

Nice ones, Joe. Got to get ready to go down there!

I got to get down there eventually after work lets up. Good to see you on the board Tufnik.

[tufnik]

I got to get down there eventually after work lets up. Good to see you on the board Tufnik.

Hey, moc. Decisions on most trips down there are made the day before. Some trips may have a bit more advanced notice though. Are you game to join? Tog season closes 16 May - 30 Jun.

[moc]

I would be but work has me in too many projects for the next two months!