A Change of View, Tautog / Blackfish report from Virginia

I had been fishing hard for my citation speckled trout the past few weeks so I need a change. I had been watching the reports and they weren’t coming back favorable but I had to change the scenery. The water temps had been spiking to around 50 so I knew it should be on. Lee Williams called me up and told me where I could get some Fiddler and live Blue Crabs and I was off. On a side note most places should be carrying Fiddlers by this weekend. I began by trying to find the depth the fish would be at. The action turned on for a bit and while pulling several healthy fish out I managed to let one back in its hole before setting the hook. When I set it I managed to break a heavy action rod. After hearing what sounded like a gun shot I looked up to see my rod in two pieces. I pulled on the line and could still feel the fish but I couldnt get it free. I pulled until the 40lb leader broke off, hopefully setting the fish free. I fished from noon till six and managed 8 Tog, with both a male and a female going 20” a piece. I released all the fish because they are about to spawn and these fish while tasty need to be around a while.