Species guide
How to catch Tautog
Tautoga onitis
#1463
#1463BrackishSaltwaterGame FishBrackishSaltwaterNorth AmericaAtlantic
The Tautog, also called Black-fish, is a strong, bottom-dwelling saltwater fish known for its excellent fight on light tackle. It inhabits rocky reefs and wrecks along the Atlantic coast of North America. Tautog are prized for their flavorful meat and challenging catch.
Where they live
Found in brackish and saltwater along the Atlantic coast of North America, Tautog favor rocky bottom habitats from 1 to 75 meters deep.
Typical size
Up to about 91 cm
What they eat
- mussels
- crustaceans
- small shellfish
- marine worms
Best baits
- green crabs
- mussels
- clam strips
- shrimp
Best lures
- soft plastic crab imitations
- jigs
- bucktail jigs
How to fish for them
- bottom fishing
- jigging
- using traps or pots
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