Tautog
Tautoga onitis
FR Tautogue noir · ES Tautoga
Also known as: BlackfishTogTautogaTautogue noir
BenthicBoat
GamefishReef
Score
—
Prime time
Autumn–early winter; daylight structure fishing
Depth
3–30m
Platform
Boat
Season
JanMarJunSepDec
Peak Oct–NovGood Apr–May
Depth range
3–30mMedium
Best fishing techniques
Bottom Fishing / Ledgering90%
Jigging55%
Preferred seabed
RockMixed
Findr bio
I live tight to wrecks, rocks, and mussel beds — bring a stout rod and crab bait, because I'll bury you in structure the second I feel the hook.
How to catch
Favourite hangouts
Rocky shorePier harborShallow waterEstuary
Recommended baits
Crab
Diet
MusselCrabBarnaclesAmphipods
Effective techniques
Bottom FishingJigging
Gear
Best times
DayMid flood
When the water turns cold I go torpid, hunkering motionless in a rock crevice until spring — basically hibernation, fish-style.
Field notes
Where to find them
NE US rocky structure, wrecks, jetties
Where they hang out
Rocky structure and wrecks, moderate depth
Prime time
Autumn–early winter; daylight structure fishing
Tide game
Moderate; fish structure harder on moving current
What they're into
Crab baits fished tight to structure
Temperature vibe
Broadly cold-to-temperate tolerant
Fave weather
Moderate seas workable
Fun fact about me
Barnacle-crushing jaws — structure is my dinner table.
Dinner material?
6/10Edible, nothing special
Play by the rules
Size/bag limits and seasons — check state rulesState fisheries agency (e.g. NJ, NY DEC)
Looking after them
Least Concern
Other regions where you can target Tautog