Shore Bound Tautogs

Anglers in the northeast rave about boat fishing for blackfish. Also known as tautogs, this fish is known for putting up quite a fight and straining fishing rods so they are nearly bent in half from pulling. These fish have one goal and that is to pull your line into the rocks in the hopes of freeing themselves from captivity. For those without a boat, there is no need for you to miss out on the fun and adventure of these feisty fish. Though not often talked about, there are opportunities for shore fishing for blackfish and for those who either have no access to a boat or simply prefer shore bound fishing.

For those in the northeast who have access to shoreline waters that reach 50-65 degrees, you are in luck. If these waters contain jetties and rock piles, you will likely be able to find tautogs in these areas. Understanding the feeding and migration habits of the tautog can help you identify the right areas. When the waters start warming up in the spring, it’s not unusual to find tautogs in the shallow waters around rock piles looking for places to feed. This is the area that they prefer for not just eating but for spawning. Once the blackfish spawns, they will begin to move out of these more shallow areas and move out to colder, deeper waters.

Once fall arrives, the blackfish tend to move back towards the shore in an attempt to make sure that they are able to fatten up and prepare for the winter months that lie ahead. This is when you can find them in shallow rock piles – 6 feet in some instances. This is where they are scrounging for crabs, mussels and barnacles to fill up on. This is a great opportunity for those who are interested in shore-fishing to have a chance to land a blackfish or two.

A good chart will help you locate the ideal spots for landing blackfish. If you find the right one, they will allow you to easily identify rock piles that are in the general area of beaches and jetties, which are good areas to start. If possible, the chart should also have depth contours which should help you identify the right areas. Rocky formations that extend into the water are also great places, and sometimes you’ll find them easier to spot under breaking waves as the tide changes. These areas can contain tautogs.

Locating the best fishing area may be the least of your concerns if you’re after blackfish. Remember these fish are fighters – they not only don’t want to be caught, but their unique shape with their broom-like tail and stout body mean that they can quickly get the upper hand on you with their strength. The tautog wastes no time at all – their entire purpose once they are on your line is to see if they can get the best of you by dragging your line to the rocks. This need not be problematic if you have the right tackle. A stout rod with a strong drag system will help you ensure that the fish doesn’t win. Your reel can be whichever you feel you have the most control over - conventional or spinning – whichever you choose make sure that you have complete control. Remember that speed matters when you are fighting a blackfish – they are going to hit and run faster than you might think. In general a 10 to 11 foot rod is the best choice for blackfish even though most surf anglers will use an 8 foot rod. The longer rod will give you the additional leverage you need for blackfish.

Braided fishing line is growing even more popular because it does not stretch and it’s very sensitive allowing anglers to feel the slightest nibble. Under great conditions, many anglers feel that braided line is the way to go. This may not be the case for tautogs because these fish are going to head for the rocks as soon as they realize they’ve been caught. The problem with braided line is that when it’s under pressure from abrasion it’s going to snap. The best option if you feel that braided line is the best option is to use a very long monofilament or fluorocarbon leader. In that instance, you’ll want a leader of between 18 inches and 24 inches and you’ll want to use a 30 to 50 pound braided line for best results. This is especially good if you are fishing in an isolated area and don’t have easy access to getting back to your tackle box for repair of a broken line.

If you do elect to fish with a non braided line, your best option is probably a monofilament line in the 17-30 lb range. This will prevent the blackfish from snapping your line in the rocky holes that they will no doubt head for the minute they are on your hook.

The best bait rig for the blackfish could very well be the simple slider rig. It’s easy to create with a 2-4 ounce slider sinker which you thread onto your line. The barrel should be rated for up to 50 lbs and you can add a monofilament or fluorocarbon leader (1 ½ - 2 feet) which has an octopus hook (2/0 size). This allows your sinker to stay along the bottom because there is little doubt that the blackfish is going to do his very best to take your bait and make a run for it. This type of rig will allow your line to pass through the sinker and the blackfish will not feel the resistance.

The northeast waters provide ample opportunity for landing blackfish if you are using the right rig and the right bait. Toss clams, sandworms, mussels or crabs into the rocky area and be prepared to not give into the temptation hang your rod in a sand spike. You’ll be far better off holding on to your rod since the first sign of a hit you’ll want to quickly get a chance to hook the tautog and reel him in.

When you are getting prepared for a saltwater fishing adventure, having the proper equipment is essential. Some of the most popular products on the market include okuma reel and van staal reels.