The saltwater Tautog is part of the genealogy of fish known as blackfish. While this fish isn’t the greatest fish you’ll ever land, they have a compelling fight which makes them good for fishing enjoyment, and for those who cherish an excellent fish feast, they make good dining.
The Tautog can be found anywhere in saltwater between Nova Scotia and South Carolina. You’ll find them hiding out in jetties, shorelines, shipwrecks and in rocks. They favor life by all of the reefs and you’ll find that no matter your exclusive fishing skills, this fish is going to put you to the analysis.
The Tautog has particular characteristics that make them a bit of a challenge for even the best knowledgeablefishermen. Understanding these traits can boost the odds of landing one of these harsh-combative fish. The initial oddity of the Tautog is the second set of teeth that resemble molars that can be found in the throat. These teeth authorize the Blackfish to smash the shells of their favorite prey, crustaceans. For the fisherman, this means ensuring that the Tautog has swallowed enough of their hook to ensure a rewarding catch.
Feeding chiefly in the daytime hours, the Blackfish heads for their hiding spaces in crevices and caves in the dark hours. If you detect a shipwreck, mussel bed or rocks, you’re likely to find a school of this blackfish suppressing in the region. For anglers, these make the fitting location for catching these hard battling fish.
Scuba divers often enjoy the appearance of the Blackfish since they tend to reside in areas that are commonly discovered – shipwrecks and reef beds. For the fisherman, locating the perfect water temperature (50 – 60 degrees) and the right water depth (about 6 feet) means they will likely have some achievement tracking this tautog.
While the Tautog is an exceptional fish for eating, every angler will be fascinated at how much boldness this fish has for its relatively minute size. Even the most skilled fisherman will have a conflict on their hands if they are lucky enough to find themselves snagging this tautog.
Most anglers discover crabs, mussels, lobsters and clams (the crustacean family) and realize they make the desirable bait for the Blackfish. Since this is their everyday prey it stands to reason this will be the bait that attracts them. For tackle a fishing pole rated 3-8 ounces with hooks of 2/0 or 3/0 increase the chances of a lucrative catch. If you prefer shore fishing, a large sinker and a spinning fishing pole will be the tackle of choice.
These fish have an almighty instinct for durability and they will combat with everything in them to hinder you from getting hold of them. This includes running towards the hiding areas that they live in to demolish your fishing line.
If you elect softer bait you should use caution when fishing in the fall. This is when cunner and other porgy might take them from your hook before you come in reach with the Blackfish. The soft baits do work well in the spring, as these species are mainly less mobile.
Bait rig anglers will have to exercise some carefulness. Bait rights that are heavily laden with swivels and beads tend to get hung up in the rocks that the tog is infamous for concealing in. Bait rigs with insufficient beads and swivels with an octopus hook will manage best in these conditions. Adhere a leader with a sinker to your bait of choice and you’ll have less apprehension about losing a line in the rocks. Make sure that when you do catch a tog that you allow them time to get the hook strongly planted – their second set of teeth are often forgotten and you’ll lose your assurance to reel them in if you do forget.
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