FISHING HOW-TO: Fishing for Blackfish/Tautog (A Beginner's Guide)

By Peter J. Park

Photo from Mike Kroessig (www.marinecreations.com)

I. BACKGROUND:
Blackfish (Tautoga onitis), also called "tautog," is a gamefish species in the fish family of wrasses native to coastal marine waters of the eastern US. Tautog are structure-oriented fish that typically occur around reefs, rockpiles, or wrecks. They are a long-lived species with mature females capable of achieving 40 years of age with weights of up to 25lbs. They are specialists on hard-bodied prey with a particular palate for crabs and clams. Anglers fish for tautog typically using standard bottom fishing rigs. Tautog are infamous for being extremely challenging to hook. Here is an angler with a successful tautog catch:

            

II. TYING TRADITIONAL BLACKFISH/TAUTOG RIGS:
 Please see video below.

Supplies used in video:

            

Basic Blackfish/Tautog Rigs:

             

           

           

BFTC Blackfish/Tautog Rigging Video:

III. HOW BLACKFISH FEED
Watch a Blackfish eat a crab rigged using a Dropper Loop Rig:

IV. FISHING FOR BLACKFISH USING TRADITIONAL BOTTOM RIGS
For a very informative lesson on how to target these fish, watch this classic episode of the "Northeast Angling" fishing show. It outlines how to detect a blackfish bite, how to set the hook, and how to fight these amazing fish. 

Captains Andy LoCascio and Rich Tenreiro (TV show hosts) fishing in Newport, RI with Captain Mike Neto:

V. PARTY BOAT FISHING FOR BLACKFISH
Party boats are fishing boats accessible to the public that have the capacity to take anywhere between 10 to 100 people, depending on the size of the vessel. Trip duration can vary, but usually "Half Day" (approx. 5 hrs) or "Full Day" (approx. 8hrs) options are available. Cost per trip usually ranges between $40-$100, depending on the type of trip, vessel, and/or locale. Although these prices might seem like a lot, consider what this fare includes: the boat and its amenities (restroom, heating, lighting), gas, bait, rod-and-reel (if you wish, you can bring your own gear), tackle (hooks, leader, line, sinker, swivels), someone to net or gaff fish, someone to handle and de-hook fish, a bucket to temporarily house your catch, assistance with line tangles, assistance with line breaks (and re-tying rigs), assistance when lines break or get tangled, and filleting (and bagging fillets).

Local NY Party Boats that Specialize in Targeting Blackfish:
Island Current (City Island, Bronx, NY): https://islandcurrent.com/

Ocean Eagle (Sheepshead Bay, Brooklyn, NY): http://oceaneaglev.com/
Captain Al (Point Lookout, Long Island, NY): https://www.facebook.com/The-Captain-Al-167971516830/
Celtic Quest (Port Jefferson, Long Island, NY): http://www.celticquestfishing.com/

Are these boats not in your area? Check out the following link to find additional great party boats: http://www.noreast.com/listings/index2.cfm?region_ID=33&type=Partyboats-