This blog is all about fish. Through fishing and fish research, we wish to teach and instill a deep appreciation for the nature around NY. Community service that expresses care for aquatic wildlife is also our passion.
Showing posts with label Fish Species Bios. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fish Species Bios. Show all posts
Have you ever caught a fish and didn't know what species it was? Fear not! We have compiled for you an extensive photo inventory of fish species.
All you need to do is bookmark the following Nyack College Fishing Club Facebook Photo Album links, and you will be able to browse REAL PHOTOS of almost all the fish species found in local and afar waters! For your convenience, both common names and species names are provided.
So, about that "mystery" fish of yours... Just take a photo of it, see if we have it posted in our album(s), note the species name, Google it, and before long, you will soon become an expert on that fish!
[NOTE: Diadramous fish species (fish that migrate between freshwater and saltwater habitats during their life cycle) are featured in both albums. Photos of diadramous fish caught in saltwater are located in the saltwater album, and likewise for those caught in freshwater.]
III. SHARE YOUR FISH SPECIES PHOTOS WITH US! Feel free to post YOUR fish species photos on our Facebook Page (www.facebook.com/nyackfishingclub)!
The summer flounder (Paralichthys dentatus), also called “fluke” by NY anglers, belongs to the Family Paralichthyidae (Large-tooth Flounders). Flatfish can be categorized by the side on which both eyes are located. In Paralichthyids, the eyes and camouflaged exterior are on the left side of the body; these fish lie on their right side. This family is distinct from Family Pleuronectidae (Righteye flounders), which have their eyes on the right side of the body and lay on their left side. Pleuronectids include the Winter Flounder (Pleuronectes americanus) and Atlantic Halibut (Hippoglossus hippoglossus).
The summer flounder occur along the entire northeast coast (Maine to Florida). From spring to autumn, they move from offshore breeding (and overwintering) grounds to inshore waters where they feed. In the spring, large schools of summer flounder can be found in shallow water (less than 10ft) with sandy bottom. During summer months, many move into deeper areas (over 30ft) near reefs and wrecks. Larger individuals usually occupy deep channels, ridges, and sandbars.
The summer flounder is a sit-and-wait, ambush predator. It is able to lie still on the bottom until approached by unsuspecting prey. The numerous pigment cells and spots (chromatophores) on the flounder’s skin allow it to camouflage itself by matching the color of its surroundings.
Despite its benthic (bottom-dwelling) orientation, the summer flounder is a voracious and aggressive predator, capable of rapid speed bursts. Prey may include vertebrates (e.g., fishes) and invertebrates (e.g., squid, shrimp, clams).
When hidden in sand, the summer flounder will flap its dorsal and anal fins to draw sand up over its body to present a more convincing camouflage.
Breeding occurs during the autumn offshore migration. Spawning activity reaches its peak from September to November at depths of 50-150ft. The most productive breeding grounds are located off the coasts of NY and NJ. Generally, males and females become sexually mature at age 3. Males rarely survive past age 7 (3-5lbs), while females may reach up to 37in (25+lbs). Clutch size (i.e., number of eggs produced) depends on age and size of the female, and it often increases exponentially with age. A newly mature 3 year-old female (about 12-14in) will produce ~ 450,000 eggs in a season while a trophy-sized female (about 27+in) may produce over ~ 4,000,000 eggs in one season. After the eggs are fertilized, they become suspended in the water column and hatch after a few days.
Larvae are born looking much like a “normal” fish with one eye on either side of the head. Within a few weeks, these larvae undergo a drastic metamorphosis, but the precise timing of settlement depends on several factors including moon phase, tide stage, salinity, water temperature, substrate type, presence of predators, and type of predators.
Summer flounder are famous for their delicious taste. Their soft, flaky white meat makes this fish a seafood delight.
Anglers typically target summer flounder using bucktail jigging or drifting bait. These fish are known for their remarkable fighting
ability. For the angler, targeting 10+lb “doormats” may become a
lifelong pursuit. The most thrilling aspect of hooking a summer flounder
may be the violent head shakes that ensue or the first sight of the
brown body as the fish makes its way to the surface on the last few
turns of your reel. Some anglers even claim that only the striped bass
rivals the summer flounder as the Northeast US #1 saltwater gamefish.
The late Charles Nappi, a former charter captain from Long Island, caught the current world record summer flounder on Sept. 15, 1975 out of Montauk, NY. It weighed 22lb 7oz.
Nappi’s record has remained elusive, and in recent years, it seemed insurmountable. Unlike with the striped bass where a trophy fish weighing close to the record is caught several times a year, a summer flounder that teases Nappi’s record is rarely caught… well, until the summer of 2007.
On Friday August 17, 2007, Monica Oswald, resident of Neptune, NJ and nurse at Riverview Hospital in Red Bank, N.J., caught a 24.3lbs (38 ¼in) summer flounder in 60ft of water. This summer flounder engulfed a squid-tipped 4oz Spro bucktail (Glo-color) with a stinger hook. The main line used was 65-pound braided nylon. However, this fish will not be remembered as the “new” world record. The International Gamefish Association (IGFA) world records coordinator Rebecca Wright summarized the story behind this fish as follows: “The tackle, the line, the leader and the [fishing] method were fine, but the rules specifically state you can't rest the rod” (Judy Peet, nj.com) - information which Oswald disclosed voluntarily. The act of resting the rod cost her the record and possibly thousands of dollars in potential endorsements.
After news of the catch, official pictures were immediately circulated on the internet. This had the unfortunate outcome of setting off a storm of harsh discussions on several forums - some of which may be ongoing. Anonymous individuals even suggested that Oswald cheated or that she did not catch the fish herself. As a result, Oswald volunteered to take a lie detector test, which she passed.
What now? Tom Schlichter of NY Newsday writes the following in an article on August 21, 2007: "I had the pleasure of fishing for fluke at Debbs Inlet with Nappi a couple of years before he passed away. At the time, I inquired how long he thought his fluke record might stand? 'I don't know,' he said in a reflective tone. 'That 22-pounder, that's a big fish.' He paused for several seconds, lowered his bait to the bottom and then, with a chuckle, added: 'Twenty-five or 30 years would be nice.' "
Whether Oswald’s fish will be remembered as beating Nappi’s record or not, Capt. Nappi still got his wish.
Economic Value and Historical Impact:
- Summer flounder are managed by an interstate fishery management plan (IFMP) that is developed by the Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission (ASMFC). The IFMP assigns each state a fishing quota every year for all gamefish species. New York is a member of the ASMFC. The Federal Marine Recreational Fisheries Statistics Survey uses dock and telephone interviews from randomly selected fishermen to estimate the state’s total recreational harvest for that year. Each year, a projected state harvest is estimated based on the assumption that regulations and harvest patterns do not change. In 2003, it was estimated that NY recreational anglers exceeded their seasonal summer flounder quota by ~50% (the largest in years). Surprisingly, a comparable spike was not reported in Connecticut or New Jersey that year. To my understanding, 2004 was the first year that size restrictions and bag limits (a bag limit is the number of legally-sized fish allowed per angler per day) for the summer flounder differed substantially among states: New York (17in minimum length, 3 fish), Connecticut (17in minimum length, 6 fish), New Jersey (16.5in minimum length, 8 fish). Were these measures too extreme for NY anglers? John Mantione, president of the NY Fishing Tackle Trade Association, answered this question by saying, “You never make up what you lose.” (Albin, 2004).
In hindsight, the 2004 measures seem appropriate because the next two years told much of the same story. As expected, this was followed by stricter regulations on limits and further concern. 2007 was a memorable year. That year, the limit was 19.5” minimum length and 4 fish per day. Unfortunately, the quota was exceeded earlier than expected and the NY summer flounder fishing season was closed abruptly (Sept. 17, 2007) to remain in compliance with the ASMFC quota. [Last Updated: Feb 2011]
- Several flounder species that are closely related to the summer flounder are found in all coastal marine waters in Asia.
Olive Flounder or Bastard Halibut (Paralichthys olivaceus), a popular gamefish in South Korea.
The light, rich texture of a filleted summer flounder resembles these species in both taste and appeal, making the American summer flounder a popular raw fish dish (sashimi or sushi) in sushi restaurants across the country.
- At first glance, a flatfish’s bottom-dwelling lifestyle may seem inefficient because the animal is limited to food only around its immediate surroundings. However, flatfish can be extremely successful predators. Some flatfish species can achieve enormous sizes. In fact, they grow larger than most other species of bony fish alive today. Although the summer flounder may only reach up to 25lbs, some flatfish of the Family Pleuronectidae, such as the Pacific Halibut (Hippoglossus stenolepis), can easily reach sizes of up to 550lbs! The quantity of meat in a large halibut is so substantial that they harvest only a few of these fish per year can sustain many rural native Alaskan villages and communities (e.g., Eskimo, Aleut) annually.
Author with a 100lb “barndoor” Pacific Halibut caught summer 2007 in Seward, AK. Photo taken by Gary Garcia.
Gavlik, S. and Specker, J. L. 2004. Metamorphosis in summer flounder: manipulation of rearing salinity to synchronize settling behavior, growth and development. Aquaculture 240 (1-4): 543-559.
Martinez, G.M., and Bolker, J.A. 2003. Embryonic and larval staging of Summer Flounder (Paralichthys dentatus). Journal of Morphology 255: 162-176.
Ristori, A. 2002. Complete Guide to Saltwater Fishing. Woods N' Water, Inc: USA.Schlichter, T. 2007 (August 21). Big doormat for the ages. NY Newsday (online). http://www.newsday.com/sports/columnists...655.column
U. S. Department of Commerce. 1999 (September). Essential Fish Habitat Source Document: Summer Flounder, Paralichthys dentatus, Life History and Habitat Characteristics. NOAA Technical Memorandum NMFS-NE-151.
The Largemouth Bass (Micropterus salmoides) is the largest member of the Family Centrarchidae (The Sunfishes) which includes the Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu), Bluegill Sunfish (Lepomis macrochirus), Pumpkinseed Sunfish (Lepomis gibbosus), and Black Crappie (Pomoxis nigromaculatus). This fish is not a true bass, in the biological sense. Rather, its closest evolutionary relatives are sunfish, making it a large sunfish. It has been called a “bass” because its physical and behavioral attributes appear similar to those of a true bass like the striped bass (Morone saxatilis) or black sea bass (Centropristis striata).
Largemouth bass live in almost any slow-moving or still body of freshwater (e.g., ponds, lakes, rivers, streams) in the continental US. The optimal habitat for largemouth bass is shallow water with lots of structure and vegetation.
The largemouth bass is predominantly a sit-and-wait ambush predator that frequents structure such as weeds, fallen trees, or rocks.This fish will consume almost any organism that will fit into its large mouth. It feeds on a variety of vertebrates (e.g., fishes, amphibians, rodents, birds) and invertebrates (e.g., insects, worms, crayfish).
Spawning occurs in the spring during which sexually mature fish stop feeding. Males construct gravel nests in shallow water by fanning away mud and debris. Largemouth bass are monogamous. After mating, the female leaves and the male guards the eggs. The male aggressively guards his nest through hatching. After the fry reach a certain size, the male abandons the nest and resumes feeding. Outside of the breeding season, larger fish tend to be solitary.
The largemouth bass is extremely popular in the US, and after being introduced to Asia, it is becoming increasingly popular there. From fishing tournaments to fishing tackle, the pursuit of this fish has entranced fishermen. With more than about 60 million largemouth bass fishermen (recreational and professional combined) in the US today, this inedible fish has achieved the status of most prized and popular among all gamefish.
The US and Japan Record Largemouth Basses:
On June 2, 1932, George W. Perry caught a 22lb 4oz largemouth bass in MontgomeryLake, Georgia. Witnesses say that the belly was “…as big as an inflated basketball.” It has been over seven decades, and the record has yet to be broken in the US.
George Perry's world-record largemouth bass
The story behind the catch and eventual fate of this fish are even more telling. Like any other Depression-era angler of the time, there was little concern for bragging rights when the 19-year old Perry caught the fish: “I had no idea how big the fish was, but that didn't matter…What had me worried was losing the lure. It was the only one we had between us.” As a poor farmer, Perry discusses the catch as follows: “I knew I had a big fish – and I knew we needed some meat at the house.” And with that, the fish was eaten with his family. Ironically, the largemouth bass is considered unedible today because of its poor taste. Several decades ago, the concept of catch-and-release angling was popularized in a B.A.S.S. tournament, and now, this practice has become the norm for innumerable gamefish targeted by freshwater and saltwater fishermen worldwide. (Quotes from Robbie Pavey in an article published in National Fishing Lure Magazine 2006).
While George Perry’s record remains intact in the US, its position as the world record is shared with another angler. Manabu Kurita caught a 22lb 5 oz largemouth bass in Lake Biwa, Japan. Although this fish is larger than Perry’s, the two fish are officially considered a tie because of the standard error associated with weighing fish. Early reports say that the fish was caught with live bait. Kurita also caught an 18 lb 6 oz largemouth bass from BiwaLake on a large swimbait. (Full story:http://sports.espn.go.com/outdoors/bassmaster/news/story?page=b_BigBass_record_Japan_20090702)
Economic Value and Historical Impact:
- Not surprisingly, Perry’s catch became a milestone for the state of Georgia. In 1984, a historical marker was posted on the side of Georgia Highway 117 in TelfairCounty, the county in which his fish was caught. It reads:
Photo Credit: Rob Pavey
"Approximately two miles from this spot, on June 2, 1932 , George W. Perry, a 19-year old farm boy, caught what was to become America 's most famous fish. The twenty-two pound four ounce largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) exceeded the existing record by more than two pounds has retained the world record for more than fifty years. Perry and his friend, J.E. Page, were fishing in MontgomeryLake, a slough off the OcmulgeeRiver , not for trophies but to bring food to the table during those days of the great depression. The fish was caught on a Creek Chub Perch Scale Wigglefish, Perry's only lure, and was 32 1/2 inches in length and 28 1/2 inches in girth. The weight and measurements were taken, recorded and notarized in Helena, Georgia and Perry's only reward was seventy-five dollars in merchandise as first prize in Field and Stream Magazine's fishing contest. The longstanding record is one of the reasons that the largemouth bass was made Georgia's Official State Fish. MontgomeryLake is today part of the Department of Natural Resources' Horse Creek Wildlife Management Area."
134-4 GEORGIA HISTORIC MARKER 1984
- From largemouth bass T-shirts to fishing lures, this fish has rocked the fishing world. Bass fishing is a multi-billion dollar industry that has inspired the creation of customized lures, rods, reels, and even boats tailored specifically for this single species.
- The rise in popularity of fishing in general is probably the result of largemouth bass fishing alone. Within the last decade, a media explosion has occurred. Whether it is bass fishing video games, ESPN B.A.S.S. Fantasy Fishing forums, or the $500,000 grand prize on fishing’s grand stage the Bassmaster’s Classic, all have contributed to the ever increasing audience intrigued by the sport.
- Many have claimed that Perry’s record could never be broken in the US. However, a 25lb 1 oz largemouth bass (unofficial weight) was caught in Dixon Lake, California by Mac Weakley on March 20, 2006. The fish was named “Dottie” by local anglers. Unfortunately, the fish was foul-hooked and therefore was disqualified by the IGFA. Not long after, Weakley, an advocate of catch-and-release, released the potential new world-record largemouth bass back into the lake from which it was caught.
Sadly, Dottie died on May 9, 2008 after spawning, and with her went the dream of breaking the world record, for now at least.
Replica of Dottie. Rest in peace Dottie.
- The widespread practice of catch-and-release in all of fishing owes its popularity to the largemouth bass fishing. It was once thought that catching any fish on fishing tackle imparts so much stress that it could not survive. Several decades ago, catch-and-release was made a requirement in all BASS fishing tournaments. The success of several decades of catch-and-release in bass fishing tournaments convincingly proves that release works.
The Common Carp (Cyprinus carpio) belongs to the Family Cyprinidae (The Carps and Minnows) which also includes the local species Common Goldfish (Cyprinus auratus), Grass Carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella), Creek Chub Minnow (Semotilus atromaculatus), and Common Shiner Minnow (Luxilus cornutus). Common Carp are native to Eastern Europe and Asia.
Common carp can be found in three body variants: leather (no scales), mirror (few, very large scales with areas of no scales), or fully scaled, and two natural color morphs: red (also called ‘golden’) or brown. In the United States, red morphs are absent. In Asia, a red carp is considered a rare, highly prized trophy catch.
Common carp can be found in slow-moving fresh- and slightly brackish waters across the United States. They are an opportunistic scavenger. As omnivores, carp consume various aquatic plants, vertebrates (e.g., small fishes), and invertebrates (e.g., insects, crustaceans, worms).
Carp are an egg-laying species. Females can lay up to 300,000 eggs which are fertilized by male(s) that aggressively swim along side an egg-depositing female. It is not uncommon to see groups of spawning carp splashing across shallow shorelines during the breeding season. The common carp may grow as old as 65 years and reach sizes of up to 5 feet, weighing over 80lbs.
In the US, the common carp has been considered a pest or “junk” fish. The origin of this negative reputation may be due to its ecological impact as an invasive species (See Historical Impacts below) or its passive, non-predatory lifestyle. Interestingly, in Asia and especially Europe, the popularity of this species as a gamefish is unmatched. In these regions, the common carp is considered the most highly prized gamefish because of its fighting ability and intelligence. Highly specialized techniques, rigs, and baits have been developed in Europe and Asia to target this species.
The notion that common carp are a formidable gamefish is slowly gaining popularity among US anglers as reflected by the emergence of websites such as http://www.carpfishing.8k.com. The introductory home page of this site reads:
“Here in the U.S. the Carp Cyprinius carpio is looked upon as a trash fish by most anglers. While throughout the rest of the world, and especially in the U.K. and Europe, the Carp is considered the king of sport fish. Isaak Walton, often considered the father of modern angling stated in his opus the ‘Compleat Angler’ in 1653: ‘The carp is the Queen of Rivers: a stately, a good and a very subtle fish...’ My purpose in creating this web site is to provide a place to disseminate information to carpers throughout North America and the World.”
This mammoth fish was weighed and witnessed before it was photographed and released.
Economic Value and Historical Impact:
- The first book ever written on aquaculture, "Treatise on Pisciculture," by Fan Lee was written in 473 BC and it was about carp.
- Carp were legally (not illegally) introduced into England in the 13th century and into the United States in 1877 because of their anticipated favor by anglers.
- Koi is a domesticated ornamental variety of the common carp. The art of breeding koi varieties originated in China but became popular in Western culture due to the efforts of Japanese aquarists. Koi can commonly be found in artificial ornamental ponds and pools.
- The common carp is one of four very large Asian carps that have been introduced by humans into freshwaters of the United States. These carps include the silver carp (Hypophthalmichthys molitrix) and bighead carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis), which were brought to the US to be raised as an affordable food fish. In contrast, the common carp and grass carp have been intentionally introduced in the US by government agencies to control algal blooms in ponds and lakes.
Due to a variety of favorable ecological factors (e.g., lack of natural predators, abundant food), these carp species have spread rapidly across the country and are now considered “invasive species.” Unfortunately, this invasion of carp species has posed serious ecological concerns for native fishes. Due do their rapid growth rate and destructive mating behavior, carp often thrive and outcompete native fishes for resources. More recently, the silver carp has posed unexpected physical danger to humans. For reasons yet unknown, these large (up to 80lbs) carp regularly leap out of the water (up to 10ft!), often unintentionally striking boaters and fishermen. Today, there is a major effort to stop the spread of this species to the Great Lakes, but some feel that any attempt will be futile. Those who are more pessimistic may be correct (Source: http://newsfeed.time.com/2010/06/24/carp-pocalypse-the-great-lakes-asian-carp-invasion-begins/).
- The grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) that were introduced in NYC and Long Island are genetically engineered to be sterile triploids (organisms with three, instead of two, sets of chromosomes). Due to runoff from fertilizers and the feeding of water fowl by humans, many lakes in the NY area have become overrun by algae. Grass carp have been introduced by the NY Dept. of Environmental Conservation to help regulate algal growth in these eutrophicated lakes. Eutrophication can pose a serious ecological threat to any body of freshwater. Normally, algae that die in the winter are decomposed via bacteria that utilize dissolved oxygen in the water. An increase in algal quantity results in a corresponding increase in the amount of oxygen consumed by bacteria, which can limit the remaining dissolved oxygen required to sustain other aquatic organisms, like fish. The sterile grass carp introductions have been one attempt to prevent the potential danger of eutrophication in NY ponds and lakes.
The Striped Bass (Morone saxatilis) is the largest member of the Family Moronidae ("The Temperate Basses") and is easily recognized by its overall silver hue overlain by black stripes. They occur in coastal waters of the eastern US. The striped bass are ancestrally marine, but contemporary sea-run (i.e., live in the ocean but breed in freshwater) and resident freshwater populations are common. The striped bass is evolutionarily a true bass, unlike the largemouth bass.
There are two major migrations of striped bass along the northeastern U.S. The north shore of New York City and Long Island provide habitat for striped bass born in the Hudson River. In contrast, a majority of the striped bass found on the south shore of New York City and Long Island derive from Chesapeake Bay. At one time, about 90% of the Atlantic stock of sea-run striped bass came from the Chesapeake Bay. Remaining populations are scattered about rivers, estuaries, and tributaries across the northeast coastline, but these populations are substantially smaller. The striped bass have also been introduced in the west coast of the US, but those populations have not seen the success and popularity of their native counterparts on the east coast.
The striped bass is an opportunistic feeder. They are a voracious predator of various species of vertebrates (e.g., fishes) and invertebrates (e.g., squid, crustaceans, molluscs, worms).
Along the eastern seaboard, striped bass fishing has entranced anglers for decades. Millions of dollars are spent each year on striped bass-related merchandise and fishing tackle. One of the most expensive spinning reels available in today’s fishing market is designed specifically for surf fishing striped bass. Many anglers have dedicated their entire lives to pursuing a trophy striper, often at the abandonment of chasing other sport fish (among other things):
What is it about the striped bass that makes it the ideal sport fish? The table quality of the striped bass is superb. It also has quite the aesthetic appeal. However, the main reason why this fish is so popular is probably because it frequents shallow, inshore waters, making it accessible to anglers from the shore. In fact, the shorebound world record striped bass (78lbs 8oz) was caught off a jetty by a surf fisherman in Atlantic City, NJ. From Maine down to North Carolina, millions of anglers cast out lures (called “plugs” by NY locals) or bait (called “chunks” by NY locals) trying to catch migrating stripers. When the Spring or Fall migration is in full swing, it is not uncommon for surf fishermen to prepare themselves for an extreme streak of fishing at any cost. D. J. Muller, author of The Surfcaster’s Guide to the Striper Coast eloquently describes this pursuit as follows:
"Surfcasting for striped bass is an experience rich in emotions, special places and unique people. Depending upon how well you know one of them, surfcasters are a special breed of fishermen; sometimes hard to get to know, seemingly half crazy in their quest, exceptionally dedicated and extremely clannish. They face special challenges, but also reap memorable rewards that most mere mortal never get to see, feel or brag about. The entire experience of surfcasting is one to be nursed and cherished for many years, and passed on to the next generation. Toss into the mix a combination of loyal friendships, solitude, a spellbinding ocean, a small army of unforgettable characters, and an absolutely amazing gamefish, and you have all the ingredients for an incredible lifelong fishing journey." (pg. 15)
A fair share of boat fishermen also target striped bass, making this species a favorite among so many anglers.
Capt. Paul Peluso (Mamamia Fishing Charters, Moriches, NY)
WHY SHOULD WE CARE ABOUT THE STRIPED BASS FISHERY?
Hear what Capt. Bob Rocchetta, NY State Striped Bass Record Holder and Full-Time Charter Captain (Rainbow Charters, Orient Point, NY), has to say on the topic. Exclusive interview with Nyack College Fishing Club:
The Blackfish or Tautog (Tautoga onitis) is a member of the Family Labridae (The Wrasses). Other wrasses that are targeted by recreational anglers include the bergall (Tautogolabrus adspersus), Napoleonfish (Cheilinus undulates) and California Sheepshead (Semicossyphus pulcher). Wrasses belong to the suborder Labroidei (e.g., Parrotfishes, Rainbowfishes, and Wrasses) which contains six families, totaling over 2,200 species. Five of these families are popular among fish-keeping hobbyists: Cichlidae (the cichlids, 1300 species), Embiotocidae (the surfperches, 23 species), Pomacentridae (the damselfishes, 315 species), and Scaridae (the parrotfishes, 80 species).
Tautog occur in structured habitat (e.g., rock piles, wrecks, or reefs) from Nova Scotia to South Carolina. They are most common from Cape Cod to Delaware.
Tautog are specialized benthic predators. They have deep, muscular bodies, which enable them to maneuver easily through structured terrain (This is in contrast to pelagic predators like sailfish which are long-bodied and poor at maneuvering within short distances). Underneath their thick rubbery lips are powerful jaws with molar-like teeth that are used to crush a variety of hard-shelled (e.g., mussels, clams, crabs, barnacles) and soft-shelled (e.g., worms) invertebrate prey. Tautog also have teeth in the back of their throat, called pharyngeal teeth, which enable them to pulverize and sort hard food items.
Tautog teeth.
The following video was filmed at Stony Brook University. Watch as this tautog feeds on two crabs.
Here are some behaviors worth nothing:
TimeObservation 0:20 When the crab has claws, the tautog goes for the claw first and neutralizes it.
0:25 Then, the tautog pulls off the legs.
0:33 and 0:53 The tautog crushes the crab meal with its rear throat (pharyngeal) teeth.
0:59, 1:05, 1:40, and 1:44 ?????
2:03 When given a choice, the tautog prefers active prey despite having already worked on the bigger, dismembered crab.
The tautog is a slow-growing fish. They may grow as old as 35-40 years of age (about 25lbs). However, the average-sized tautog is only about 6-10 years old (2-4lbs). Sex can easily be distinguished in tautog by facial morphology and body coloration. Males tend to have a robust black-colored chin and gray dorsal/black ventral body coloration. In contrast, the chin of females is less extreme and their bodies usually are mottled and brown in color. Males usually grow faster than females. Thus, larger sized fish tend to be males. Tautog are believed to grow faster in the more southern parts of their native range possibly due to more favorable conditions such as higher annual water temperature and prey diversity.
From http://www.jcaa.org/jcnl9508/9508TAUT.htm: "- In northern portions of their range, breeding happens April-August, which occurs during the NY no fishing season. - Tautog likely become maturity between 2-4 years of age (approx. 12”). - A mature female contains over 600,000 eggs. During the Spring when water temperatures reach about 50ºF, adults migrate inshore and spawn in brackish water or coastal marine regions. Spawning peaks in June and usually lasts throughout the summer. - Tautog typically mate in pairs, but group mating occurs under certain conditions. After a long courtship display, which involves nuzzling and rubbing, the spawning fish quickly swim up the water column and release their gametes (males release sperm; females release eggs). - Fertilized eggs are bouyant and hatch in about two days. After three weeks, the larvae metamorphose into juveniles which settle to the bottom and begin a life around bottom structure. - Juveniles that seek protection in sea grass beds are usually olive-green in color, but those in rocky habitat are mottled and dark brown. After a few years, all young fish will turn black in color and settle into rocky environments."
Based on conversations that I've had with experienced tautog anglers, the popularity of tautog fishing seems to be a recent phenomena. Reasons vary, but increased fishing pressure and stricter regulations on other species (e.g., striped bass, flounder) may be contributors. Once considered a "junk" fish, the tautog is now highly touted. The number of theories and tactics that exist for catching tautog seems endless. Some anglers even believe that fishing for tautog is the most difficult type of fishing around.
Tautog are a very strong and tough fighting fish. Famous for being extremely challenging to hook, catching trophy-sized (10+lb) tautog is a feat that few anglers have accomplished. Once hooked, a large tautog will dive down into or through structure intentionally to try to hang up and break the fishing line. And, the tautog fishing season is typically open during the coldest months of the year (Spring and Winter) - thus, making it one of the all-around most physically and mentally grueling types of fishing that an angler can try.
#1 BIGGEST TAUTOG: NEW WORLD RECORD TAUTOG!
On January 2, 2015, a 28.8lb tautog was caught by Kenneth Westerfeld. Mr. Westerfeld writes: “Well I can only thank my lord and savior Jesus Christ for bringing me
this bite, and Capt. Kane Bounds for putting me on this wreck. And ALL
of the people who gave me the experience, all the gear that held up in
the fight, and my wife for letting me go fish in MD and chase my dream
and putting up with my fishing over the years.”
This most epic fish was caught on a black crab, hooked to a snafu rig, at a depth of 85ft. Mr. Westerfeld was using a Shimano Torium 14 reel, Calstar custom 7-foot, 2-inch L blank rod, and 50-pound Power Pro line. Some estimate that this fish may be 50 years old, if not older! Read the full story of Mr. Westerfeld's amazing catch here: http://www.onthewater.com/photos-story-28-pound-world-record-tautog/.
(We thank Mr. Westerfeld for corresponding with us and for providing us feedback on this blog post.) #2 BIGGEST TAUTOG: On January 20, 1998, Anthony R. Monica caught this giant tautog of
25lbs. This fish had been the previous world record tautog. Mr. Monica
was fishing on the North Star
party boat out of Ocean City, NJ when he caught this amazing specimen.
This fish was caught on a 64 1/2" Custom rod with a Penn Model 501
spooled with Ande Pink 30 lb. test monofilament line.
BIG TAUTOG CAUGHT ON VIDEO: Big tautog are a rarity. I was fortunate back in 2007 to have filmed a 19lb tautog aboard the Captain Collet Party Boat, out of Atlantic City, New Jersey. Truly, an amazing specimen:
Economic Value and Historical Impact
From http://www.mi.nmfs.gov/tautog.html: "- A dramatic decline of traditional 'firm, black-meat' species such as cod, haddock, and flounder stocks may have resulted in increased fishing pressure on tautog.
- Slow growth in the wild and the relatively late age to maturity put tautog populations at risk. Currently, a substantial increase in fishing pressure on tautog has resulted in stock declines, which may be slow to recover.
- Size-limit restrictions are heavily enforced on the tautog fishery, with the live-trade market being restricted to relatively larger-sized fish."
