Where to Catch Tautog (Blackfish) on the Jersey Shore

Tautog are structure-dependent fish that don't migrate far—they simply shift between shallow and deep water with the seasons. Understanding these movements is essential for consistent catches.

Spring (April)

As water temperatures climb into the 50s, tautog move from deep wintering grounds to shallower structure. April is prime time—fish are hungry after winter and concentrated on accessible wrecks and jetties. The spring season runs April 1-30 with a 4-fish limit. This is when jetty fishing can be exceptionally productive.

Summer Closure (May-July)

Tautog season is closed May through July to protect spawning fish. This closure has helped rebuild stocks after years of overfishing. Tog remain on structure but are off-limits to recreational harvest.

Early Fall (August-November 15)

The fall season opens August 1 with a conservative 1-fish bag limit. Fish are spread across structure and can be challenging to locate. As water cools through October and November, tog concentrate on specific pieces of structure, making them easier to target.

Late Fall Peak (November 16-December)

This is trophy tog time. The bag limit increases to 5 fish, and the largest tautog of the year—fish over 10 pounds—are caught as water temperatures drop into the 50s. Fish feed aggressively to build reserves for winter. Wreck fishing produces the biggest specimens.

Winter (January-February)

Tog remain catchable through winter for dedicated anglers. The 4-fish limit continues, and fish hold on deep structure in 60+ feet of water. Cold, stable weather produces the best winter catches.

Jetties and Breakwalls

Shore-based tog fishing focuses on rocky structure. Barnegat Inlet jetties are legendary for spring tautog. The rock structure holds resident fish that move shallow during optimal conditions. Manasquan Inlet, Sandy Hook jetties, and Cape May inlet structures all produce.

Nearshore Wrecks

Wrecks in 40-70 feet of water hold excellent tog populations. These nearshore wrecks are accessible to party boats and smaller private vessels. Structure with complex relief—multiple decks, engine rooms, and scattered debris—holds the most fish.

Artificial Reefs

New Jersey's artificial reef system provides excellent tog habitat. Reef sites like Sea Girt, Shark River, and Atlantic City reefs hold fish throughout the season. The concrete and steel materials create the irregular structure tog prefer.

Offshore Wrecks

Deeper wrecks in 80-120 feet hold trophy-class tautog. These fish see less pressure and grow to impressive sizes—double-digit tog come from offshore structure. Longer boat rides and specialized tackle are required.

Bridge Pilings and Bulkheads

Backwater structure holds tog, particularly in spring. Bridge pilings, bulkheads, and dock structures in protected waters can produce when conditions are right.

The Crab Connection

Green crabs (aka white-leggers) are the premier tautog bait. These small crabs are fished whole on standard tog rigs, with hook placed through the back corner of the shell. Fresh crabs dramatically outperform frozen. Asian crabs (fiddlers, hermits) work as alternatives when greens aren't available.

Rigging

The standard tog rig is simple but specific:

• Heavy leader (50-80 lb fluorocarbon)
• Short dropper (6-12 inches from sinker)
• Virginia-style or standard J-hook (4/0-6/0)
• Heavy sinker (4-8 oz) to hold bottom in current

The key is keeping bait directly on the structure. Tog don't chase—they ambush. Your crab needs to land within inches of their hiding spot.

Detecting the Bite

Tog bites are subtle at first—a series of taps as the fish works on the crab. Wait for the rod to load before setting the hook. Set too early and you'll pull the bait away. Set too late and the fish reaches its lair.

Fighting Tog

When hooked, tog dive for structure immediately. Heavy tackle and an instant, aggressive hookset are essential. Give line and the fish disappears into the wreck. Steady pressure keeps fish moving up and away from structure.

Jig Fishing

Tog jigs tipped with crab or clam can be effective, particularly when fish are actively feeding. The key is working the structure carefully, bouncing the jig along potential holding spots.

Rods

Tautog rods are stiff and powerful—you need leverage to pull fish from structure. A 6-7 foot heavy-action rod with a fast tip to detect bites but powerful backbone for hooksets is ideal. Conventional rods with straight butts work well.

Reels

Conventional reels in the 20-40 lb class provide the power and line capacity needed. Lever drag reels allow quick drag adjustments during the fight. Spinning gear works for jetty fishing but lacks power for deep wreck tog.

Line

50-65 lb braided line provides sensitivity and strength. The low stretch of braid transmits subtle bites and provides hookset power. A fluorocarbon leader (50-80 lb) protects against abrasion on structure.

Hooks

Tog hooks must be sharp and strong. Virginia-style hooks or heavy J-hooks in 4/0-6/0 penetrate tough mouths and resist straightening. Check hook points frequently—structure dulls them quickly.