Tautog Fishing NJ
Blackfish are the ultimate structure-dwelling fighter. Fall and spring bring peak tautog action on the wrecks, reefs, and jetties of the Jersey Shore.
Tautog (also called blackfish or tog) are the ultimate structure fish. These hard-fighting bottom dwellers live right in the rocks, wrecks, and jetties, challenging anglers with their bait-stealing ways and powerful runs. When you hook a good tog, hold on tight - they dive immediately for their rocky homes.
Book a Tautog Charter
Fall tautog trips fill up fast. Book early for the best dates in October and November when fish are most active.
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2026 Tautog Seasons & Limits
NJ tautog regulations have multiple seasons with different limits. The fall season (Nov 16 - Dec 31) offers the best bag limits.
January 1 - February 28
⭐⭐⭐
Winter season. Cold weather but fish are biting. Dress warm!
March
Season closed to protect spawning fish.
April 1 - April 30
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Spring season. Fish emerging from winter, hungry and active.
May - July
Season closed during summer months.
August 1 - November 15
⭐⭐⭐⭐
Fall season begins. Restrictive limit early, excellent fishing.
November 16 - December 31
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Peak season! Best limits, fish feeding heavily before winter.
Note: Regulations change annually. Always verify current rules at NJ Fish & Wildlife before fishing.
Best Tautog Fishing Spots in NJ
Barnegat Inlet Jetties
Jetty FishingThe famous rock jetties at Barnegat Light hold tautog year-round. Accessible from shore, this is a top spot for dedicated tog anglers.
Best: October - November, April - May
Access: State park (walk-in)
Manasquan Inlet
Inlet & JettyRocky structure and bridge pilings attract tautog. Good for both shore and boat anglers working the inlet and nearby wrecks.
Best: October - December
Access: Various public access
Offshore Wrecks & Reefs
Boat FishingParty boats and charters work the countless wrecks and artificial reefs where tog stack up around structure.
Best: October - November
Access: Charter boats
Sandy Hook Jetties
Jetty FishingRocky jetties on federal land - no NJ license required. Good tog fishing with NYC skyline views.
Best: October - November
Access: Free (park fees in summer)
Book a Tautog Charter
Belmar
Party boats run dedicated tog trips in fall and spring seasons
View boats →Point Pleasant
Large fleet specializing in wreck fishing for tautog
View boats →Barnegat Light
Viking Village boats know local wrecks and reefs for trophy tog
View boats →Book a Fishing Charter
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Tautog Fishing Tips
Use green crabs
Green crabs are the #1 tautog bait in NJ. Thread the hook through the leg socket and out the top of the shell. Fresh crabs work far better than frozen.
Fish right on the bottom
Tautog rarely leave structure. Drop your bait directly to the bottom and hold tight. When you feel a bite, wait a second, then set the hook hard.
Set the hook immediately
Unlike some fish, tog require a quick, hard hookset. They have tough mouths and will steal your bait if you hesitate. Feel the tap, set the hook.
Bring extra rigs
You will lose rigs to the rocks. Tog fishing means getting snagged regularly. Pre-tie multiple rigs before your trip and expect to lose some.
Find live crabs
Call bait shops ahead to confirm they have live green crabs or Asian crabs. Better yet, catch your own at the jetties the day before your trip.
Tautog Fishing Gear
Rod & Reel
- • Medium-heavy conventional rod (6-7 ft)
- • Sensitive tip, strong backbone
- • Conventional reel with 40-50 lb braid
Terminal Tackle
- • 4/0-6/0 Virginia style hooks
- • Tautog jigs (white or orange)
- • 4-8 oz bank sinkers
- • Heavy fluorocarbon leader (40-50 lb)
Bait
- • Green crabs (LIVE preferred)
- • Asian shore crabs
- • White legger crabs
- • Clams (backup)
Other
- • Cooler with ice
- • Measuring device (15" minimum)
- • Heavy-duty pliers
- • Warm clothing (fall fishing)
Tautog Trip Pricing
Party Boat
$60-85
Per person, includes rod/bait
Half-Day Charter
$700-1,000
Private boat, up to 6 anglers
Shore Fishing
FREE
Jetty fishing with NJ license
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time for tautog fishing in NJ?
Fall (October-November) is prime tautog season in NJ, with fish actively feeding before winter. Spring (April-May) is also excellent as fish emerge from their winter lethargy. Avoid summer when tautog are sluggish and hard to catch.
What are the NJ tautog regulations?
NJ tautog has a 15" minimum size and varies by season: Jan 1-Feb 28 & Apr 1-30: 4 fish limit. Aug 1-Nov 15: 1 fish limit. Nov 16-Dec 31: 5 fish limit. March and July are typically closed. Always verify current regulations.
What is the best bait for tautog?
Green crabs and Asian shore crabs are the top baits for tautog. White legger crabs work well too. Some anglers use clams or sandworms as backup. Fresh crabs significantly outperform frozen - it is worth the effort to find live bait.
Where is the best tautog fishing in New Jersey?
Tautog hold tight to structure - wrecks, artificial reefs, jetties, and bridge pilings. The Manasquan and Barnegat inlets produce good tog, as do the many reefs and wrecks offshore. Jetty fishing is popular for shore anglers.
How much does a tautog charter cost in NJ?
Party boat tog trips run $60-85 per person. Private charters cost $700-1,000 for half-day trips. Fall trips during peak season often book weeks in advance - plan ahead for October and November dates.
Is tautog good to eat?
Tautog is excellent eating with firm, white, mild flesh similar to sea bass. Many consider it one of the best-tasting fish in the Atlantic. The meat holds up well to grilling, baking, or pan-frying.
Book Your Tautog Trip
Fall tog trips book up fast. Reserve your spot for the best November fishing when limits are generous and fish are hungry.
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