Blackfish Tautog Fall 2024

Capt. Rob instructions to the crew
Alright, crew, listen up!
Dan, be ready with the crabs for bait-green crabs, white crabs, or even Asian shore crabs will do the trick. Chris, I’ll count on you to keep those hooks sharp and ready. Nick, stay steady on the structure; they’re tricky, but with patience and the right spot, we’ll haul in some monsters.
Today we are talking about blackfish, also known as tautog. Here’s the thing: “blackfish” and “tautog” are actually the same fish. The name "blackfish" is more of a common nickname, while "tautog" is its proper name, coming from the Narragansett word "tautauog."
Now, what you need to know about these fish is they’re built like tanks-stocky, thick, and strong fighters. They live around rocks, wrecks, and structures on the ocean floor, feeding mainly on crustaceans like crabs and lobsters. This diet is what gives them that firm, tasty flesh that people love.
When you’re fishing for them, it’s all about patience and feel. They can be sneaky biters, so you’ll want to use a sensitive rod. Let them nibble and wait for the right moment before you set that hook. Nick, keep your balance on the rocks; Chris, you’ll be on the hooks; and Dan, you’ll be in charge of the bait. Blackfish don’t give up easy, so get ready for a fight once you hook one. Let’s go get ‘em!
Alright, team, now that we’re clear on blackfish, let’s talk hotspots. The North Atlantic waters off North Jersey and around New York Harbor are prime areas for catching these beauties, especially when it cools down in the fall. Here’s where we want to focus:
1.: Just off the coast here, this reef structure holds plenty of blackfish. It’s littered with rocks and debris that make a great home for them, especially in late October through December.
2. Shrewsbury Rocks: South of Sandy Hook, this is a rocky seabed stretch where blackfish thrive. They hang around rock piles and crevices here, hunting for crabs and mussels. The deeper sections of these rocks tend to produce larger fish.
3. Raritan Bay: Especially on the Jersey side, the waters here offer tons of structure-wrecks, rocks, and artificial reefs-that blackfish love. Around the Navesink and Shrewsbury River mouths, you’ll find great blackfish action in cooler months.
4.New York Harbor Wrecks: Closer to the city, the harbor has numerous wrecks that draw in tautog. The Statue of Liberty Reef and *Tappan Zee Bridge structures* have plenty of hiding spots for these fish. The water’s a bit trickier with the currents, but the payoff can be great.