Tautog

Tautog, or Blackfish, are a smaller stout bottom fish generally caught around heavy structure such as rock piles and wrecks.  While they can be found as far north as Nova Scotia, Tautog are not considered to have a viable recreational fishery north of Cape Cod.  While they can be found in the waters around the cape throughout the year, the most popular times to catch them are in the early spring and late fall.  We generally start to see them in the beginning of April in Buzzards Bay, and as the waters warm up they move from the deeper waters south of the Vineyard and the Elizabeth Islands into the shallower coves and ponds to spawn from late May to August.

Blackfish are extremely hard fighting fish and often can be very difficult to pry out of their rocky homes.  Stout tackle and a precise touch are a must, and while they can be a very frustrating species to target, the reward is worth every bit of time and energy put into learning the proper techniques.  The flesh of the tautog makes a very white flakey fillet, and while many consider it primarily a chowder fish, it can be amazing if prepared correctly by itself.  It is particularly good fried with a light tempora batter.  However you prepare it, a tautog dinner is always preceded by a spectacular day of fishing.