Tautog

This lens is all about tautog, also known as blackfish.

Tautog Basics

Tautog or blackfish are long lived fish that live along the North and mid-Atlantic coast of the USA. Tautog live in structure such as rocky bottoms, wreckages and reefs.

Tautog -Blackfish Links

Fishing Charters and Guides: Fishing charters and guides to take you tautog fishing!
Seafood Recipes: Find a recipe for tautog here!
Fishing for Tautog (Blackfish): Fishing for tautog (blackfish).
Cleaning and Cooking Tautog: Cleaning tautog (blackfish) and other saltwater fish.
Virginia Tautog Fishing: Charter boat fishing in Virginia for tautog (blackfish).

Tautog or Blackfish

Tautog are a challenge to catch and thrilling to fish for. The fish live in and around structure such as rocky bottoms, sunken ships and artificial reefs. Tackle and techniques are simple and no prior experience is needed to catch these tasty fish. They vary in size from about 12 inches to perhaps 12 lbs or more. They are very tough fighters and excellent table fare.

Tautog Rigs

Anglers use a variety of leaders for tautog. Since the fishing is all in very rough terrain, tackle should be as snag resistant as possible.

The simplest rig is a hand made leader, usually of 20-40 lb test monofilament line. Anglers can increase the rigs resistance to snagging by using only one hook, tying on the sinker with a weak knot and using light hooks that can be straightened out.

A loop in the leader using a surgeon's knot or other knot can be used to attach the hook. A similar loop at the top allows connection to a swivel.

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Cleaning and Cooking Tautog

Tautog are excellent table fare. They live a long time in a cooler and may actually be live when you get them home. An ice pick to the spinal cord just behind the head will euthanize them quickly.

The fish are incredibly slippery! It is best to rinse them thoroughly and lay them,out on a rough surface. A sharp fillet knife is needed to cut around the outline of the fish, making the front cut behind the head and pectoral fin. Then the skin can easily be peeled off by using pliers and peeling from the head to tail.

Once the skin is off you can fillet the fish normally. There are a few rib bones which can be cut out after filleting.

The meat is firm, white and mild flavored. Tautog is delicious fried, baked or grilled. Rinse the fillets and immediately store on ice or refrigerate them.

For more information on cleaning and filleting tautog, see this tutorial on How To Clean Tautog. For tautog and other fish recipes, visit Seafood Recipes.

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Tautog Regulations

The Atlantic States Marine Fisheries Commission adopted the Interstate FMP for Tautog in 1996. Following the approval of the original plan, a series of addenda have been developed to further reduce fishing mortality.

Given the long-lived nature of the species, with individuals over age-30 reported, the management program must be very conservative to rebuild the stock.

source: asmfc