Saltwater
Tautog
Tautoga onitis
- Peak season
- Autumn through early spring
- Length range
- 25–90 cm
- Weight range
- 0.5–12 kg
- Typical depth
- 1–40 m
Habitat
Rocky structure, jetties, and wrecks along the US Northeast coast. Stays near cover; very structure-oriented.
Behavior
Strong, stubborn fighter that uses powerful jaws to crush crabs and mussels. Dives straight to structure on hookup.
Best techniques
- Crab bait (green or Asian) on heavy bottom rig
- Jigging with crab tipped jigs
- Bottom fishing tight to structure
- Slow drift with cut clam
