The Best Bait for Tautog Fishing

Tautog, also known as blackfish (Tautoga onitis), is a popular game fish found along the rocky shores and reefs of the Atlantic Coast of the United States. Known for their strong fight and delicious white meat, tautog are highly sought after by both recreational and commercial fishermen. However, catching these elusive fish requires more than just a good fishing rod and a well-placed cast; using the right bait is key to a successful tautog fishing trip.

Tautog are bottom feeders, primarily eating crustaceans, mollusks, and small fish. Therefore, to increase your chances of a bite, it’s essential to choose baits that closely mimic the natural food sources found in their habitat. Here’s a breakdown of the best baits to use when targeting tautog.

1. Green Crabs

Green crabs are often considered the best natural bait for tautog fishing. These crabs are abundant along the East Coast and are readily accepted by tautog. The Best Bait for Tautog Fishing Their hard shells and meaty interiors provide the perfect snack for hungry fish. To use green crabs effectively, you can either hook them through the legs or cut them in half to expose the meat. Some anglers even prefer using just the claws, which are particularly enticing to tautog. Green crabs are durable, stay on the hook well, and are readily available at most bait shops.

2. White Crabs

Similar to green crabs, white crabs are another excellent option for tautog. The Best Bait for Tautog Fishing They are slightly larger and have a different texture, but tautog still find them irresistible. White crabs are often favored during colder months when tautog are more sluggish and in need of a slower, more substantial bait. As with green crabs, it’s best to hook white crabs through the legs or use the body meat for greater attraction.

3. Clams

Clams are a classic bait for tautog fishing, and for good reason. The Best Bait for Tautog Fishing These shellfish are a staple in the tautog’s diet, especially during the spring and fall months when the fish are more active around rocky areas. Clams can be used whole or cut into chunks to entice tautog. The strong scent and taste of clam meat, along with its ability to stay securely on the hook, make it a go-to choice for many anglers. Fresh clams are ideal, but frozen clams can also be effective.

4. Shrimp

Live or fresh shrimp is another fantastic bait for tautog. Shrimp are small, meaty, and are naturally part of the tautog’s diet. They can be used whole or cut into pieces, and their scent and movement under the water are highly attractive to tautog. While shrimp are more commonly used for targeting other species like flounder, tautog will readily bite on a shrimp offering, particularly when natural food sources are scarce.

5. Squid

Squid is a versatile bait that can be used in various fishing scenarios. For tautog, squid strips or whole squid work well, especially in deeper waters. Squid is soft and tender, making it easy for tautog to chew through. It also has a strong scent that carries well through the water, attracting tautog from a distance. Some anglers choose to combine squid with other baits like green crabs or clams for added appeal.

Conclusion

When targeting tautog, it’s crucial to use baits that mimic the fish’s natural diet. Green crabs, white crabs, clams, shrimp, and squid are all effective choices, with green crabs often being the top contender. Experimenting with different baits and combinations will help you find what works best in your local waters. Regardless of the bait, make sure to fish near structure like rocks, wrecks, or jetties, where tautog tend to congregate. By using the right bait and fishing in the right spots, you’ll increase your chances of landing a prized tautog.