Tautog
The tautog, also known as blackfish, tog, or bulldog (Tautoga onitis), ranges from Nova Scotia, Canada to South Carolina. It lives along the coast in rocky areas and may be found near pilings, jetties and wrecks. It is commonly taken at fishing reefs in the Atlantic Ocean just south of Long Island.
Tautogs can grow to 3 feet or about 22 pounds. The marine fishing records of New York reveal that the record tautog caught is 19 pounds 12 ounces, taken in 1992. Usually anglers catch fish from 1.5 to 3 pounds.
Tautog feed on mostly mussels, clams and crabs. They will take crabs, clams and worms as bait. Before you go try your luck at catching this fish, be sure to check the recreational size and catch limits before you go fishing.
In the photo on this page a female tautog feeds on invertebrates growing on a Long Island fishing reef. The greenish coloration in the fins is caused by this fish's diet, primarily blue mussels.
And yes, tautog is a delicious food fish!
