Tautog

Other names: Blackfish

The tautog, Tautoga onitis, also known as blackfish, is a stout, bottom-dwelling fish found along the Atlantic coast of North America. It has a dark, mottled body that blends well with rocky and kelp-covered habitats. Known for its strong, crushing teeth, the tautog feeds primarily on crustaceans and mollusks. This species is highly valued by anglers for its challenging fight and tasty, firm flesh.

Length
~27 (max 90)
Weight
~1 (max 13)
Water
Salt
Water Temp
10-20° F
Depth
1-75 ft

Other names
Blackfish
Length
~27 (max 90)
Weight
~1 (max 13)
Water
Salt
Water Temp
10-20° F
Depth
1-75 ft

Popular lures for Tautog

Blood worms

Clams

Crabs

Mussels

Sand fleas

Sand worms

Snails

Squid

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Regulation for Tautog

Check all regulations in CT

Season
Open from April 01, to April 30; from July 01, to August 31; from October 10, to November 28
Bag limit
2 (Apr 1 - Apr 30; Jul 1 - Aug 31); 3 (Oct 10 - Nov 28)
Vessel limit
-
Trophy limits
-
Max size
-
Min size
16"
Measurement
Total length
Prohibited methods
-

Check all regulations in CT

Living Conditions

🐟 Habitat preferences
- Prefers rocky bottoms, reefs, and areas with abundant vegetation like kelp beds
- Often found in shallow coastal waters but may move to deeper waters in winter
- Feeds on crabs, clams, and other hard-shelled invertebrates, using its strong teeth to crush shells
- Known to be territorial, often remaining close to the same rocky areas for long periods
♻️ Life cycle and mating behavior
- Spawning occurs in late spring to early summer in shallow waters
- Eggs are pelagic, floating in the water column until they hatch
- Juveniles settle in shallow, vegetated areas before moving to adult habitats
- Tautog exhibit limited migration, typically staying near their preferred rocky habitats year-round