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Tautog

Tautog

Tautog (Tautoga onitis), also known as blackfish or tog, are thick-lipped, stout members of the wrasse family native to Rhode Island waters.

These bottom-dwelling fish are most abundant from Cape Cod to Cape Hatteras, making Rhode Island ideal habitat within their core range.

Scientific Name: Tautoga onitis

Also known as blackfish, tog

Physical Characteristics:

Adults are darkly colored, ranging from chocolate gray to deep dusky, olive green, or dull blackish, with irregular mottling. Larger adults are sometimes called 'white-chinners' due to their characteristic white lower jaw.

Juveniles and females typically display more mottled brown coloration, while mature males are often grayish or blackish with prominent white markings.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

In Rhode Island, tautog inhabit Narragansett Bay, coastal waters, rocky shores, artificial and natural reefs, bridge pilings, shipwrecks, jetties, mussel beds, and areas with complex bottom structure. Rhode Island's population is considered part of a regional stock assessment covering Massachusetts and Rhode Island waters.

Key Locations

Beavertail State Park, Fort Wetherill, India Point Park, Coddington Cove jetty, Hope Island, Whale Rock, General Rock, Brenton Reef, Plum Lighthouse, Block Island Sound, and Newport Harbor. Jamestown Bridge area.

Specific Spots

Target rocky coastlines, jetties, bridge pilings, and areas with underwater structure. They strongly associate with cover and require suitable shelter during their inactive nighttime phase.

Tautog FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Tautog in Rhode Island?

Popular rigs include single-hook bottom rigs, two-hook basic rigs, slider rigs, and high-low rigs with 3/0-5/0 octopus hooks. Tautog jigs (1/2 to 4 ounces) tipped with bait. Green crabs are the premier bait - break off most legs and claws, cut in half, and hook through leg sockets.

What flies work for Tautog in Rhode Island?

Crab patterns like the Merkin or Simon's HoverCrab, small Clouser Minnows (red over white, orange over white, olive over yellow in sizes 2-6), and stonefly nymphs like Strolis' Shimmer Stone. Keep flies short (less than one inch of hair beyond hook bend).

When is the best time to fish for Tautog in Rhode Island?

Rhode Island's tautog season is divided into specific periods: April 1-May 31 (3 fish limit), June 1-July 31 (closed), August 1-October 14 (3 fish limit), and October 15-December 31 (5 fish limit). Best fishing occurs from May through mid-June and late September through October.

How do you catch Tautog in Rhode Island?

From boats, anchor precisely over structure rather than drifting. Use saltwater mono-rig nymphing techniques for fly fishing with drop shot weight. Watch for subtle taps and pecks from smaller fish, then wait for the solid tug indicating a keeper-sized tautog has taken the bait.

What do Tautog eat?

Opportunistic sight feeders with powerful pharyngeal crushing teeth, primarily consuming blue mussels (their preferred prey), green crabs, Asian crabs, rock crabs, hermit crabs, barnacles, clams, scallops, and various crustaceans.

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