Common names: Black fish, Tautog, Tog

General: The tautog or black fish, is a fairly large member of the wrasse family Labridae. It reaches nearly 30lbs and almost 3 feet in length, but a size of about 3-6lbs is average. Known from Nova Scotia to South Carolina and occurring from Cape Cod to Delaware the most, tautog are a bottom species which is mostly restricted to the coastal environment. They can be located on rocky reefs, shellfish beds, around bridge and pier piles,  as well as within old wrecks . Here, the tautog spends its time eating a diet consisting of mussels, crabs, and barnacles. A year round resident of  Long Island Sound preferring cold water, tautog migrate from deep to shallow depths during the spring and fall. A strong fighter when hooked, even small tautog test the stout gear used to fish for them. 

Water Temperature: Range 45° F to 70° F.  Best for angling 50° F to 65° F

Season: MIDDLEBANK II  targets blackfish in April then again from mid-October through to December.

CT Regulations: For length, creel limits, and open seasons of  CT's marine game fish, visit the CT DEP Fisheries Division.   The captain and crew of  MIDDLEBANK II  ask all anglers to practice responsible fishing methods and stress the importance of conservation.  Although anglers aboard  MIDDLEBANK II  will be informed of the latest regulations concerning the targeted species, it is the anglers obligation to know and abide by all CT marine fisheries laws. 

Method: MIDDLEBANK II Bottom fishes, anchoring over productive reefs and wrecks, for blackfish.

Bait: Green crabs (provided) Also: fiddler, Asian shore crabs, hermit crabs,  clams, squid, & sandworms

Recommended Tackle: Rod & reels are available for rent and tackle can be purchased aboard MIDDLEBANK II, however, for those wishing to bring their own, here is a list of the RIGHT STUFF. 

• 25lb-40lb conventional gear

• 3-way swivel connecting main line, hook, and sinker 

• 1/0-4/0 Beak or Virginia style hooks snelled on #50 clear mono leader 12" in length.

• Rigs can be configured either in single hook, wishbone, or hi-low style

• 4oz-12oz bank/flat bank sinker

• ATLAS-FIT™ protective gloves

 Pull a bull dog out of it's house and watch what happens, plan your trip today!