Taug
LOCATIONS
BODIES OF WATER
can be found in the Mid Atlantic region of the US, specifically along the coast of Delaware, Maryland, New Jersey, and Virginia.
They are typically found in inshore waters such as bays, estuaries, and inlets.
STRUCTURE/HABITAT
Taug are typically found in areas with a mixture of hard and soft bottom structure such as oyster beds, rocks, and jetties.
They also like to congregate around artificial structures such as pilings, buoys, and shipwrecks. They are most commonly found in waters less than 30 feet deep.
PATTERNS
SPRING
Taug can be found in the early season in the shallower waters of bays and estuaries as they migrate in from the ocean.
SUMMER
Taug can be found in the inshore waters, often around structure such as jetties and inlets.
FALL
Taug can be found in the inshore waters as they migrate back out to the ocean.
WINTER
Taug can be found in deeper waters and are typically caught using bottom fishing techniques.
Bait
Crab, baitfish, Fiddler crabs, Sand Fleas.
Techniques
Bait Fishing
How: Use crab or other crustacean baits and fish in rocky areas or around structure such as wrecks or jetties. Tautog are bottom dwellers and tend to stay close to structure, so you will need to anchor your boat or fish from shore near the structure. When fishing from a boat, use a fish finder to locate the structure and anchor your boat upstream or up-current from it. Let the bait sit on the bottom until you feel a bite, then set the hook.
Gear: Rods: Medium to heavy spinning or conventional rods. Reels: 4000-6000 size spinning reels or conventional reels with a high gear ratio. Line: 20-30lb test braided line or monofilament. Hooks: Size 2/0 to 4/0 hooks with a stout shank to withstand the strong jaw of tautog.
Artificial Lures
How: Tautog are not typically caught on artificial lures, but some anglers have had success with jigs and bucktails tipped with crab or other bait. Fish around rocky areas or other structure.
Gear: Rods: Medium to heavy spinning or conventional rods. Reels: 4000-6000 size spinning reels or conventional reels with a high gear ratio. Line: 20-30lb test braided line or monofilament. Lures: Jigs, bucktails, and soft plastics.