Tautog

If you're after tautog, or blackfish, near Groton, Connecticut, you're in for a challenging but rewarding experience. These fish are masters of structure and can be found around rocky bottoms, wrecks, and pilings in Long Island Sound and Fishers Island Sound. Fall is the prime time to target tautog as they move into shallower waters to feed before winter. Use heavy tackle and strong hooks, as tautog are powerful fighters and live in snag-filled environments. Green crabs are the bait of choice, and presentation is key. Drop your bait right into the structure and be ready for a quick strike. Fort Trumbull State Park offers shore access to some promising tautog spots, but boat access is generally required to reach the best fishing grounds. Tautog in this region are known for their wary nature, so stealth and patience are essential. Be prepared to lose some rigs, but the reward of landing a trophy tautog is well worth the effort.