Tautog

Tautog, also known as blackfish, offer a challenging and rewarding fishing experience in the Baltimore area. These bottom-dwelling bruisers are masters of camouflage and inhabit rocky structure and wrecks in the Chesapeake Bay. The colder months, particularly late fall and winter, are prime time for targeting tautog. They congregate around structure to avoid the strong currents. Green crabs are the bait of choice, but you'll need to present them precisely to entice a bite. Fish tight to the structure, as tautog won't move far for a meal. Be prepared to lose some tackle! Consider using a heavier setup to winch them away from the rocks. Popular spots include the Bay Bridge pilings and various wrecks located further out in the bay. Always check tide charts, as tautog fishing is often best during periods of slack tide.