Fishing Charters in New Jersey

Browse fishing charters in New Jersey that can help you catch tautog.

Catch N Hell Fishing Charters - Catch N Hell Fishing Charters
Catch N Hell Fishing Charters

Catch N Hell Fishing Charters

Highlands, New Jersey

fishing

inshore
Highlands, New Jersey
Control Freaks Sportfishing - Control Freaks Sportfishing
Control Freaks Sportfishing

Control Freaks Sportfishing

Brick Township, New Jersey

inshore
Brick Township, New Jersey
Celtic Stoirm - Celtic Stoirm
Celtic Stoirm

Celtic Stoirm

Belmar, New Jersey

Charter Boat in Belmar, NJ

inshore
Belmar, New Jersey
Fat Cat Sport Fishing - Steve King
Steve King

Fat Cat Sport Fishing

Neptune City, New Jersey

NJ Fatcat Offshore and Inshore Sportfishing from Belmar NJ

offshoreinshore
Neptune City, New Jersey
Blitzbound Charters - Blitzbound Charters
Blitzbound Charters

Blitzbound Charters

Lincroft, New Jersey

inshore
Lincroft, New Jersey
Fish Stix Charter Fishing - Fish Stix Charter Fishing
Fish Stix Charter Fishing

Fish Stix Charter Fishing

Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey

TRIPS AND RATES6 Passengers Max Stripers - $900. 00 - (6hrs) (April - July, October - December) Offshore Shark - $1800. 00 (12-14 hours, May/June). (20-40mil

offshorefreshwater
Point Pleasant Beach, New Jersey
Ziggyb Sport Fishing Nj - Ziggyb Sport Fishing Nj
Ziggyb Sport Fishing Nj

Ziggyb Sport Fishing Nj

Avon-By-The-Sea, New Jersey

The ZiggyB, NJ's most proud and one of the Shark Rivers longest running sport fishing Charters providing pro's/ amatuers alike with quality NJ fishing charters

freshwater
Avon-By-The-Sea, New Jersey
Lighthouse Sportfishing - Lighthouse Sportfishing
Lighthouse Sportfishing

Lighthouse Sportfishing

Barnegat, New Jersey

inshore
Barnegat, New Jersey
Terry Sullivans Guide Service - Mary Sullivan
Mary Sullivan

Terry Sullivans Guide Service

Point Pleasant, New Jersey

I am a lifelong resident of Ocean County, New Jersey and have been a professional fishing guide for the past ten years. I have been an intense and avid salt-water fisherman for over thirty years. Both of my boats are especially well suited for fly-fishing. In our local waters we are able to catch large striped bass, bluefish, weakfish, fluke, albacore, bonita, spanish mackerel, and a variety of different tuna. As your charter-fishing guide I will also tailor fit our itinerary to target any specific salt-water species that are within our range and season if you desire. Whether it is live-lining bait or enticing them with a custom tied fly, I well do what it takes to put us on the bite. I would enjoy and welcome the opportunity to make your day an enjoyable experience and pleasantly memorable one fishing the rivers, bays and ocean as your personal salt-water fishing guide.

freshwaterfly fishingoffshoreTunaSpanish Mackerel
Point Pleasant, New Jersey
Shootem Sportfishing - Shootem Sportfishing
Shootem Sportfishing

Shootem Sportfishing

Brick Township, New Jersey

Spend your days of fun at Sipnseachartersnj. Enjoy with your family and friends our exciting cruise trips and events. Try out our various sport fishing charters.

inshore
Brick Township, New Jersey
Waterman Charters - Waterman Charters
Waterman Charters

Waterman Charters

Barnegat, New Jersey

inshore
Barnegat, New Jersey
No Expectations Fishing - No Expectations Fishing
No Expectations Fishing

No Expectations Fishing

Cape May, New Jersey

Experience world-class inshore Flounder fishing in Cape May on a shared charter. Expert-guided trips for all skill levels. Reserve your spot today!

inshoreSpotSouthern Flounder
Cape May, New Jersey

Best Time to Catch Tautog

Tautog can be caught year-round in Long Branch. Right now in February, activity is low.

Book a Tautog Charter

Seasonal Activity Chart

Tautog

Tautog

saltwater

Tautog (Blackfish) angling near Long Branch, New Jersey, revolves around targeting rocky structures, jetties, and wrecks in the nearshore and offshore waters. These bottom-dwelling fish are notoriously challenging to catch, requiring patience and precise presentation. The best time to target tautog is during the fall and winter months when they move inshore to spawn. Using crab or clam baits fished tight to the structure is the most common and effective method. A local tip: Use heavy tackle and abrasion-resistant line, as tautog are masters at breaking you off on rocks. Also, be prepared to lose some rigs, as snags are common. The tautog in this area are known for their powerful bites and stubborn fights, making them a prized catch for experienced anglers. Consider launching from a local marina to access the best tautog grounds.

How to Catch Tautog

Tautog Fishing Regulations in New Jersey

Open Season

January 1 – February 28, April 1 – April 30, July 17 – November 15, December 1 – December 31

Daily Bag Limit

4 per person (Jan 1-Feb 28), 1 per person (Apr 1-Apr 30), 5 per person (Jul 17-Nov 15), 4 per person (Dec 1-Dec 31)

Size Limit

16-inch minimum

License Required

Saltwater fishing license

Check the current regulations for any in-season changes.

⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the New Jersey state wildlife agency before fishing.

Related Species in New Jersey

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best bait for Tautog (Blackfish) in Long Branch?

Green crabs and Asian crabs are the go-to baits for Tautog. Anglers also use clams and other shellfish.

What are the regulations regarding Tautog fishing in New Jersey?

Tautog regulations in NJ are seasonal, with different bag limits throughout the year. As of this writing, the season runs January 1 – February 28 (4 fish), April 1 – April 30 (1 fish), July 17 – November 15 (5 fish), and December 1 – December 31 (4 fish). There is a 16-inch minimum size limit, and a saltwater fishing license is required.

When is Tautog season open in Long Branch?

Tautog season in New Jersey is broken into multiple periods: January 1 – February 28, April 1 – April 30, July 17 – November 15, and December 1 – December 31. Be sure to check the current regulations for any changes.

What size Tautog can I keep in New Jersey?

You can only keep Tautog that are 16 inches or longer.

More Tautog Fishing in New Jersey

Other Species to Fish in Long Branch

Ready to Catch Tautog in Long Branch?

Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.