Tautog

If you're after tautog, or blackfish, around Huntington, New York, prepare for a challenging but rewarding experience. These bottom-dwelling fish are masters of camouflage and inhabit rocky areas, wrecks, and pilings in the Long Island Sound. The best time to target tautog is during the fall and early winter when they move into shallower waters to feed before the cold sets in. Green crabs are the go-to bait, but Asian crabs are gaining popularity. Fish them on a stout rod and reel with a strong hook, as tautog are powerful fighters and will try to bury themselves in the rocks. Focus on areas with strong currents and plenty of structure. A local tip: the rocky shoreline around Lloyd Neck is a known tautog haven, but be prepared for snaggy conditions. Patience and persistence are key, as tautog fishing requires precise bait placement and a quick hookset. Several local tackle shops can provide up-to-date information on local conditions and hotspots.