Tautog

Tautog, also known as blackfish, provide a challenging and rewarding fishing experience around Chincoteague, Virginia. These bottom-dwelling fish are known for their powerful jaws and ability to quickly retreat into rocky structures. Focus your efforts around jetties, bridge pilings, and submerged rocks in the inlets and nearshore waters. Late fall and winter are the peak seasons, as tautog prefer colder water temperatures. They can be finicky eaters, so fresh or live bait, such as green crabs or fiddler crabs, is essential. A stout rod and reel with heavy line are necessary to wrestle them away from structure. The jetties at the mouth of the Chincoteague Channel are a popular spot, but be cautious of slippery rocks and strong currents. Alternatively, consider fishing from a boat near the pilings of the Route 175 bridge. Local tip: use a very short leader and a heavy jighead to keep your bait close to the bottom and maximize your hookup ratio.