Tautog

If you're chasing Tautog in the Long Island, Virginia area, you'll want to key in on the structure and forage patterns around the Chesapeake Bay. This area provides a rich habitat of rocky bottoms, bridge pilings, and oyster beds where Tautog thrive. Prime time is typically late fall and early spring when water temperatures are cooler. Tautog move inshore to feed more actively before and after the colder winter months. A crucial local tip is to pay close attention to water clarity; Tautog are sight feeders and prefer clearer conditions. Baits like fiddler crabs or green crabs are local favorites, presented on a jig head or bottom rig. Remember to adjust your depth presentation frequently, as Tautog tend to hug the bottom and their depth can fluctuate with the tide and current. There are several public boat ramps around the Long Island area that provide access to prime Tautog fishing grounds, but be mindful of the strong currents in the bay.