Tautog

Targeting tautog near Port Royal, Virginia, requires an understanding of the Rappahannock River's unique brackish environment. This area offers a mix of submerged structure and oyster beds that hold tautog, especially as they move inshore during cooler months. The best time to fish for tautog here is during the fall and early winter as they prepare for spawning. Focus on areas with significant structure like bridge pilings, rock piles, and old docks. A local tip is to use green crabs as bait, as they are a favorite forage for tautog in this region. Also, be mindful of the strong currents in the Rappahannock; using heavier weights to keep your bait on the bottom is crucial. The tautog in this area tend to be quite wary, so using fluorocarbon leaders and natural presentations is key to success.