Western Atlantic Ocean tautog may be found from Nova Scotia to South Carolina. The tautog’s highest distribution is somewhere between Massachusetts, Cape Cod, and Delaware Bay.
If you’re hoping to target tautog off a beach, forget about it. You’ll need heavy-duty gear such as a rod holder linked to a boat in order to catch fish that are around 25 feet or more below the surface.
Despite the fact that it’s neither a quick runner nor a very active species, the tautog is a tenacious fighter. Tautog fish teeth are tough enough to crush shellfish so make sure the hook you use is also strong. The fish also has a reputation for pulling the lure too.
There are also tons of underwater features that make up a good spot, like caves and ledges. These give tautog plenty of places to hide from predators while still being able to swim around freely.
They're not only edible, they're quite delicious. Many fishermen consider tautog to be the best inshore Northeastern fish for the table. Even people who have never taken home fish before may easily filet tautog.