It is that magic time of year when even charter captains skip a day or two of work to target big blackfish (tautog) in the Northeast. These fish certainly do not get as big as stripers or pull as hard as tuna, but they are challenging and fun to catch.
Capt John Marino w/big Blackfish
Most anglers assume that the only way to fish for blackfish or tautog is to go as heavy and fish deep, but these days that isn’t always true. Fishing for blackfish or tautog in deep water with heavier tackle is extremely productive. But early in the season these fish are in very shallow water (sometimes as little as 10ft) and this is when the fun starts.
Here are some great resources and tips to help you catch more blackfish:
Light Tackle Blackfish Recommendations
Blackfish – Going Light (detailed techniques)
Deep Water Blackfish Recommendations (includes detailed techniques)
Blackfish Destinations Featured on Northeast Angling (video, techniques, tips, and popular destinations)
Click here for ALL Northeast Angling Blackfish Clips on YouTube
Popular Blackfish (Tautog) Clips
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time to fish for blackfish in the Northeast is during the season when these fish move into shallow waters, often early in the season. This period is considered the magic time of year when many anglers, including charter captains, target big blackfish due to their challenging nature and availability.
While traditionally heavy tackle was used for blackfish fishing especially in deep water, it's not always necessary. Early in the season, blackfish can be found in as little as 10 feet of water, making light tackle fishing both viable and enjoyable. Using lighter gear can make the fishing experience more fun and challenging.
During early season fishing, blackfish often inhabit shallow waters, sometimes as little as 10 feet deep. This shallow depth makes them more accessible to anglers using light tackle techniques, before they move to deeper water later in the season.
Detailed techniques and tips for catching blackfish, including both light tackle and deep water methods, can be found on Northeast Angling’s website. Additionally, there are popular video clips and featured destinations for blackfish on their YouTube channel and linked resources.
Yes, Northeast Angling provides a dedicated resource titled 'Blackfish - Going Light,' which offers detailed techniques on using light tackle for blackfish fishing, especially effective in shallow water early in the season.
Although blackfish do not grow as large as stripers or pull as hard as tuna, they are known for being challenging and fun due to their fighting style and the technical approach required for different tackle setups. Their presence in various depths and seasonal movements add to the angling experience.
