Fall Tautog Fishing in New England: Gear, Tactics, and Tips for Togtober
Written by Jeff Sullivan
As the crisp fall air settles over New England and water temperatures cool to prime levels, tautog fishing — known locally as tog — hits full stride. From rocky coastlines to reefs and wrecks, October and November mark the best time of year to target these hard-fighting bottom dwellers.
If you are ready to take part in Togtober, this guide covers the best rods and reels for tautog, rigs and jigs, bait, and proven fall tactics so you can connect with one of the toughest fish pound for pound in the Northeast.
When and Where to Target Tautog
- Prime Season: October through November
- Location: Deeper boulder fields, reefs, wrecks, and bridge abutments
- Feeding Habits: Tautog key in on crabs such as green crabs, spider crabs, Jonah crabs, and Asian shore crabs. They are aggressive but tricky and are notorious bait thieves, so patience is important.
Rod and Reel Setup for Tautog
Jigging Rods
Jigging World Nexus 2.0 (JW-NEX701MH) — A 7 foot rod built with 24T carbon fiber. It is extremely sensitive for subtle bites yet powerful enough to lift big tautog from heavy structure.
Rig Rods
Jigging World Nexus 2.0 (JW-NEX701H) — A conventional sledgehammer for wreck fishing, deeper water, and XL tog on rigs.
Reel Options
Tautog put serious stress on gear, so durability, smooth drag, and solid gearing are key.
Conventional Reels
Spinning Reels
Line, Leader, and Terminal Tackle
- Mainline: 30 to 40 lb braided line. Use 50 lb if fishing heavy wrecks. Braid cuts current and telegraphs bites.
- Leader: 40 to 80 lb fluorocarbon, 5 to 8 feet to resist abrasion from rocks and wrecks.
Fluorocarbon Options
Rigs
- Standard tautog rig: Dropper loop with size 3/0 to 4/0 octopus hook. Owner and Gamakatsu are excellent choices.
- Snafu rig
- Two drop rig
Tog Jigs
Weights: 1/2 to 2 oz. Use the lightest you can hold bottom with. Short shank heavy hooks are best. Proven brands include MagicTail, Backwater, S&S, and Asylum Jigs.
Best Baits for Tautog
Green crabs are the staple. Cut in half, crack the claws, and thread the hook through a leg socket for a secure hold. When fish get picky, try Asian shore crabs, hermit crabs, or Jonah crabs cut down to size.
Fall Tautog Fishing Tactics
- Fish the structure: If you are not losing rigs, you are probably not in the strike zone.
- Be patient: Tog bites often start as light taps. Wait for steady pressure or watch your line move before driving the hook home.
- Cover water: If you do not see life within 15 to 20 minutes, move. On large pieces, work different sides of a boulder, ledge, or wreck until you find the sweet spot.
Why Fall Tautog Fishing Is Special
Fall tautog fishing in Rhode Island and across New England is a chance to battle one of the hardest pulling inshore fish and to bring home a top table fish. If your fingers are not sore from cracking crab claws and your bibs are not stained, you might not be fishing close enough to the structure.
With the right rod, reel, and terminal tackle you will be ready to go shot for shot with these rock donkeys this fall and enjoy an incredible regional fishery.
Dejar un comentario