Jersey Shore Tautog Fishing Charter
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Fullday tautog fishing charter with expert crew guidanceInshore fishing trip accommodates up to 6 guests maximumProfessional techniques taught for successful tautog catches
When you're talking serious bottom fishing along the Jersey Shore, tautog are the prize that keeps anglers coming back season after season. These hard-fighting blackfish know how to put up a battle, and Captain Jerzey Buoyz Sport Fishing has dialed in the best spots and techniques to put you on them consistently. This full-day charter takes up to 6 anglers to productive tautog grounds where structure fishing meets serious action. Pack your cooler with snacks and drinks because we're spending the day hunting these crafty bottom dwellers in their rocky hideouts.
Your tautog adventure starts early with a departure from one of Jersey Shore's top fishing ports. The crew at Jerzey Buoyz knows these waters like the back of their hand, running to proven structure spots where tautog congregate around wrecks, rocky bottoms, and artificial reefs. This isn't your typical drift fishing trip – we're anchoring up on specific pieces of structure and working the bottom methodically. The boat handles six anglers comfortably, giving everyone plenty of elbow room to work their rigs without tangles. Expect to move between 3-4 different spots throughout the day as we follow the bite and adjust to tidal changes. The crew stays busy re-rigging hooks, offering tips on bait presentation, and keeping everyone in the action.
Tautog fishing is all about precision bottom fishing with the right tackle and bait presentation. We fish with traditional tautog rigs – usually a high-low setup or simple fish-finder rig with circle hooks sized 4/0 to 6/0. The key is getting your bait tight to structure without getting hung up every drop. Green crabs are the gold standard for tautog bait, though Asian crabs and white leggers work great too. The crew will show you how to thread crabs properly on the hook and explain the subtle differences in how tautog pick up bait versus other bottom fish. You'll learn to feel that distinctive tautog bite – often just a slight weight change rather than a hard pull. Setting the hook requires finesse since these fish have bony mouths, and the crew teaches proper hook-setting technique throughout the day.
Tautog, also called blackfish, are one of the most sought-after bottom fish along the entire East Coast, and Jersey Shore waters hold some real trophy specimens. These fish are structure-dependent, rarely found far from rocks, wrecks, or artificial reefs where they feed on crabs, mussels, and other shellfish. A quality keeper tautog runs 16+ inches, but fish over 20 inches are common in these waters, with occasional giants pushing 8-10 pounds showing up. What makes tautog so popular isn't just their impressive size potential – they're phenomenal table fare with firm, white meat that's perfect for fish tacos or simple pan-frying. The bite typically peaks during falling tides when crabs are most active, though productive fishing can happen throughout the tidal cycle when you're on the right structure. Tautog are notorious bait stealers with incredible ability to pick crabs clean off hooks, making them both challenging and addictive to target.
Jersey Shore tautog fishing with Jerzey Buoyz Sport Fishing delivers consistent action for anglers who appreciate technical bottom fishing and quality table fare. The crew's local knowledge combined with their patient teaching style makes this trip perfect whether you're new to tautog fishing or looking to improve your bottom fishing skills. With only 6 spots available, this charter fills up quickly during peak tautog season. The boat provides all necessary tackle and rigging, though you're welcome to bring your own gear if you prefer. Remember to bring food and drinks for the full day, plus a good cooler with ice for your catch. Don't wait on booking – these productive tautog spots and expert crew make this one of the most popular bottom fishing charters along the Jersey Shore.
This beautifully restored 26' Shamrock is your ticket to prime tautog fishing along the Jersey Shore. Built in 1992 and completely refurbished in 2021, she's powered by a dependable 370HP Mercury that'll get you to the fishing grounds at speeds up to 32 knots. Perfect for up to 6 anglers, this boat comes equipped with everything you need for a successful day targeting blackfish - advanced fish finder to locate structure where tautog love to hang out, GPS navigation to hit those productive spots, and radar for those foggy Jersey mornings. The wireless trolling motor lets you position quietly over reefs without spooking the fish. Between fishing action, relax with the onboard multimedia system, grab some rest on the bed, or use the head. The experienced crew from Jerzey Buoyz Sport Fishing knows exactly where these bottom-dwelling fighters like to feed and will teach you the right techniques to land them. This classic fishing machine combines old-school charm with modern electronics to make your tautog adventure productive and comfortable on the water.
Newark