Belmar Tautog Fishing - April's Best Action
Private Trip
Offshore Fishing
Target prized tautog species with expert charter crew guidanceOffshore fishing adventure accommodates up to six guests comfortablyApril timing offers prime blackfish season at Jersey Shore
When April rolls around in Belmar, NJ, serious anglers know it's time to target one of the Atlantic's toughest fighters - the mighty tautog. Also called blackfish by locals, these hard-fighting bottom dwellers are legendary for their bulldogging power and stubborn determination. Nearfall Fishing Charters has built a reputation for putting clients onto quality tog, and their April trips consistently deliver the kind of action that keeps anglers talking all season long. With a maximum of 6 guests per trip, you'll get the personalized attention and fishing room needed to make the most of every drop.
Your day starts early at Belmar Marina, where Captain and crew will have everything prepped and ready to roll. The boat heads out to productive structure - wrecks, reefs, and rocky bottom that holds these fish throughout the spring. April is prime time for tog fishing in New Jersey waters, as the fish move in from deeper winter haunts to feed heavily before spawning season kicks into high gear. The crew knows exactly where to find them, from nearshore wrecks in 30 feet of water to deeper structure that consistently produces keeper-sized fish. Expect a mix of drifting and anchoring up, depending on conditions and where the bite is hottest. The atmosphere is relaxed but focused - everyone's here for the same reason, and when someone hooks up, you'll hear about it.
Tautog fishing is all about bottom fishing with the right gear and technique. The crew will set you up with stout conventional rods and reels capable of handling these powerful fish around structure. Typical rigs include high-low setups with circle hooks, bank sinkers ranging from 4 to 12 ounces depending on depth and current, and tough leaders that can handle the rocks and barnacles these fish call home. Bait is king when it comes to tog - green crabs, white leggers, and Asian shore crabs are the top producers, though clams and sea worms can also get bit. The key is getting your bait right on the bottom and keeping it there, feeling for the subtle taps and pulls that signal a tautog is mouthing your offering. These fish don't slam baits like stripers or blues - they pick and nibble, requiring patience and sensitivity to detect the bite.
Tautog are the star of the show and for good reason. These thick-bodied, powerful fish average 2-5 pounds in New Jersey waters, but double-digit fish are definitely possible, especially in April when bigger females are moving shallow. What makes tog so special isn't just their fighting ability - though they'll test your tackle and technique like few other species - it's their incredible table fare. The firm, white meat is considered among the best eating fish in the Atlantic, with a sweet flavor that rivals any restaurant fish. Tautog are also masters of their environment, using their powerful jaws and pharyngeal teeth to crush crabs and mussels with ease. They're smart, structure-oriented fish that require skill to catch consistently. April fishing is particularly exciting because you're targeting fish that have been feeding all winter and are in prime condition, plus the cooler water temperatures keep them aggressive and willing to bite throughout the day.
April tautog trips with Nearfall Fishing Charters fill up fast, and for good reason - this is when some of the year's best tog fishing happens in Belmar waters. The combination of experienced crew, prime timing, and small group size creates the perfect setup for a memorable day on the water. Whether you're a seasoned tog veteran looking to add to your spring count or a newcomer wanting to experience what all the fuss is about, this trip delivers the goods. The crew's knowledge of local structure and seasonal patterns gives you the best shot at connecting with quality fish, while the 6-person limit ensures everyone gets plenty of fishing time and individual attention. Don't wait too long to secure your spot - April's weather windows can be limited, and the best fishing days book solid weeks in advance.
Get ready to chase some hard-fighting tautog off the Jersey Shore with this well-equipped 6-person fishing machine. This motorboat comes loaded with everything serious anglers need - a fish finder to locate those rocky bottom structures where blackfish love to hide, GPS and radar to keep you on the productive spots, plus VHF radio for safety. The onboard kitchen and refrigerator mean you can keep your catch fresh and grab a cold drink between bites. An ice box handles your day's haul while the multimedia system keeps spirits up during slower periods. With a private head onboard, you won't miss any action making trips back to shore. The experienced Nearfall crew knows exactly where these pound-for-pound fighters congregate around Belmar's offshore structure, and this boat has the range and electronics to get you there comfortably. April tautog fishing can be red-hot when conditions align, and this setup gives you the best shot at tangling with some serious blackfish.
Belmar, NJ