5.0(1 Reviews)Extended Half Day Tautog Fishing in Rhode Island
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
Inshore Fishing
Sixhour inshore fishing adventure targeting hardfighting tautog speciesLight and heavy tackle fishing around wrecks and rocky bottom structuresAvailable September through October with early morning departures
Looking for some serious bottom fishing action? This 6-hour tautog trip puts you right where these hard-fighting fish love to hang out. Captain knows exactly where to find the best wrecks and rocky structure along Rhode Island's coast, and he's got the fresh bait and tackle to make it happen. Running Tuesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays from September through October, this is prime time for blackfish fishing. Early 6 AM departure means you'll beat the crowds and hit the productive spots while the fish are still feeding. At $600 for up to 4 anglers, you're getting a full day of quality fishing without breaking the bank.
Your captain greets you at the dock with a clean, well-maintained boat stocked with plenty of live bait and all the gear you'll need. No need to worry about tackle - he's got both light and heavy setups ready depending on what we're seeing down there. The game plan is hitting productive wrecks and rocky bottoms where tautog love to hole up during feeding times. These fish are structure oriented, so we'll be anchoring up on spots that have produced consistently. Six hours gives us plenty of time to work multiple locations if needed, and you'll likely see some bonus species like sea bass, porgy, and maybe even a surprise or two. The captain reads the conditions well and adjusts the approach based on tide, weather, and what the fish are telling us.
Tautog fishing is all about precision and patience. We're talking about fish that live tight to structure - old wrecks, boulder fields, and rocky ledges where they feed on crabs, mussels, and other shellfish. The captain sets up over proven spots using GPS and fish finder technology to locate the exact structure these fish call home. You'll be using bottom rigs with circle hooks and sinkers heavy enough to hold in the current. The key is getting your bait right down into the rocks where the fish are hiding. These aren't fish that chase lures around - they want fresh crab or green crab presented right in their feeding zone. The captain teaches proper technique for feeling the subtle tautog bite, which can be tricky for first-timers. When you hook one, get ready for a bulldogging fight straight down toward the bottom.
"The captain was ready when we arrived, and the boat was spotless and clearly well cared for. He came fully stocked with plenty of fresh, live bait—more than enough for the day. Throughout the trip, he was friendly, professional, and clearly knew his stuff. We landed our main target, Tautog, and also picked up some Sea Bass, Porgy, and even a Puffer Fish. The equipment was top-notch and worked flawlessly. If I get the chance, I'd love to return and try for Bonito with him next time!" - David
Tautog, locally called blackfish, are one of Rhode Island's most prized bottom fish and for good reason. These thick-bodied fighters average 2-4 pounds with keeper fish over 16 inches, though you'll occasionally hook into a real bruiser pushing 6-8 pounds or more. September and October represent peak season when these fish feed heavily before winter, making them more aggressive and easier to target. What makes tautog special is their incredible fight - they use their broad body and powerful tail to bulldoze straight down toward structure, testing your drag and arm strength. Their feeding behavior revolves around crushing shellfish with powerful pharyngeal teeth, so they prefer natural baits like green crabs, white leggers, and Asian shore crabs. The meat is absolutely premium - firm, white, and sweet with no muddy taste. Many consider tautog the best eating fish in New England waters. They're also smart fish that require skill to catch consistently, making a successful day feel well-earned. Rhode Island's rocky coastline and abundant wreck sites provide perfect habitat, supporting some of the healthiest tautog populations on the East Coast.
October tautog fishing doesn't last forever, and the good captains book up fast during peak season. This extended half-day format gives you the best of both worlds - enough time on the water to really get into the fish, but you're still back to shore by early afternoon. The 4-person capacity keeps things comfortable and ensures everyone gets plenty of fishing time. Captain's local knowledge of productive wrecks and structure, combined with top-notch gear and fresh bait, sets you up for success. Whether you're a seasoned bottom fisherman or new to targeting tautog, this trip delivers the goods. Check availability now and get ready for some of the best inshore fishing Rhode Island has to offer. These blackfish are waiting, and the captain knows exactly where to find them.
Hit the waters off Rhode Island aboard this reliable 23-foot Maycraft cabin cruiser for your tautog fishing adventure. Built in 2001 and powered by a 150HP Yamaha engine, this solid fishing boat gets you to the productive wrecks and rocky structure where blackfish hang out. With seating for up to 4 anglers, there's plenty of room to work both light and heavy tackle without bumping elbows. The onboard fish finder helps locate those structure-hugging tautog, while GPS keeps you on the best spots. Radar ensures safe navigation in changing conditions, and the icebox keeps your catch fresh and drinks cold during the 6-hour trip. This boat's 20-knot cruising speed gets you to the fishing grounds efficiently, giving you more time with lines in the water targeting Rhode Island's hardest fighting inshore species.
5.0 out of 5.0The captain was ready when we arrived, and the boat was spotless and clearly well cared for. He came fully stocked with plenty of ...
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