Evolutionary Relationships: The blackfish or tautog (Tautoga onitis) is a member of the Family Labridae (The Wrasses). Other wrasses that are targeted by recreational anglers include the bergall (Tautogolabrus adspersus), Napoleonfish (Cheilinus undulates) and California Sheepshead (Semicossyphus pulcher). Wrasses belong to the suborder Labroidei (e.g., Parrotfishes, Rainbowfishes, and Wrasses) which contains six families, totaling over 2,200 species. Five of these families are popular among fish-keeping hobbyists: Cichlidae (the cichlids, 1300 species), Embiotocidae (the surfperches, 23 species), Pomacentridae (the damselfishes, 315 species), and Scaridae (the parrotfishes, 80 species).

Distribution: Tautog occur in structured habitat (e.g., rock piles, wrecks, or reefs) from Nova Scotia to South Carolina. They are most common from Cape Cod to Delaware.

Feeding Habits: Tautog are specialized benthic predators. They have deep, muscular bodies, which enable them to maneuver easily through structured terrain (This is in contrast to pelagic predators like sailfish which are long-bodied and poor at maneuvering within short distances). Underneath their thick rubbery lips are powerful jaws with molar-like teeth that are used to crush a variety of hard-shelled (e.g., mussels, clams, crabs, barnacles) and soft-shelled (e.g., worms) invertebrate prey. Tautog also have teeth in the back of their throat, called pharyngeal teeth, which enable them to pulverize and sort hard food items.

 

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Reproductive Biology: The tautog is a slow-growing fish. They may grow as old as 35-40 years of age (about 25lbs). However, the average-sized tautog is only about 6-10 years old (2-4lbs). Sex can easily be distinguished in tautog by facial morphology and body coloration. Males tend have a robust white-colored chin and gray dorsal/white ventral body coloration. In contrast, the chin of females is less extreme and their bodies usually are mottled and brown in color. Males usually grow faster than females. Thus, larger sized fish tend to be males. Tautog are believed to grow faster in the more southern parts of their native range possibly due to more favorable conditions such as higher annual water temperature and prey diversity.

From http://www.jcaa.org/jcnl9508/9508TAUT.htm: In the northern parts of their distribution, breeding occurs during April and August, which coincides with the tautog no-fishing season here in NY. Tautog probably reach maturity between 2-4 years of age (up to 12”). A mature female typically contains over 600,000 eggs. During the Spring when water temperatures reach about 50ºF, adults migrate inshore and spawn in estuaries or coastal areas. Spawning peaks in June and usually lasts throughout the summer. Tautog typically mate in pairs, but group mating is known to occur under certain conditions. After a long courtship display, involving nuzzling and rubbing of each other’s bodies, the spawning fish quickly swim to the water surface and release their gametes into the water column. Fertilized eggs are bouyant and hatch in about two days. After three weeks, the larvae undergo metamorphosis, becoming juveniles which settle to the bottom and begin a lifestyle associated with bottom structure. Juveniles that seek protection in sea grass beds are usually olive-green in color while those in rocky habitat are mottled and dark brown. After a few years, all young fish will turn black in color and settle into rocky environments.


US Fishing Interest: EXTREMELY HIGH
Based on conversations that I've had with experienced tautog anglers, the populatiry of tautog fishing seems to be a recent phenomena. Reasons vary, but increased fishing pressure and stricter regulations on other species (e.g., striped bass, flounder) may be contributing causes. Once considered a "junk" fish, the tautog is now highly touted. The number of theories and tactics that are out there for catching tautog seems almost endless. Some anglers even believe that fishing for tautog is the most difficult type of fishing around.

Tautog are a very strong and tough fighting fish. Infamous for being extremely challenging to hook, catching trophy-sized (10+lb) tautog is a feat that few anglers have accomplished. Once hooked, a large tautog will dive down into or through structure intentionally to try to hang up and break free the fishing line. The tautog season typically is during winter months, making the tautog one of the most physically and mentally grueling type of fishing that an angler can try.

World Record:
Anthony R. Monica caught the world record tautog of 25lbs:

(Photo from: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/rectaut.htm)

On January 20, 1998, Mr. Monica was fishing on the North Star party boat out of Ocean City, NJ when he caught this 34 ½“ length and 28 ¼” girth tautog. Sources say that marine conditions were difficult that with 6-8 ft. waves, heavy winds, and snow. This fish was caught on a 64 1/2" Custom rod with a Penn Model 501 spooled with Ande Pink 30 lb. test monofilament line.
 

Historical Impact:
From http://www.mi.nmfs.gov/tautog.html: Research into farm-raising tautog has become very important due to the following factors:

References and Further Reading:
Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries website: http://www.mass.gov/dfwele/dmf/recreatio...tautog.htm

New Jersey Division of Fish and Wildlife website: http://www.state.nj.us/dep/fgw/rectaut.htm

National Marine Fisheries Service Milford Laboratory website: http://www.mi.nmfs.gov/tautog.html

Jersey Coast Angler’s Association website: http://www.jcaa.org/jcnl9508/9508TAUT.htm

See also: http://ppark728.blogspot.com/2011/01/i.html