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The rod and reel combo we recommend for deep water blackfish (tautog) should be capable of handling 50lb braid. The rod should be 6’6″-7″ with a fast to extra-fast action. We prefer a rod that has a little more beef to the rod to muscle the fish away from the structure.
Rods, Rigs, Jigs, Hooks - we got you covered to level up your game! Blackfish aka Tautog are one of the most sought after species during the Fall & Winter in the Northeast. Known to be a difficult fish to catch, Blackfish definitely have a knack in stealing your bait before you realize that you need to set the hook.
J&B offers jigs from Asylum, S&S, Joe Baggs, Tsunami, and Tidal Tails for shallow water jigging. We have also tested and perfected several custom tied rigs. Purchase pre-tied rigs or the components to tie them yourself. Perlon (Hard Leader), swivels, hooks, beads and more round out this collection.
Tog also known as Blackfish or properly called Tautog are a sought after species that lives in/on structure. Most rock piles and wrecks in the Mid-Atlantic and North East are home to tog. These creatures are pound for pound on of the hardest hitting saltwater species.
Whether fishing a jig or a rig, a blackfish rod is a special tool. Rods in the 7- to 8-foot range are perfect; the longer the rod, the more leverage and lifting power I have on the initial hookset. A sensitive rod is preferred by many, but sensitive and durable do not go together very often.
For light tackle blackfish (tautog) we recommend a spinning rod and reel combo suitable for 20lb fused line. The optimal rod is 6’6″ to 7′ feet long with a fast to extra-fast action and capable of handling lure weights up to 1 ounce.
Some important information to consider when choosing your rig involves knowing your environment, bay verses ocean, bottom type (a wreck verses rocks or the tubes), and the general size of the fish in that area (smaller hooks for smaller fish, and so on).
