New Jersey · Jersey Shore
TAUTOG FISHING
IN POINT PLEASANT BEACH
Point Pleasant Beach is an excellent destination for tautog fishing, with peak season in April, October, November and good catches in May, December. Book a charter and target tautog with local experts.
About Tautog Fishing in Point Pleasant Beach
Also called Blackfish, tautog are tough bottom dwellers found around rocky reefs, jetties, and wrecks from Virginia to Massachusetts. Revered for their sweet, firm flesh and challenging bait-stealing tactics that test even experienced anglers.
Tautog — called Blackfish in most of the Northeast — are tough, structure-oriented fish found around rocky reefs, jetties, bridge pilings, and wrecks from Virginia to Massachusetts. They are chunky, dark-colored fish with thick, rubbery lips and powerful pharyngeal teeth (in the throat) designed for crushing crabs, mussels, and barnacles. Tautog are one of the premier fall and spring species in the Northeast, providing excellent fishing when most other species have migrated. Their flesh is sweet, firm, and white — considered among the best eating in the ocean.
Scientific name: Tautoga onitis
Tautog Seasonal Calendar — Point Pleasant Beach
Month-by-month availability for tautog in Point Pleasant Beach, NJ.
How to Catch Tautog in Point Pleasant Beach
Techniques & Bait
Green crabs (the #1 bait in the Northeast) or Asian shore crabs presented on a jig head (1/2-2 oz) directly against structure — rocks, wrecks, or jetties — is the standard technique. The key is keeping the bait on the bottom, tight to structure. Blackfish jigs (specialized weighted hooks) with a whole crab or half a crab work well. In Virginia and the Chesapeake, blue crab pieces are the preferred bait. The bite is subtle — watch for a light "tap-tap" and set immediately, as tautog will retreat into structure if given the chance.
Recommended Tackle
Medium to medium-heavy rod (6'6"-7 ft), 3000-4000 reel, 20-30 lb braid (braid is essential for sensitivity and winching fish out of structure), 20-30 lb fluorocarbon leader, blackfish jigs or sinker rigs (1/2-2 oz), size 2/0-4/0 hooks.
Best Nearshore Fishing Spots in Point Pleasant Beach
Top spots where local captains target tautog and other nearshore species.
Sea Girt Reef
Sea Girt Reef is a permitted artificial reef site located approximately two miles off Sea Girt in 55 feet of water, just north of Point Pleasant Beach. The reef is built with concrete, steel, and subway cars that attract black sea bass, tautog, summer flounder, and ling in remarkable concentrations. Its proximity to Manasquan Inlet makes it one of the quickest and most popular nearshore bottom-fishing destinations from Point Pleasant.
Manasquan Inlet Jetties
The rock jetties at Manasquan Inlet extend into the Atlantic on both the Point Pleasant and Manasquan sides, providing walk-on access to productive nearshore structure fishing. Tautog, striped bass, sheepshead, and bluefish hold along the submerged rocks where tidal currents create feeding lanes around the jetty's length. Fall tautog fishing on the Manasquan jetties is among the best shore-based tog fishing in New Jersey.
Point Pleasant Surf Zone
The surf zone along Point Pleasant Beach and adjacent Jenkinson's Beach provides consistent shore-based fishing for striped bass, bluefish, kingfish, and fluke in the troughs along the beachfront. The beach's rock groins concentrate baitfish and create current seams that attract predators, particularly during the fall striped bass migration. Dawn and dusk sessions in the Point Pleasant surf produce some of the best shore-fishing on the central Jersey coast.
Axel Carlson Reef
The Axel Carlson Reef is a nearshore artificial reef site south of Manasquan Inlet in approximately 50 feet of water, deployed with concrete and steel structures. Black sea bass, tautog, and summer flounder congregate on the reef throughout the year, with peak fishing during spring and fall seasons. The reef's easy access from Manasquan Inlet makes it a reliable half-day option for both charter and private boats.
Other Species in Point Pleasant Beach
More fish you can target while visiting Point Pleasant Beach.
Tautog Fishing in Point Pleasant Beach — FAQ
The peak months for Tautog fishing in Point Pleasant Beach are April, October, November. During these months, Tautog are most active and abundant in the Point Pleasant Beach area.
Tautog fishing charters in Point Pleasant Beach are typically nearshore trips. Prices vary by trip duration and group size. Most charters include all gear, bait, licenses, and fish cleaning.
Green crabs (the #1 bait in the Northeast) or Asian shore crabs presented on a jig head (1/2-2 oz) directly against structure — rocks, wrecks, or jetties — is the standard technique. The key is keeping the bait on the bottom, tight to structure. Blackfish jigs (specialized weighted hooks) with a whole crab or half a crab work well. In Virginia and the Chesapeake, blue crab pieces are the preferred bait. The bite is subtle — watch for a light "tap-tap" and set immediately, as tautog will retreat into structure if given the chance.
No — when you book a charter in Point Pleasant Beach, your captain provides all required New Jersey fishing licenses as part of the trip.
Tautog regulations in New Jersey include minimum size limits and bag limits that vary by season. Your captain will know the current regulations and ensure compliance.
While targeting Tautog in Point Pleasant Beach, you may also catch Striped Bass, Fluke, Bluefish, Black Sea Bass, Porgy. Many charter trips target multiple species for the best action.
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