Seems like a lot of people target these fish. I didnt want to derail the other thread but wanted to get some talk on tactics for catching them. I've been wanting to target fluke and blackfish the last few years but never bother since I get wrapped up chasing bass. Since I became a converted bottom fisherman thanks to a guy on this board (and my inability to find stripers this year) I really want to target blackfish. Here some dumb questions.

1. In fall, how deep do you fish? Do you cast to structure, or just drop straight down from the boat?
2. Are they boulder fish or reef/rock ledge fish? I've always caught them from shore on jetties or on rocky bars. I know some deep water rock ledge areas that I never see anyone fish, is it worth the time?
3. Is morning usually the best or does the bite last all day?

looking forward to the feedback. I just got an email that my crab trap has shipped, I plan to start fishing for these fish in October.

I fished Buzzards Bay exclusively so my comments may not apply to R.I. areas. I found that early morning moving tide worked best but based on moving water they will feed all day. It didn't really matter if it was high to low or the reverse. The structure is rockpiles below and you need to anchor up as drifting never worked well. Depths range from 14 feet to plus 40 depending on where your fishing.
Heed the advice of rockpile fisherman and always retrieve your anchor pulling straight up. (take the time to motor right up to it) I've bent several anchors trying to pull it thru the boulders in a hurry to change spots or head for the barn due to changes in weather conditions. I used to motor just beyond the rockpile, drop the anchor and drift back into the field to save my arms on the retrieve.
Tautog seem to travel in small groups and move from boulder to boulder seeking crabs and mollusks. When your anchored up you'll see on your fish finder a family of them come under the boat and stay for as long as you're feeding them (a chum bag of crushed clams/mussels etc works very well to hold them but not a necessity).
Green crabs are the ticket for fall fishing pulling off the legs and claws and hooking them through the back leg and into the "V" on it's bottom (#3 or #4 tautog hooks). Save any large claws for emergency baits as you can't believe how quickly you can run out.
Technique: Tautog crush the crab in their strong jaws so when you feel some resistance set the hook and pull up hard as they will head for the boulders and try to wrap you up. You'll be impressed with the power they can exert in those first few seconds.

I would add that if you get anchored where you want but the bite is slow, don't be afraid to move around a little. Pull up on your anchor line, let back, sometimes moving 10ft can make all the difference in the world. I have had times where 1 side of the boat was catching and guys on the other side went empty, just a span of 10ft.
It's a lot of fun when your on them, my kids love tautog fishing.

thanks, Im looking forward to it. I have some areas in mind I want to try in Narr Bay and Jamestown. They seem more like rocky ledge areas but we'll see

Great Point regarding moving around. I'd let out an additional 15 -20 feet at a time before I'd lift the anchor and make a move. I've seen some guys put out 2 anchors to try and hold them on a spot when the bite is really on. When you find the hot spot, make sure you waypoint it cause there's a reason they are there.

Jim:
Just like fluke, depth can vary.
we typically fish from 70-95 ft and have had some of our best days and largest fish in 101-103ft.

in oct, think 40-50ft. I'll point you towards some spots when it gets closer.

looks like I'd better get a longer anchor rope!

fished 25-35' of water last fall. caught my fist one of the season yesterday while sea bassing. i'm gonna try handlining a little for them this year. and buy a spare anchor

fished 25-35' of water last fall. caught my fist one of the season yesterday while sea bassing. i'm gonna try handlining a little for them this year. and buy a spare anchor

Get a grapple anchor, at least you can pull the damn thing out.
I've lost 4 danforth's in wrecks, I ain't doing them anymore when I tog fish

Seems like a lot of people target these fish. I didnt want to derail the other thread but wanted to get some talk on tactics for catching them. I've been wanting to target fluke and blackfish the last few years but never bother since I get wrapped up chasing bass. Since I became a converted bottom fisherman thanks to a guy on this board (and my inability to find stripers this year) I really want to target blackfish. Here some dumb questions.

1. In fall, how deep do you fish? Do you cast to structure, or just drop straight down from the boat?
2. Are they boulder fish or reef/rock ledge fish? I've always caught them from shore on jetties or on rocky bars. I know some deep water rock ledge areas that I never see anyone fish, is it worth the time?
3. Is morning usually the best or does the bite last all day?

looking forward to the feedback. I just got an email that my crab trap has shipped, I plan to start fishing for these fish in October.

I can show you the ropes or just tell you about them. PM me if you wanna go out. It's starting to heat up. I'll bring the bait. :)

if anyone has a open spot in soco, let me know! i would love to partake in the hunt!
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

RIJ;

yep, real rookie Questions ;

all the answers you have received are correct @ a given time .they are also way wrong @ a given time ;;

Start fishing for them now .&& you may have a clue when it gets better & better .

there are enough around now for you to target them & the by catch now makes a nice mixed bag ><><><><><:fishin:

Mike

Most frustrating fish I have ever harassed. Thougts of dynamite crossed my mind.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

Most frustrating fish I have ever harassed. Thougts of dynamite crossed my mind.
Posted from my iPhone/Mobile device

:rotf2:

Whats great is when you think you are doing well and some old portagee shows up with some bust rod that's missing a tip and 3 guides but yet he out fishes you 3:1 :buds:

:rotf2:

Whats great is when you think you are doing well and some old portagee shows up with some bust rod that's missing a tip and 3 guides but yet he out fishes you 3:1 :buds:

yup, kinda like standing on goat island bridge next to the asian women that have no problem filling buckets

:rotf2:

Whats great is when you think you are doing well and some old portagee shows up with some bust rod that's missing a tip and 3 guides but yet he out fishes you 3:1 :buds:

Irishman can catch too....

:rotf2:

Whats great is when you think you are doing well and some old portagee shows up with some bust rod that's missing a tip and 3 guides but yet he out fishes you 3:1 :buds:

RIROCKHOUND AND GOOSEFISH TALLY- 15 or 20 fish...


NEBE TALLY- 0 :smash::smash::smash::smash::smash:

15 -20 +++0


SOUNDS ABOUT RIGHT

ya need the touch // :fishin:

I am also on the short end of the tally.One trip last Nov out front with Rob Taylor resulted in a lot of stolen bait and one tautog. It was 7 or 8 pounds though.Oh yeh,Rob cleaned up while I scratched my ***.

Irishman can catch too....


yes... we can :grins:

have any of you started fishing for them yet? I am getting the urge. I think next week I may give it a try.

I was out 3 times last week with 3 of in the boat all 3 times. Limits with 1st trip keeping nothing under 18 inches had our limit in 45 mins. 2nd time I had 9 keepers in 30 mins but we culled to keep nothing under 19" 3rd trip was a short one and we had 6 fish around 7lbs and one fish at 17". If you find them you should be able to catch them! Bring lots of lead and lots of hooks!!!

have any of you started fishing for them yet? I am getting the urge. I think next week I may give it a try.

We were out in BB Sunday, had 5 people on the boat ( 3 kids ) and took a limit in about 3 hours. We had 3 fish over 8 lbs, fishing in about 18 - 25 ft. Great time!!