South of Cape Cod, they can be found up to 40 miles offshore and in water up to 120 feet deep. During spring, as water temperatures approach 48 F, tautog migrate inshore to spawn in estuaries and near shore marine waters. Toward the southern end of their range, some adults may remain offshore throughout the year. Throughout their life, tautog can be found associated with structured habitats. Shallow, vegetated habitats of estuaries and inshore areas serve as juvenile nurseries.
Larger juveniles join adults offshore in deeper waters.
North of Long Island, New York, tautog are generally found around rocks and boulders. Toward the south, tautog often inhabit wrecks, jetties, natural and artificial reefs, and shellfish beds. They are also often found near the mouths of estuaries and other inlets. Adults stay close to their preferred home site and, although they may move away during the day to feed, they return to the same general location at night where they become dormant and may actually sleep. Since 1980, landings have averaged about 8.1 million pounds, with recreational catches accounting for 90 percent of the total.