The marine fishing records of New York reveal that the record tautog caught is 19 pounds 12 ounces, taken in 1992. Usually anglers catch fish from 1.5 to 3 pounds. To the right a female tautog feeds on invertebrates growing on a Long Island fishing reef. The greenish coloration in the fins is caused by this fish's diet, primarily blue mussels. Photograph by Herb Segars, Undersea Photo .
Tautog feed on mostly mussels, clams and crabs.
They will take crabs, clams and worms as bait. The size limit is 14 inches at all times. Be sure to check the recreational size and catch limits before you go fishing. This page was last modified Friday, March 31, 2000.