TAUTOG FISHING IN OCEAN CITY, MARYLAND
Book a Custom Ivy Sea Trip to Target These Hard-Fighting Bottom Fish
If you’re looking for a unique and hands-on fishing experience in Ocean City, Maryland, tautog fishing (also known as blackfish) should be on your radar. These structure-loving fish are notorious for their stubborn bite, head-shaking fights, and excellent flavor at the dinner table.
While not part of the daily rotation aboard the Get Sum, tautog trips are available by custom charter aboard the Ivy Sea — a fast, sleek Pathfinder 2600 TRS perfectly suited for casting and bottom fishing missions when conditions are right.
What Makes Tautog So Special?
Tautog (Tautoga onitis) are bottom-dwelling fish commonly found around rocks, reefs, jetties, and wrecks. Known for their strong jaws and tough personalities, they’re a favorite among inshore anglers along the Mid-Atlantic. In Ocean City, tautog are most commonly caught in:
- The Ocean City Inlet
- Rocky areas between Sunset Marina and the Ocean City Fishing Center
- Along the south jetty
- On inshore wrecks and reefs, weather permitting
These fish love tight structure and will often strike hard, then dive straight into the rocks — making them a true test of angling skill and quick reflexes.
Best Time of Year to Catch Tautog in Ocean City
Tautog fishing in Ocean City is highly seasonal and best during cooler months, especially:
- April through early May
- Late October through December
The fish are more active during these windows and easier to locate around known structure. Note: There is typically a closed season in June, so trips are offered before and after this period.
The Ivy Sea – Your Ride to the Rocks
All tautog trips are run aboard the Ivy Sea, our custom 2023 Pathfinder 2600 TRS. This boat is:
- Designed for custom casting trips and specialty species
- Outfitted with advanced electronics and safety equipment
- Perfect for reaching inshore wrecks and maneuvering tight areas around bridges, jetties, and rock piles
- Ideal for anglers looking to target multiple species on a single outing — tautog included
Weather is a key factor for these trips. On calm days, the Ivy Sea may venture out to nearshore wrecks, while rougher conditions will keep us focused on inlet and bridge structure, where tautog are still plentiful.
How We Fish for Tautog
Tautog fishing is about precision, patience, and the right gear. On your custom Ivy Sea trip, we provide:
- Heavy-duty bottom rigs designed for fishing tight to structure
- Live and cut bait, including green crab and sand fleas — tautog favorites
- Medium-heavy rods with sensitive tips to detect subtle bites
The method is simple but effective: drop straight down near rocks, stay alert, and hold on — these fish hit hard and dive fast.
Why Tautog Are a Top Catch for Foodies
Besides being a blast to catch, tautog are also known for their firm, white meat and rich flavor. Often compared to lobster or crab, tautog fillets are fantastic when grilled, pan-fried, or even made into fish cakes or chowder.
At the end of your trip, Captain Nick will clean and bag your fish at the dock, so you’re ready to take it straight to the kitchen — or to a local restaurant that will cook your catch.
Besides being a blast to catch, tautog are also known for their firm, white meat and rich flavor. Often compared to lobster or crab, tautog fillets are fantastic when grilled, pan-fried, or even made into fish cakes or chowder.
At the end of your trip, Captain Nick will clean and bag your fish at the dock, so you’re ready to take it straight to the kitchen — or to a local restaurant that will cook your catch.
Great for Serious Anglers and Adventurous Families
Tautog trips can be customized for:
- Experienced anglers looking to chase something different
- Small groups or families interested in a more technical, interactive style of fishing
- Off-season visitors wanting a great fishing experience when other species are less active
While tautog require a little more finesse than some other inshore fish, the reward is well worth it.
OCMD Family Fishing Fun
Tautog fishing in Ocean City, Maryland offers a thrilling and rewarding experience for anglers who enjoy structure fishing and powerful fights. These fish may not always be easy to catch, but when you do — it’s unforgettable.
📍 All tautog trips are weather-dependent and offered through the Ivy Sea by request only.
Ready to book your custom tautog charter?
📞 Call (410) 430-5709 or request a charter online to reserve your spot and experience the best Ocean City fishing this season.
WHAT WE CATCH
From everyday favorites like flounder and striped bass to exciting surprises like bluefish, tautog, speckled trout, and even the occasional shark or redfish, the waters around Ocean City, Maryland are full of action. Whether you’re casting near bridges, drifting the bay, or exploring nearshore wrecks, every trip offers something new. See the full list of species we catch →
