By Connor MacLeod, Portsmouth, RI
The Thrill of Tautog Fishing
Fishing has been a lifelong passion for me, and running Tall Tailz Charters in Newport, Rhode Island allows me to share that passion with others. Tautog are one of the most exciting and challenging fish to target in the Northeast. These fish are strong, smart, and notoriously stubborn. Catching a trophy tautog requires patience, skill, and preparation. Over the years, Tall Tailz Charters has earned a reputation for helping clients land some of the largest tautog in Rhode Island, including two state record fish in 2021 and 2025.
For me, it is about more than just breaking records. It is about creating experiences that are memorable, educational, and thrilling for every angler who steps aboard. Every trip is an opportunity to teach, guide, and share the joy of fishing.
The Secret Is in the Bait
One of the key elements behind our success is bait. Tautog are crustacean eaters, and their favorite is the locally caught white crab, also known as a sand crab. These crabs are small, fresh, and natural, making them irresistible to tautog.
I make it a point to trap these crabs myself. Local bait shops rarely carry them, and using anything less than premium bait can significantly reduce the chances of landing a trophy fish. By preparing our own bait, I ensure that every trip is set up for success. Both the 21.57-pound tautog caught in 2021 and the 23.94-pound tautog caught in 2025 were taken on white crabs, demonstrating how critical this small detail can be.
Expert Techniques Make the Difference
Using the right bait is only one part of the equation. Technique is just as important when targeting tautog. These fish spend most of their time near rocks, reefs, and other underwater structures. Knowing how to present the bait naturally, when to let it sit, and how to read the fish’s behavior can mean the difference between a successful catch and a missed opportunity.
I teach all of my clients the proper way to drop lines, set hooks, and handle the fish once it is caught. Tautog can be stubborn, so patience is key. Understanding the fish’s behavior and adjusting techniques on the fly allows even first-time anglers to experience success on the water.
Timing and Location Are Critical
Newport, Rhode Island, is known as the Holy Grail for tautog fishing in the Northeast. The rocky bottoms and structured reefs provide the perfect habitat for these fish. Over years of fishing these waters, I have mapped the areas where tautog are most likely to be feeding and learned the best times to target them.
Tautog are especially active during the spring and fall. During these seasons, I run numerous trips, sometimes fishing for 30 to 40 consecutive days before a weather cancellation allows a break. This schedule is demanding, but it ensures that our clients have the best opportunity to land big fish. By combining location, timing, and technique, Tall Tailz Charters consistently delivers record-breaking results.
Creating a Full Experience for Clients
A successful charter is about more than just catching fish. It is about creating a full experience for our clients. From the moment they step aboard, I focus on safety, education, and engagement. Guests learn how to tie knots, handle lines, and set hooks while gaining insight into the local waters and fish behavior.
Watching a client catch a large tautog is incredibly rewarding. Their excitement, combined with the knowledge they gain from the trip, creates memories that last long after they leave the boat. My goal is to make every trip both educational and fun, ensuring that every client leaves with a sense of accomplishment.
The Records Speak for Themselves
Tall Tailz Charters has had the honor of guiding clients to two Rhode Island state record tautog. In 2021, 17-year-old Paul Newman of New Jersey caught a 21.57-pound tautog measuring 33 inches long. That record stood for years until it was surpassed in 2024. Just one year later, on November 9, 2025, Vlad Vaynshteyn, another regular client, landed a 23.94-pound tautog measuring 33.5 inches long with a girth of 24.5 inches. Both fish took locally caught white crabs, showing that preparation, premium bait, and expert guidance make all the difference.
These accomplishments are exciting, but the true reward is helping clients experience the thrill of landing a big fish and learning skills they can use for a lifetime.
Hard Work Behind the Scenes
Running a successful charter business is demanding. Beyond the excitement of fishing, there is maintenance, preparation, and planning. On rare off days, I perform maintenance on the boat, check equipment, and ensure that everything is ready for the next trip. Every detail matters when it comes to safety, reliability, and the overall client experience.
This dedication to preparation ensures that every charter runs smoothly and that clients can focus on fishing, learning, and enjoying their time on the water.
Conclusion
From trapping white crabs to guiding clients to record-breaking tautog, every aspect of Tall Tailz Charters is designed to create unforgettable experiences. Premium bait, expert techniques, timing, and location all play a critical role in making our trips successful.
Catching a trophy tautog is thrilling, but the real reward is seeing clients enjoy the experience, learn new skills, and make lasting memories. Running Tall Tailz Charters has allowed me to combine my love for the water with a commitment to excellence, creating experiences that anglers will remember for a lifetime.
Whether it is a first-time angler or a seasoned fisherman, the combination of preparation, guidance, and premium bait gives everyone the best chance to land a big fish. At Tall Tailz Charters, we are not just catching tautog. We are creating moments, teaching skills, and sharing the joy of fishing in one of the best locations in the Northeast.