Tautog and Speckled Trout Bite Picking Up

Nice Tautogs

A big warm up is coming this week! As water temperatures in the bay rise this month, anglers can anticipate an increase in the tautog bite. These fish, also known as blackfish, become more active and available when the water temperature exceeds 44 degrees Fahrenheit. When the bay temperature reaches 50 degrees, the rock islands of the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel (CBBT) become an ideal location for catching tautog. However, these fish can be found in various other structures throughout the bay and ocean.

Prime Locations for Tautog

While the CBBT rock islands are a top spot, there are several other popular areas where tautog can be found:

• The Back River Reef: Known for its productive fishing grounds, this reef attracts tautog and other species.
• The Cell: This area is rich in marine life and provides ample structure for tautog to thrive.
• Tower Reef: Another favored location among anglers, offering a good chance of tautog bites.
• The Concrete Ships: These sunken structures are hotspots for tautog, providing plenty of hiding spots.
• Cape Henry Wreck: A well-known wreck site that draws tautog and other fish species.
• The Santore and The Winthrop: Both wrecks are frequented by anglers targeting tautog.
• The Triangle Wrecks: This collection of wrecks is a prime location for tautog fishing.
• Other Wrecks and Structures: Tautog can be found in any wreck or structure that offers shelter and food.

Effective Baits for Tautog

To successfully catch tautog, anglers should use the following baits:

• Crabs: Blue crabs, fiddler crabs, marsh crabs, and mole crabs are particularly effective.
• Strips of Clam: These can attract tautog and entice them to bite.
• Whelk: Another bait option that can work well for tautog.

Puppy Drum with the trout

Speckled Trout Reports

In addition to tautog, there have been promising reports of speckled trout and puppy drum in the rivers and a few from area inlets. While the activity has been limited so far, it is expected to pick up any day.

Optimizing Your Speckled Trout Fishing

To maximize your chances of catching speckled trout, consider the following tips:

• Monitor Water Temperature: Speckled trout are more active in warmer waters, so keep an eye on temperature changes.
• Target Shallow Waters: These fish often move to shallower waters as temperatures rise.
• Baits: Live shrimp and small baitfish can be very effective in attracting speckled trout. Captain Todd Beck, Knot Wish’n Charters at Rudee Inlet likes using Saltwater Assassins now.
• Focus on Structure: Just like tautog, speckled trout are attracted to structures such as docks, piers, and submerged vegetation.

So, as the water temperatures in the bay, rivers and inlets continue to rise, the opportunities for fishing tautog and speckled trout will increase. By targeting the right locations, using effective baits, and monitoring water conditions, anglers can enhance their chances of a successful fishing trip. Whether you prefer the islands of the CBBT or the numerous wrecks and reefs scattered throughout the bay, there are plenty of opportunities to catch these prized fish. So, gear up, head out, and enjoy the thrill of fishing in the bay as the season heats up.