Also known as New York Tautog and New York Black-fish. They frequent our coast from Massachusetts to Virginia, from May to October. Usual weight from two to four pounds; some few attain ten or fifteen pounds. Tautogs are found near rocks, reefs, and wrecks, in shoal water; do not ascend rivers. They retire into deep water in gloomy weather, and are shy of thunder. No fish of their size pull more strongly or bite sharper. The angling is all bottom-fishing. Trolling is done with a stout rod of from twelve to fifteen feet. Line flaxen, from seventy-five to one hundred feet, with snell; hook, Black-fish, from No. 10 downward; use sinker. Bait with clam, crab, shrimp, worm, mussels, or flesh. Pull firmly and quickly.