Captain Rich Jensen has been leading successful tautog expeditions in the North Fork area for nearly 50 years. The forecast predicted a high of 28 degrees with a persistent 10-knot northeast wind throughout the day. Cold weather conditions with frozen guides are expected. From May to October, the 10-mile stretch between Greenport and Orient Point bustles with anglers, clammers, beachgoers, and farm stands. However, by 6 a.m. on November 25, the area felt deserted and quiet. Most fishermen were heading west, tracking what could be the final wave of migrating striped bass. Meanwhile, a dedicated group of blackfish anglers, some traveling from Bayville and Queens, assembled for a day of tautog fishing in Long Island Sound with the experienced Rich Jensen of Nancy Ann Charters.
Tautog enthusiasts, much like members of niche fandoms, are deeply passionate. Though their obsession doesn’t involve painting faces or adopting aliases, they eagerly seek out these bottom-dwelling fish lurking near large rocks. This community of anglers, stretching from Rhode Island to Maryland, remains close-knit, sharing techniques and venturing far in pursuit of their quarry. The rocky terrain of Long Island Sound makes it a prime destination for these determined “rockhoppers.”
The Sound and Its Unique Structure
Orient Point Light marks the churning waters of Plum Gut, a narrow passage between Long Island and Plum Island that feeds into Long Island Sound. Drivers reaching Exit 73 on the Long Island Expressway can choose to explore inland or opt for the scenic route along Sound Avenue and the North Road, offering views of rocky shores shaped by glacial movements. With an average depth of 63 feet, the Sound features boulders large enough to peek above low tide, making navigation tricky in shallower coves. Yet, these rocky formations create an ideal habitat for structure-dependent fish like blackfish.
By late fall, tautog in the Sound typically retreat to deeper waters, presenting challenges for anglers, including frequent snags and tackle loss. Fortunately, Captain Jensen, with almost 50 years of experience, knows the terrain well, providing his group with valuable lessons in tautog fishing and gear preservation.
A Blackfish Legend
Rich Jensen’s roots on the North Fork run deep. At 18, he captained the Wilhelric, a family-owned charter boat named after his grandparents and father. In the early years, winter flounder were the primary focus for local party boats. However, Jensen’s grandfather had a special fondness for spring blackfish, a target species long overlooked by most.
After gaining experience with the Wilhelric, Jensen joined the Brand X, a party boat managed by George and Jay Porter. The Porters were instrumental in locating major Long Island wrecks, an invaluable skill Jensen would master.
In 1979, Jensen purchased his own boat, the Nancy Ann, named after his childhood sweetheart and now-wife. Initially docking in Greenport, he later moved operations to Orient for more direct access to prime fishing spots. Today, his current vessel, the Nancy Ann IV, a 45-foot custom-finished Burpee, serves as a versatile fishing platform.
A Day on the Water
On a crisp November day, the group anchored over rock piles and wrecks in waters ranging from 40 to 120 feet deep. As a full moon approached, Jensen’s anchoring skills were evident. Tautog fishing blends focus with camaraderie; beer cans cracked open by 8 a.m. highlighted the relaxed, friendly atmosphere aboard the Nancy Ann. The regulars who fish with Jensen each year return for both the quality fishing and his skillful guidance.
Insider Knowledge and Preservation Efforts
Jensen’s nearly five-decade career has produced numerous double-digit tautog catches. Although fewer jumbo blackfish appear today, fish weighing 7 to 8 pounds remain common. His focus on sustainable practices and minimizing mortality through careful rigging and baiting techniques reflects his commitment to the fishery.
Despite challenges, such as regulatory complexities in different zones of Long Island’s tautog fishery, Jensen continues to advocate for his community of captains. As one of the most experienced guides, his voice resonates within the North Fork Captains Association, promoting both conservation and collaboration.
Image/Source: OnTheWater
