Is this for real?

[theangler]

saw this on the Wall of Fame board, no way it's for real, right??

[url "http://www.bigfishtackle.com/wall/2008/December/Ruby_LippedTautog_2473.html"]http://www.bigfishtackle.com/wall/2008/December/Ruby_LippedTautog_2473.html[/url]
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[new2bass]

yup, that's real. Ugly bugger, but it's real. Also referred to as the Black Porgie. here's a blurb from wikepedia:


Tautog are brown and dark olive, with white blotches, and have plump elongated bodies. They have an average weight of 1 to 3 lb (0.5 to 1.5 kg) and reach a maximum size of 3 ft (1 m), 25 lb (11 kg).
Tautog have many adaptations to life in and around rocky areas. They have thick rubbery lips and powerful jaws. The backs of their throats contain a set of teeth resembling molars. Together these are used to pick and crush prey such as [url "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mollusk"][#002bb8]mollusks[/#002bb8][/url] and [url "http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Crustacean"][#002bb8]crustaceans[/#002bb8][/url]. Their skin also has a rubbery quality with a heavy slime covering, which helps to protect them when swimming among rocks.
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[JERSEY-COAST]

Tog are one of the best eating fish out there. There was a big bust a year or two ago in NE. Boats were keeping too many and keeping them alive to sell on the black market. They are great sushi fare. Top dollar!!!!

I am actualy going out for them this weekend! Our season in NJ runs through the winter. Great fight, hard to hook, freeze ur butt off. Its great!!
They are alos called BlackFish in some areas.
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[gdn443]

We call them Blackfish up our way. Green crabs are the choice of bait.
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[web-fisherman]

I think thats a Great looking Fish!
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[kochanut]

looks like one of my past dates
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[fsh4fun05]

I told you to stay away from my sister [laugh]!
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[Bassmaster-ND]

that's one ugly fish![]
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[tubeN2]

That looks like one of the California Sheepshead that has been in a bar room brawl. ha ha.[cool]
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[OutdoorsBlogger]

Good lord that's an ugly fish

[2brindlegreys]

When I lived in NJ the captain of the charter boat I went out on all the time would never take us fishing for that ugly fish. I knew some guys that have caught them and said they are a pretty good fight and very tasty but I never got the chance to fish for them.
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[jigs]

it looks like a halloween costume gone bad
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