Caught on hard bottom in about 60ft off Cape Lookout. Mixed in with sea bass, etc. Had a nice set of teeth to go with the big lips - sharper than a sheepshead but not sharp like a pelagic fish. My first instinct was Tautog, but I'm not sure.... 
Looks like a tog to me.
Tautog
Your first instinct was right. Hope you kept it they are supposed to be delicious!!
Tautog. In New York AKA blackfish. They will grow quite large 10 to 15 pounds is not uncommon. You will find them around wrecks and rock piles. Very good on the table. Firm white meat.
TAUTOG!!!!!!!!! You don't have to tell me exactly where u caught him, but were u around a wreck or a good rocky structure? A buddy and myself are trying to figure out how to target them offshore/nearshore during the winter. We have caught some offshore, but the biggest problem is getting thru all the BSB, we've tried different bait, but the bass gulp up about everything u throw down (even crabs and clams). Nice tog by the way. Very good to eat. thanks in advance.
Hard bottom. 2 hook bottom rig, 3/0 circle hook, cut shrimp. We ate it last night - excellent. Thanks for the feedback.