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Tautog Regulations in Maryland (2026)

Recreational tautog rules in Maryland saltwater, as published by the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Fishing and Boating Services. Last checked November 7, 2026.

Size limit
16 in minimum
Bag limit
(1) From July 1 through October 31, an individual may not catch and…
Season
(1) From July 1 through October 31, an individual may not catch and…

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Recreational Tautog rules in Maryland

Where
All waters
Size limit
An individual may not catch or possess: (1) A tautog less than 16 inches total length; and (2) A tautog from May 16 through June 30.
Bag limit
(1) From July 1 through October 31, an individual may not catch and possess more than two tautog per day. (2) From November 1 through May 15 of the following year, an individual may not catch and possess more than four tautog per day.
Season
(1) From July 1 through October 31, an individual may not catch and possess more than two tautog per day. (2) From November 1 through May 15 of the following year, an individual may not catch and possess more than four tautog per day.

Official source

Commercial rules

Show 2 commercial rules
Where
Chesapeake Bay and tidal tributaries (bays & inshore)
Size limit
16"
Season
1/1 through 5/15 - 4/person/day / SEASON CLOSED 5/16 through 6/30 / 7/1 - 10/31 - 2/person/day / 11/1 - 12/31 - 4/person/day / A pot and trap shall have hinges on one panel/door made of untreated hemp or jute string 3/16" diameter or smaller, magnesium alloy timed float releases (pop-up devices) or similar magnesium alloy fasteners or ungalvinized/uncoated iron wire of 0.094" diameter
  • DNR commercial summary table; consult COMAR and public notices for full legal text.

Official source

Where
Atlantic Ocean, coastal bays and tributaries (ocean)
Size limit
16"
Season
1/1 through 5/15 - 4/person/day / SEASON CLOSED 5/16 through 6/30 / 7/1 - 10/31 - 2/person/day / 11/1 - 12/31 - 4/person/day / A pot and trap shall have hinges on one panel/door made of untreated hemp or jute string 3/16" diameter or smaller, magnesium alloy fasteners timed float releases (pop-up devices) or similar magnesium alloy fasteners, or ungalvinized/uncoated iron wire of 0.094" diameter
  • DNR commercial summary table; consult COMAR and public notices for full legal text.

Official source

Quick answers

What is the tautog size limit in Maryland?

An individual may not catch or possess: (1) A tautog less than 16 inches total length; and (2) A tautog from May 16 through June 30..

How many tautog can I keep in Maryland?

(1) From July 1 through October 31, an individual may not catch and possess more than two tautog per day. (2) From November 1 through May 15 of the following year, an individual may not catch and possess more than four tautog per day..

When is tautog season in Maryland?

(1) From July 1 through October 31, an individual may not catch and possess more than two tautog per day. (2) From November 1 through May 15 of the following year, an individual may not catch and possess more than four tautog per day.. Whether it is open on a specific day can change by emergency rule — check today's status in the app.

Compare Tautog limits in other states →

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Source: Maryland Department of Natural Resources, Fishing and Boating Services. Most anglers need a Maryland saltwater license or registry: get one here.