Can I Keep?Tautog Regulations in Massachusetts (2026)
Recreational tautog rules in Massachusetts saltwater, as published by the Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries. Last checked November 7, 2026.
Limits differ by area — the summary below is the first published rule; see every rule underneath.
Can I keep it today? Check your harbor & date
Recreational Tautog rules in Massachusetts
- Where
- Statewide
- Size limit
- Min: 16" Only one fish may exceed 21"
- Bag limit
- 3 fish (Apr 1 - May 31); 1 fish (Jun 1 - Jul 31); 3 fish (Aug 1 - Oct 14); 5 fish (Oct 15 - Dec 31)
- Season
- Apr 1 - May 31; Jun 1 - Jul 31; Aug 1 - Oct 14; Oct 15 - Dec 31
- Tautog: When the tautog fishery is open, private anglers are subject to 10-fish maximum tautog limit for the vessel. The most restrictive limit of the per angler bag limit or per vessel maximum limit applies. During any open season an angler may retain, possess, and land one trophy fish exceeding the 21" maximum size per calendar day.
- For any dates not listed in the "Season" column, the recreational fishery is closed.
- Where
- Federal waters (EEZ) (ocean)
- Size limit
- None
- Bag limit
- Unlimited
- Season
- All year
- Federal (EEZ) regulation published by NOAA Fisheries GARFO; Massachusetts state-waters rules may differ.
Commercial rules
Show 1 commercial rule
- Where
- Statewide
- Size limit
- 16 in.
- Bag limit
- 40 fish
- Season
- 9/1 - Quota (Sun - Sat)
- Tautog: Commercial fishers are required to tag their commercial catch of tautog through the operculum with a metal Tautog ID tag upon the completion of commercial fishing activity that day and prior to sale or carring. It is unlawful to sell any tautog or for any dealer to receive a tautog that does not bear a Tautog ID tag in its operculum. Tautog ID tags will be provided to tautog permit holders by DMF in advance of the September 1 start of the season. However, fishers must obtain the tag applicator independently. Commercial fishers will be required to return all unused tags and submit a tagging report to DMF following the close of the fishery.
- 'Quota' in the season column: the fishery runs until DMF closes it when the quota is taken (see Fishery Closure Notices); open/closed status is therefore not computed.
- Open days: Sun - Sat
- DMF commercial regulations tables were updated on July 1, 2026.
- Status 'closed' per DMF notice of 2026-10-23: "2026 Commercial Tautog Fishery to Close Effective Tuesday, October 27" (https://www.mass.gov/doc/102326-2026-commercial-tautog-fishery-to-close-effective-tuesday-october-27/download).
Quick answers
What is the tautog size limit in Massachusetts?
Min: 16" Only one fish may exceed 21" (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
How many tautog can I keep in Massachusetts?
3 fish (Apr 1 - May 31); 1 fish (Jun 1 - Jul 31); 3 fish (Aug 1 - Oct 14); 5 fish (Oct 15 - Dec 31) (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).
When is tautog season in Massachusetts?
Apr 1 - May 31; Jun 1 - Jul 31; Aug 1 - Oct 14; Oct 15 - Dec 31. 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 →
More reef fish in Massachusetts
All Massachusetts saltwater fishing regulations →
Source: Massachusetts Division of Marine Fisheries. Most anglers need a Massachusetts saltwater license or registry: get one here.