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Tautog Regulations in Rhode Island (2026)

Recreational tautog rules in Rhode Island saltwater, as published by the Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, 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.

Size limit
16 in minimum
Bag limit
4/1 - 5/31: 3 fish/person/day; 6/1 - 7/31: CLOSED; 8/1 - 10/14: 3…
Season
4/1 - 5/31; 6/1 - 7/31 (CLOSED); 8/1 - 10/14; 10/15 - 12/31

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Recreational Tautog rules in Rhode Island

Where
Statewide
Size limit
16"; Only one fish may be greater than 21"; Max of 10 fish/vsl during all periods
Bag limit
4/1 - 5/31: 3 fish/person/day; 6/1 - 7/31: CLOSED; 8/1 - 10/14: 3 fish/person/day; 10/15 - 12/31: 5 fish/person/day
Season
4/1 - 5/31; 6/1 - 7/31 (CLOSED); 8/1 - 10/14; 10/15 - 12/31

Official source

Where
Party and Charter
Size limit
16"; Only one fish may be greater than 21"
Bag limit
4/1 - 5/31: 3 fish/person/day; 6/1 - 7/31: CLOSED; 8/1 - 10/14: 3 fish/person/day; 10/15 - 12/31: 5 fish/person/day
Season
4/1 - 5/31; 6/1 - 7/31 (CLOSED); 8/1 - 10/14; 10/15 - 12/31

Official source

Commercial rules

Show 1 commercial rule
Where
Statewide
Size limit
16"
Bag limit
10 fish
Season
Sub-Periods; 4/1 - 5/31; 8/1 - 9/15; 10/15 - 12/31

Official source

Quick answers

What is the tautog size limit in Rhode Island?

16"; Only one fish may be greater than 21"; Max of 10 fish/vsl during all periods (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).

How many tautog can I keep in Rhode Island?

4/1 - 5/31: 3 fish/person/day; 6/1 - 7/31: CLOSED; 8/1 - 10/14: 3 fish/person/day; 10/15 - 12/31: 5 fish/person/day (for the first listed area; other areas may differ — see above).

When is tautog season in Rhode Island?

4/1 - 5/31; 6/1 - 7/31 (CLOSED); 8/1 - 10/14; 10/15 - 12/31. 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 Rhode Island

All Rhode Island saltwater fishing regulations →

Source: Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management, Division of Marine Fisheries. Most anglers need a Rhode Island saltwater license or registry: get one here.