Can I Keep?Tautog Regulations by State (2026)
Recreational tautog size limits, bag limits and seasons in 7 US coastal states, each from the state's fishery agency. Where a state has several rules, the first is shown; open the state for all of them.
Check your harbor & date in the app
| State | Size limit | Bag limit | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delaware | 16 in minimum | 4 per person | 2.1 Notwithstanding the provisions of 7 Del.C. §§938 and 939 , it is… |
| Maine | No minimum size | none | — |
| Maryland | 16 in minimum | (1) From July 1 through October 31, an individual may not catch and… | (1) From July 1 through October 31, an individual may not catch and… |
| Massachusetts (2 rules) | Min: 16" Only one fish may exceed 21" | 3 fish (Apr 1 - May 31); 1 fish (Jun 1 - Jul 31); 3 fish (Aug 1 - Oct… | Apr 1 - May 31; Jun 1 - Jul 31; Aug 1 - Oct 14; Oct 15 - Dec 31 |
| New Jersey | 15 inches | 4 fish Jan 1 – Feb 28; 4 fish Apr 1 – Apr 30; 1 fish Aug 1 – Nov 15… | 4 fish Jan 1 – Feb 28; 4 fish Apr 1 – Apr 30; 1 fish Aug 1 – Nov 15… |
| Rhode Island (2 rules) | 16 in minimum | 4/1 - 5/31: 3 fish/person/day; 6/1 - 7/31: CLOSED; 8/1 - 10/14: 3… | 4/1 - 5/31; 6/1 - 7/31 (CLOSED); 8/1 - 10/14; 10/15 - 12/31 |
| Virginia | 16 in minimum | 4 per person | B. The recreational fishing season shall be closed from May 16… |