SlotGaugeCheck a catchTautog regulations in Connecticut
· Saltwater · 2026 season
Tautog size limit, season and daily limit
| Where | Season | Size limit | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Connecticut marine waters | April 1 – April 30, July 1 – August 31, October 10 – November 28 | 16 inch minimum | 2 (April, Jul–Aug); 3 (Oct 10 – Nov 28) |
Exact CT DEEP wording
- Season
- April 1 - April 30 (2 fish); July 1 - August 31 (2 fish); October 10 - November 28 (3 fish)
- Size
- 16 inches
- Limit
- 2 (April); 2 (July 1 - August 31); 3 (October 10 - November 28)
- statewide — as printed
- “Tautog (Blackfish): Minimum length: 16 inches; Open Season: April 1 - April 30, 2 fish per angler; July 1 - August 31, 2 fish per angler; October 10 - November 28, 3 fish per angler”
Source: CT DEEP, captured 2026-10-04 (2026 season).
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About the tautog
Species of wrasse (fish)
The tautog, also known as the blackfish, is a species of wrasse native to the western Atlantic Ocean from Nova Scotia to South Carolina. This species inhabits hard substrate habitats in inshore waters at depths from 1 to 75 m. It is the only species in its genus.
Read more about Tautog on Wikipedia →
Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Regulations on this page come from CT DEEP, not Wikipedia.
All 34 Connecticut species A–Z →
Frequently asked
What is the size limit for Tautog in Connecticut?
16 inch minimum in Connecticut state waters.
How many Tautog can you keep per day in Connecticut?
2 (April, Jul–Aug); 3 (Oct 10 – Nov 28).
When is Tautog season in Connecticut?
April 1 – April 30, July 1 – August 31, October 10 – November 28.
Is my Tautog a keeper today?
A tautog is a keeper today if it measures at least 16 inches, with a daily limit of 2.