Tautog regulations in New Jersey

· Saltwater · 2026 season

Is it a keeper? A tautog is a keeper today if it measures at least 15 inches, with a daily limit of 4.

Tautog size limit, season and daily limit

Where	Season	Size limit	Daily limit
NJ marine waters	January 1 – February 28, April 1 – April 30, August 1 – December 31	15 inch minimum	4 (Jan–Feb, April); 1 (Aug 1 – Nov 15); 5 (Nov 16 – Dec 31)

Exact NJDEP Fish & Wildlife wording

Season: Jan 1–Feb 28; April 1–April 30; Aug 1–Nov 15; Nov 16–Dec 31
Size: 15"
Limit: 4 (Jan 1–Feb 28); 4 (April 1–April 30); 1 (Aug 1–Nov 15); 5 (Nov 16–Dec 31)
statewide — as printed: “TAUTOG (BLACKFISH) | Jan 1–Feb 28 15" 4 | April 1–April 30 15" 4 | Aug 1–Nov 15 15" 1 | Nov 16–Dec 31 15" 5”

Source: NJDEP Fish & Wildlife, 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.

Frequently asked

What is the size limit for Tautog in New Jersey?

15 inch minimum in New Jersey state waters.

How many Tautog can you keep per day in New Jersey?

4 (Jan–Feb, April); 1 (Aug 1 – Nov 15); 5 (Nov 16 – Dec 31).

When is Tautog season in New Jersey?

January 1 – February 28, April 1 – April 30, August 1 – December 31.

Is my Tautog a keeper today?

A tautog is a keeper today if it measures at least 15 inches, with a daily limit of 4.