Tautog regulations in New York

· Saltwater · 2026 season

Is it a keeper? A tautog is a keeper today if it measures at least 16 inches, with a daily limit of 2.

Tautog size limit, season and daily limit

Where	Season	Size limit	Daily limit
NY Bight (ocean, South Shore, western LIS)	April 1 – April 30, October 15 – December 22	16 inch minimum	2 in April; 4 Oct 15 – Dec 22
Long Island Sound region	April 1 – April 30, October 11 – December 9	16 inch minimum	2 in April; 3 Oct 11 – Dec 9

Exact NYSDEC wording

Season: April 1 - April 30 (2 fish); Oct 11 - Dec 9 (3 fish)
Size: 16"
Limit: 2 April; 3 Oct 11 - Dec 9
Long Island Sound Region — as printed: “Tautog (blackfish): Long Island Sound Region (east of the Throgs Neck Bridge, west of Orient Point–Watch Hill line) 16" 2 / 3 April 1 - April 30 / Oct 11 - Dec 9”
NY Bight Region — as printed: “Tautog (blackfish): NY Bight Region (outside of the Long Island Sound Region) 16" 2 / 4 April 1 - April 30 / Oct 15 - Dec 22”

Source: NYSDEC, 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 York?

16 inch minimum in New York state waters.

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

2 in April; 4 Oct 15 – Dec 22.

When is Tautog season in New York?

April 1 – April 30, October 15 – December 22.

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.