SlotGaugeCheck a catchTautog regulations in Virginia
· Saltwater · 2026 season
Tautog size limit, season and daily limit
| Where | Season | Size limit | Daily limit |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia marine waters | July 1 – May 15 | 16 inch minimum | 4 per person per day |
Notes
- Closed May 16 – June 30.
Exact Virginia Marine Resources Commission wording
- Season
- Closed Season: May 16 - June 30
- Size
- Minimum Size Limit: 16 IN.
- Limit
- 4 per person
- statewide — as printed
- “TAUTOG Minimum Size Limit: 16 IN. Possession Limit: 4 per person Season: Closed Season: May 16 - June 30”
Source: Virginia Marine Resources Commission, captured 2026-09-21 (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 Virginia Marine Resources Commission, not Wikipedia.
Frequently asked
What is the size limit for Tautog in Virginia?
16 inch minimum in Virginia state waters.
How many Tautog can you keep per day in Virginia?
4 per person per day.
When is Tautog season in Virginia?
July 1 – May 15.
Is my Tautog a keeper today?
A tautog is a keeper today if it measures at least 16 inches, with a daily limit of 4.