Fishing Charters in Maine
Browse fishing charters in Maine that can help you catch tautog.
Sawyer Island Charters
Portland, Maine
Memory Makers Guide Service Maine Sea Duck And Striper Fishing
Limerick, Maine
Maine Sea duck, Eider, Old Squaw, Surf scoter, white wing scoter, black scoter, striper, mackerel, Casco Bay, Saco Bay
Joe Dacey Registered Maine Fishing Guide
Standish, Maine
Contact Us » Maine Guides Online » Maine Guides Online provides a treasury of information including the History of the Maine Guide, How to Become
Bennetts Guide Service
Eagle Lake, Maine
Guided Hunts & Vacationing www.BennettsGuideService.com Bennett's Guide Service offers bear moose deer hunts & fishing in Northern Maine.
Tony Kariotis Guide Service
New Gloucester, Maine
Experience the thrill of fishing and hunting in Maine with Tony Kariotis Guide Service, your go-to choice for expert guides and unique adventures. Book now!
Bronzeback Adventures Guide Service
Lewiston, Maine
Rods And Racks Guide Service
Damariscotta, Maine
Rods & Racks Guides Service, offers a variety of Hunting, Fishing and recreational guiding. Located in Jackman.
Johnsons Guide Service
Hartford, Maine
Johnson's Guide Service offers fully guided hunting and fishing trips in Maine. Bear hunting and moose hunting trips and fishing for trout & salmon.
Simmer Dim Fly + Spin
Eliot, Maine
Discover unforgettable Striper fly and spin fishing charters in New Hampshire with Simmer Dim Fly + Spin. Tailored trips, expert guidance, and scenic NH waters await. Book your charter today!
Reel Nice Surprise
Wells, Maine
Fish the Atlantic Ocean with Reel Nice Surprise! Experience exhilarating top-water action and create unforgettable fishing memories on your next trip.
Reel Girl Guide Service
Standish, Maine
Fly Fish Maine
Pownal, Maine
Fly fishing trips in Maine on the Kennebec River and Casco Bay.
Best Time to Catch Tautog
Tautog can be caught year-round in Bailey Island. Right now in February, activity is low.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Tautog
Tautog, also known as blackfish, offer a challenging and rewarding fishing experience around the rocky shores of Bailey Island, Maine. These bottom-dwelling fish are masters of camouflage and inhabit areas with structure like jetties, submerged rocks, and wrecks. The best time to target tautog is during the fall (October-November) when they move into shallower water to feed before the winter. Green crabs are the bait of choice, and a stout rod and reel are essential to winch these fish out of their rocky lairs. Access to good tautog spots is often limited to boaters, but there are some areas accessible from shore around the island's rocky points. Be prepared to lose some tackle, as tautog fishing often involves fishing tight to structure. The tautog population in Maine is relatively healthy, but responsible fishing practices, such as releasing larger females, are important to ensure the long-term sustainability of the fishery.
How to Catch Tautog
Tautog Fishing Regulations in Maine
Open Season
August 15 - December 31
Daily Bag Limit
5 per day
Size Limit
16-inch minimum
License Required
Saltwater fishing license
Check for any emergency regulations or closures.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Maine state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in Maine
Frequently Asked Questions
When is tautog season open near Bailey Island, Maine?
Tautog season in Maine runs from August 15th to December 31st.
What's the daily bag limit for tautog in Maine?
You can keep up to 5 tautog per day.
Is there a size restriction for keeping tautog in Maine?
Yes, any tautog you keep must be at least 16 inches long.
Do I need a saltwater fishing license to target tautog around Bailey Island?
Yes, a Maine saltwater fishing license is required to fish for tautog.
More Tautog Fishing in Maine
Other Species to Fish in Bailey Island
Ready to Catch Tautog in Bailey Island?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.