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 Bustins Island. Right now in February, activity is low.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Tautog
Bustins Island offers some excellent opportunities to target tautog, also known as blackfish, particularly in the fall as the water cools. These fish are structure-oriented, so focus your efforts around rocky bottoms, wrecks, and submerged pilings. The island's rocky coastline provides plenty of ideal habitat. Green crabs are the go-to bait for tautog, but sandworms can also work in a pinch. Fish tight to the bottom with a heavy jig or rig, as tautog are notorious for hugging the structure. Be prepared for subtle bites; tautog are masters of stealing bait. A quick hookset is essential. One local tip: pay attention to the tide. Tautog often feed most actively during periods of slack tide or when the current is moderate. Also, be aware of the potential for snags in these rocky areas; bring plenty of extra terminal tackle.
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 (blackfish) season open near Bustins Island?
Tautog season in Maine is open from August 15th to December 31st.
What's the minimum size for tautog I can keep?
You can only keep tautog that are 16 inches or longer.
How many tautog can I keep per day?
The daily bag limit for tautog is 5 fish.
Do I need a saltwater license to fish for tautog around Bustins Island?
Yes, a valid Maine saltwater fishing license is required to fish for tautog.
More Tautog Fishing in Maine
Other Species to Fish in Bustins Island
Ready to Catch Tautog in Bustins Island?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.