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 Cliff Island. Right now in February, activity is low.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Tautog
Tautog, also known as Blackfish, are a prized catch around Cliff Island, offering a challenging and rewarding fishing experience. These bottom-dwelling fish are found near rocky structures and wrecks, making Cliff Island's coastline ideal habitat. The best time to target Tautog is during the fall, as they become more active and move into shallower waters to feed before winter. Focus your efforts around submerged rocks, ledges, and pilings. Jigs tipped with crab or clam baits are highly effective. Given the Tautog's preference for structure, expect to lose some tackle. A practical tip is to use a fish finder to locate promising bottom structure before dropping your line. Be aware of the strong currents around Cliff Island, which can affect your presentation. Access to the most productive Tautog fishing spots is best achieved by boat, launching from a nearby ramp on the mainland or utilizing local services if available on Cliff Island.
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 Cliff Island?
Tautog season in Maine runs 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 in a day?
The daily bag limit for tautog is 5 fish.
Do I need a saltwater license to fish for Tautog near Cliff Island, ME?
Yes, a Maine saltwater fishing license is required.
More Tautog Fishing in Maine
Other Species to Fish in Cliff Island
Ready to Catch Tautog in Cliff Island?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.