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 Old Orchard Beach. Right now in February, activity is low.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Tautog
Old Orchard Beach offers a unique shot at Tautog, also known as blackfish, primarily around rocky structures and ledges. The cooler months, particularly late fall into early winter before the water gets too cold, are prime time. As these fish are structure-oriented, focus your efforts around jetties, submerged rock piles, and any other hard bottom features you can find close to shore. Tautog are notoriously picky eaters, so natural presentations are key. Green crabs are the bait of choice, but you'll want to experiment with how you present them – some days they prefer them whole, other days cut in half. Water clarity is crucial; if the surf is stirred up, visibility will be poor, and the Tautog will be less likely to bite. Check local tide charts and plan your trips around slack tide for the best results, as strong currents can make bottom fishing difficult. A popular access point is the jetty at the southern end of the beach, but be mindful of slippery rocks and changing tides.
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 in Maine?
Tautog season in Maine runs from August 15th to December 31st.
What is the minimum size for keeping Tautog in Maine?
You can only keep Tautog that are 16 inches or longer in Maine.
How many Tautog can I keep per day in Maine?
The daily bag limit for Tautog in Maine is 5 fish.
Do I need a saltwater fishing license to fish for Tautog in Old Orchard Beach?
Yes, a Maine saltwater fishing license is required to target Tautog in Old Orchard Beach.
More Tautog Fishing in Maine
Other Species to Fish in Old Orchard Beach
Ready to Catch Tautog in Old Orchard Beach?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.