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 Southwest Harbor. Right now in February, activity is low.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Tautog
If you're looking for a challenge, try targeting tautog, or blackfish, in the rocky waters around Southwest Harbor. These bottom-dwelling fish offer a rewarding experience for anglers patient enough to present the right bait in the right spot. The best time to target tautog here is during the fall, as they move into shallower waters to feed before winter. Look for them around rocky outcroppings, bridge pilings, and submerged structure throughout the harbor and surrounding islands. Green crabs are the go-to bait, but you'll need a stout rod and strong line to haul these bruisers out of their rocky lairs. Be prepared to lose some tackle! A key to success is understanding the tidal flow – tautog often hold tight to structure on the slack tide. The town dock provides good access, and several local charters specialize in tautog fishing.
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 Southwest Harbor?
Tautog season is open from August 15th to December 31st.
What's the minimum size Tautog I can keep in Southwest Harbor?
The minimum size limit for Tautog is 16 inches.
What is the bag limit for Tautog in Southwest Harbor?
You can keep up to 5 Tautog per day during the open season.
What's the best bait for catching Tautog in Southwest Harbor?
Tautog are known to be picky eaters, but green crabs and Asian crabs are popular and effective baits. Fiddler crabs can also work well.
More Tautog Fishing in Maine
Other Species to Fish in Southwest Harbor
Ready to Catch Tautog in Southwest Harbor?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.