Fishing Charters in Massachusetts
Browse fishing charters in Massachusetts that can help you catch tautog.


Blackfin Charters
Plymouth, Massachusetts
Explore boat and fishing charters with Blackfin Charters. Depart from Cordage Park in historic Plymouth, MA, USA. Contact us to book your experience today!


Blue Mind Outfitter
Barnstable, Massachusetts


Sawdust Fishing Charters
Quincy, Massachusetts
Boston, MA fishing lessons and chartered excursions for children and adults. Sawdust Sportfishing is located at the Hingham Shipyard Marinas.


Tenacious Charters Mv
Edgartown, Massachusetts


Ron Arra Surf Fishing
East Sandwich, Massachusetts
Book a Cape Cod Fishing Charter and reel in the best fish species with Ron Arra Surf Fishing! Experience the thrill of surf casting today.


Annalee Charters
Chilmark, Massachusetts
Annalee Charters - Martha's Vineyard Charter Fishing, Menemsha to Cuttyhunk water taxi


Fishing The North East
Wellfleet, Massachusetts
fly fishing the north easts picturesque streams and rivers for brook, brown and rainbow trout


Gypsy Charters
Hyannis, Massachusetts
Don't miss out on the ultimate Cape Cod fishing adventure! Book a trip with GypsyCharters and Captain Tom to catch bass, cod, and flounder.


Charter Trips
Marshfield, Massachusetts
Chasin Tail Charters offers charter fishing trips from Green Harbor, Massachusetts. Chasin Tail Charters specializes in deep sea fishing in Stellwagen Bank and Cape Cod Bay off the coast of Massachusetts.


Little Sister Charter
Quincy, Massachusetts


Islander Private Charters
Rockport, Massachusetts


Vanguard Charters
Newburyport, Massachusetts
Newburyport Fishing Charters Newburyport Fishing Charters for Striped Bass, river cruises and experiences. -
Best Time to Catch Tautog
Tautog can be caught year-round in Chatham. Right now in February, activity is low.
Seasonal Activity Chart

Tautog
Chatham offers some fantastic tautog (blackfish) opportunities around its rocky structures and shellfish beds. Target them from late spring through fall, as water temperatures dictate their activity. These fish are structure-oriented, so focus your efforts around jetties, bridge pilings, and submerged rocks in Nantucket Sound and along the outer coast. A green crab, fished close to the bottom, is tough to beat. Pay close attention to the tide; tautog often feed more aggressively during periods of strong current. A local tip: The area around the Chatham Break can hold some real bruisers, but be mindful of the strong currents and boat traffic. Also, remember that tautog are notoriously finicky, so don't be afraid to experiment with hook sizes and leader lengths to find what they're keying on.
How to Catch Tautog
Tautog Fishing Regulations in Massachusetts
Open Season
April 1 to May 15 and August 1 to December 31
Daily Bag Limit
4 per angler
Size Limit
16-inch minimum
License Required
Recreational saltwater fishing permit
Specific dates and bag limits may vary by year, so always check the current regulations.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Massachusetts state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in Massachusetts
Frequently Asked Questions
When is Tautog (Blackfish) season open in Chatham, MA?
Tautog season in Chatham is split into two periods: April 1st to May 15th, and August 1st to December 31st. Make sure to plan your trips within these dates.
What is the minimum size for keeping Tautog in Massachusetts?
The minimum size limit for Tautog in Massachusetts is 16 inches. Any Tautog you catch must be at least this long to be legally kept.
How many Tautog can I keep per day in Chatham?
You are allowed to keep 4 Tautog per day during the open season in Chatham, Massachusetts.
What kind of license is needed for Tautog fishing in Chatham, MA?
To fish for Tautog in Chatham, you will need a valid Massachusetts recreational saltwater fishing permit.
More Tautog Fishing in Massachusetts
Other Species to Fish in Chatham
Ready to Catch Tautog in Chatham?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.




