Fishing Charters in New Hampshire
Browse fishing charters in New Hampshire that can help you catch tautog.
Optimist Charters
Hampton, New Hampshire
Angler Management 101
Hampton, New Hampshire
Directions to Angler Management 101 - New Hampshire's Premiere fishing charter company.
New England Rod And Reel And Lake To Stream Fishing Guide Service
Ossipee, New Hampshire
New England Rod & Reel and Lake To Stream Guide Service is all things fresh water fishing with New Hampshire licensed fishing guide Steve Capone. Ossipee, NH.
Breakaway Charters
New Castle, New Hampshire
The Breakaway charter boat out of New Hampshire is available for Fishing Charters, Lighthouse Cruises, Isle of Shoals Cruises, Lobster Fishing Charters and Portsmouth New Hampshire Harbor Cruises.
Sea Run Charters
Dover, New Hampshire
Fretts Brook Guide Service
Hebron, New Hampshire
Fretts Brook Guide Service is a fly fishing and upland hunting guide service in New Hampshire's Northern Lakes Region. We offer fly fishing lake charters on Newfound Lake, wading trips on local rivers, and upland hunts over English Setters.
Savage Charters
Rye, New Hampshire
Private charter fishing for haddock and tuna with Savage Charters aboard F/V Out Of Line departing daily from Kittery Town Docks
Kraken Tuna Charters
Double your fun with a two night charter trip out of Seabrook NH. Two full days of fishing for tuna in the Atlantic with experienced captain Sam Law
Clandestino Fishing Charters
Sushi Hunter Charters
Lakes Region Of Nh Fishing Charters
Woods N Water Guide Service
Best Time to Catch Tautog
Tautog can be caught year-round in Portsmouth. Right now in February, activity is low.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Tautog
Tautog, also known as blackfish, offer a challenging and rewarding fishing experience in the rocky coastal waters around Portsmouth, New Hampshire. These bottom-dwelling fish are masters of camouflage and inhabit areas with structure, such as rock piles, wrecks, and bridge pilings. The best time to target tautog is during the fall and spring when water temperatures are cooler. Green crabs are a favored bait, and a sturdy rod and reel are essential for pulling these strong fish out of their rocky lairs. A valuable local tip is to fish during slack tide, as this will make it easier to keep your bait on the bottom. Many productive spots can be accessed by boat, but there are also some shore-fishing opportunities around jetties and rocky points. Remember to use a heavy enough sinker to hold bottom in the strong currents often found in these areas.
How to Catch Tautog
Tautog Fishing Regulations in New Hampshire
Open Season
April 1 - May 15 & August 1 - December 31
Daily Bag Limit
4 per day
Size Limit
16-inch minimum
License Required
Saltwater fishing license
Possession of tautog is prohibited from May 16 through July 31.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the New Hampshire state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in New Hampshire
Frequently Asked Questions
When is tautog (blackfish) season open in Portsmouth, NH?
Tautog season is split into two periods: April 1st to May 15th, and August 1st to December 31st.
What's the minimum size for keeping tautog in New Hampshire?
You can only keep tautog that are 16 inches or longer in New Hampshire.
How many tautog can I keep per day in New Hampshire?
The daily bag limit for tautog is 4 fish per person.
What kind of license do I need to fish for tautog in Portsmouth?
You'll need a New Hampshire saltwater fishing license to legally fish for tautog in the Portsmouth area.
More Tautog Fishing in New Hampshire
Other Species to Fish in Portsmouth
Ready to Catch Tautog in Portsmouth?
Book a trip with an expert guide who knows the best local spots and techniques.