Tautog rules in Delaware
Size, bag and season for recreational tautog in Delaware waters, as published by Delaware DNREC Division of Fish & Wildlife.
- Size
- 16" minimum
- Bag
- 4
- Season
- Jan 1 – May 15 and Jul 1 – Dec 31
Stale: this row was last checked Oct 10, 2026, past our 30-day limit. Treat it as history and go to the agency page.
Rules change in season, sometimes by emergency notice. This page summarizes the agency page on the date shown. If this summary and the agency page disagree, the agency page controls.
What to know before you keep one
Tautog seasons are commonly split into windows around the spring spawn, and the bag limit can change from one window to the next. Check the window that covers your trip date.
State water or federal water
Delaware rules apply in state waters, generally out to 3 nautical miles. Tautog are managed by the states through ASMFC. Most of the fishery takes place on structure inside state waters. ASMFC · tautog ↗
Across the state line
Rules for the same fish change at the state line. If you run across it or land in the next state, those rules apply.
| State | Size | Bag | Status as of Oct 13, 2026 |
|---|---|---|---|
| New York | 16" minimum | Long Island Sound: 2 (Apr 1–30), 3 (Oct 11–Dec 9); NY Bight: 2 (Apr 1–30), 4 (Oct 15–Dec 22) | Open in partas of Oct 13 · Opens Oct 15 |
| New Jersey | 15" minimum | 4 (Jan 1–Feb 28); 4 (Apr 1–30); 1 (Aug 1–Nov 15); 5 (Nov 16–Dec 31) | Openas of Oct 13 |
| Delaware | 16" minimum | 4 | Openas of Oct 13 |
| Maryland | 16" minimum | 4/day Jan 1–May 15; 2/day Jul 1–Oct 31; 4/day Nov 1–Dec 31 | Openas of Oct 13 |
| Virginia | 16" minimum | 4 per person | Openas of Oct 13 |