Maryland regulations
Tog (Tautog / Blackfish) Regulations in Maryland 2026
Maryland tog 2026 open seasons vary by 4 management regions. Pick your region in the rule table below. Sourced from DNR.
Rules (8)
Chesapeake BayCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
May catch-and-release May 16–June 30
Federal WatersCatch & release
- Status
- Catch And Release
- Season opens
- Jul 1
- Season closes
- May 15
- Daily bag
- 4 fish/day
- Min size
- 16"
May 16–June 30 November 1–December 31
Other Maryland fish regulations
Other regulated species in Maryland with current rule pages — same DNR source, same verification cadence.
- Trout (Brook, Brown, Rainbow)172 rules
- Stripers (Striped Bass)107 rules
- Largemouth Bass46 rules
- Smallmouth Bass46 rules
- Black Drum10 rules
- Yellow Perch9 rules
- Channel Catfish8 rules
- White Perch7 rules
- Black Sea Bass5 rules
- Bluefish5 rules
- Weakfish5 rules
- Blue Catfish5 rules
- Crappie (Black & White)4 rules
- Cobia3 rules
- Redfish (Red Drum)2 rules
- Fluke (Summer Flounder)2 rules
- Spanish Mackerel2 rules
- Sheepshead2 rules
Also known as
Tog is also called Tog (Tautog / Blackfish), Tautog, tautog, blackfish. Anglers in different regions use different names for the same fish, and the rules on this page apply to all of them in Maryland.
Frequently asked questions
When is Tog season in Maryland?
Tog season in Maryland runs from Jul 1 to May 15 per DNR.
What is the size limit for Tog in Maryland?
Minimum size for Tog in Maryland is 24 inches in Atlantic Coast Division, per DNR. Slot limits or maximum sizes may apply in some zones.
What is the daily bag limit for Tog in Maryland?
Daily bag limit for Tog in Maryland is 4 fish/day in Federal Waters, per DNR.
Official sources cited
- https://www.eregulations.com/assets/docs/guides/26MDFW_LR5.pdf
- https://www.eregulations.com/maryland/fishing/chesapeake-bay-seasons-sizes-limits
Reference only. Regulations change frequently, often mid-season. Always verify with DNR before keeping a catch.