Massachusetts regulations
Tog (Tautog / Blackfish) Regulations in Massachusetts 2026
Massachusetts Tog regulations as of 2026-05-08: Daily bag 5 fish; Slot max 21 inches; Daily bag 5 fish. Sourced from DFW / DMF.
Rules (12)
Massachusetts statewideOut of season
- Season opens
- Oct 15
- Season closes
- Dec 31
- Daily bag
- 5 fish/day
- Possession
- 10 fish
- Min size
- 16"
- Max size
- 21"
for-hire vessels private anglers are subject to 10-fish maximum tautog limit for the vessel Only one fish may exceed 21" per calendar day
Private And For-Hire Vessel
- Daily bag
- 5 fish
- Slot max
- 21"
Oct 15 - Dec 31 5 fish Only one fish may exceed 21"
Shore Based
- Daily bag
- 5 fish
- Slot max
- 21"
Oct 15 - Dec 31 5 fish Only one fish may exceed 21"
Southern New England
- Season opens
- Apr 1
- Daily bag
- 3 fish
Apr 1 - Dec 31 Aug 1 - Oct 14 / 3 fish
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 Massachusetts.
Frequently asked questions
When is Tog season in Massachusetts?
Tog season in Massachusetts runs from Apr 1 to Dec 31 per DFW / DMF.
What is the size limit for Tog in Massachusetts?
Minimum size for Tog in Massachusetts is 16 inches, per DFW / DMF. Slot limits or maximum sizes may apply in some zones.
What is the daily bag limit for Tog in Massachusetts?
Daily bag limit for Tog in Massachusetts is 5 fish in Private And For-Hire Vessel, per DFW / DMF.
Official sources cited
- https://www.eregulations.com/massachusetts/fishing
- https://www.eregulations.com/assets/docs/guides/26MASW_SHOW_LR.pdf
Reference only. Regulations change frequently, often mid-season. Always verify with DFW / DMF before keeping a catch. Last verified .