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Saltwater recreational limits, refreshed each season from the state agency.

REGULATIONS / NEW JERSEY

Tautog (Blackfish) regulations

New Jersey · Curated reference from cited public sources · listings, not permission to fish or retain a catch · This selected New Jersey saltwater reference subset is not a complete rulebook.

2026
SOURCENJ DEP Fish & Wildlife marine fishing ↗UPDATED MAY 11, 2026 · CHECKED AUG 14, 2026, 12:00 PM UTCChecked Aug 14, 2026, 12:00 PM UTCRules vary by location, method, vessel, and emergency closure.The NJ DEP page is an informational summary; the applicable state regulations are authoritative.
LISTINGOPENListed open
SPECIESLISTED SEASON WINDOWSJFMAMJJASONDBAGMIN SIZELISTING
Tautog (Blackfish)Closed March 1-March 31 and May 1-July 31. · Listed season windows: Jan 1, 2026 through Feb 28, 2026 · 4 fish listed · Apr 1, 2026 through Apr 30, 2026 · 4 fish listed · Aug 1, 2026 through Nov 15, 2026 · 1 fish listed · Nov 16, 2026 through Dec 31, 2026 · 5 fish listedListed open4 per person Jan 1-Feb 28; 4 per person Apr 1-Apr 30; 1 per person Aug 1-Nov 15; 5 per person Nov 16-Dec 3115"OPEN
LISTED LIMIT
4 per person Jan 1-Feb 28; 4 per person Apr 1-Apr 30; 1 per person Aug 1-Nov 15; 5 per person Nov 16-Dec 31
LISTED MIN SIZE
15 inches
LISTED SEASON WINDOWS
  • Jan 1, 2026 through Feb 28, 2026 · 4 fish listed
  • Apr 1, 2026 through Apr 30, 2026 · 4 fish listed
  • Aug 1, 2026 through Nov 15, 2026 · 1 fish listed
  • Nov 16, 2026 through Dec 31, 2026 · 5 fish listed
APPLICABILITY
Closed March 1-March 31 and May 1-July 31.
SOURCE AUTHORITY
NJDEP Fish & Wildlife 2026 Marine Digest, State Size and Possession Limits (Tautog), official Page 18 PDF; NJDEP-linked table last updated May 11, 2026

UPDATED May 11, 2026 · CHECKED Aug 14, 2026, 12:00 PM UTC · EFFECTIVE YEAR 2026

NJ DEP Fish & Wildlife marine fishing ↗

The NJ DEP page is an informational summary; the applicable state regulations are authoritative.

This reference does not grant permission to fish or retain a catch. Location, method, vessel, species identification, and emergency closures can change what applies. Verify the applicable official rules.