Tautog Fishing in Maryland
When tautog are caught across Maryland, season by season, from NOAA’s recreational catch survey (2024).
Tautog catch through the year
Recreational catch in Maryland by two-month season. The peak window is highlighted.
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Seasonal catch, tides, and the day's conditions worth knowing for your spots, plus the occasional PATHR update. No spam.
Catching tautog in Maryland
Tautog catches in Maryland run hardest around Jul-Aug, with the strongest two-month windows in Jul-Aug and Nov-Dec. Anglers keep about 3% of what they catch and release the rest. All of this comes from NOAA’s recreational catch survey, so it maps the season rather than any single day.
To turn the season into a trip, line the peak window up with the daily bite. Check the Maryland fishing times for the solunar windows, the tide charts for moving water, and the sunrise and sunset times for first and last light.
Frequently asked
When is the best time to catch tautog in Maryland?+
Catches peak around Jul-Aug (July and August). The strongest two-month windows are Jul-Aug and Nov-Dec. This is based on NOAA's 2024 recreational catch survey, so it reflects the typical season rather than a live report.
Do anglers keep or release tautog in Maryland?+
Across Maryland, about 3% of the tautog caught are kept and 97% are released. That works out to roughly 13K kept and 435K released in 2024.
How many tautog are caught in Maryland?+
NOAA's survey estimated about 448K tautog caught by recreational anglers in Maryland in 2024, making it the #11 most-caught species in the state. Survey estimates, so read them as the shape of the season.
Where does this tautog data come from?+
NOAA's Marine Recreational Information Program (MRIP), 2024 estimates. Courtesy: National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.
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