Rhode Island state waters, out to 3 miles
Only one fish per person may exceed 21"; 10-fish vessel cap does not apply to party/charter vessels.
RI DEM 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Rhode Island state record
RI DEM Saltwater Sportfish Records · checked 2026-08-23
How to tell it
Blunt-headed wrasse in charcoal mottle; rubbery lips, crushing teeth. More on the tautog page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Tautog in other states9 rulebooks
Questions anglers ask5
What is the size limit for tautog in Rhode Island?
16" min (only one fish >21"). Measured as total length: snout to the tip of the tail, tail lobes squeezed together.
How many tautog can you keep in Rhode Island?
3/person/day Apr 1-May 31 and Aug 1-Oct 14; 5/person/day Oct 15-Dec 31; max 10/vessel/day (private).
When is tautog season in Rhode Island?
Apr 1 - May 31, Aug 1 - Dec 31 (closed Jun 1 - Jul 31). As of Sep 21, 2026 it is open.
What is the Rhode Island record tautog?
23 lb 15.12 oz, Newport (2025).
How current is this Rhode Island tautog rule?
Source: RI DEM 2026, last checked Sep 20, 2026. A watchman re-reads the agency's pages nightly. Rules change mid-season by proclamation; the official rulebook is the final word.
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