Rhode Island EPOs cite eight anglers in Middletown for undersized tautog and sea bass

Rhode Island environmental police cited eight people after a Sunday shoreline check in Middletown for undersized black sea bass and tautog. The Rhode Island Environmental Police Officers Association said officers got a tip, reviewed surveillance video, and found two groups in violation.

Together the groups had 67 tautog, including 53 undersized fish, and 10 black sea bass, including six undersized fish. Citations totaled $2,700 for fishing without a license, over-limit tautog, undersized tautog and undersized black sea bass. Officers donated the seized fish to the Congress of the Birds for animals in rehabilitation.

Environmental police thanked the angler who reported the take and asked anyone who sees a violation to call DEM's 24/7 dispatch at (401) 222-3070. Rhode Island's recreational tautog bag is five fish per person from Oct. 15 through Dec. 31, with a 16-inch minimum and a 10-fish vessel cap; black sea bass stay open through Dec. 31 at three fish per person.

This is a The Gillnet news desk summary, not a reprint.

Source: WJAR / turnto10 — Dozens of illegally caught fish seized in Middletown (Nov. 4, 2026), citing the Rhode Island Environmental Police Officers Association.