Rhode Island Anglers Cited After More Than 70 Tautog and Black Sea Bass Found

Environmental police in Rhode Island cited two anglers after discovering more than 70 tautog and black sea bass, many of them undersized, during an enforcement encounter in early October 2026.

The Rhode Island Environmental Police Officers Association publicised the incident on 14 October. Reports said the anglers faced fines exceeding $3,000, and the fish were donated to a wildlife rehabilitation centre.

The case underscores why recreational anglers should check current species-specific size and possession limits before fishing.

Sources: On The Water, 16 October 2026; Rhode Island DEM regulations.