http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7894.html or call (631) 444-0430 for the most updated regulations.
The official New York Saltwater fishing regulations 2021, by the Department of State are the official source of NYSDEC regulations.
Before fishing, you must call 1-866-933-2257 or visit https://decals.dec.ny.gov/DECALSCitizenWeb to register with the NYS Recreation Marine Fishing Registry. New York Shark Regulations can be found here, https://nyangler.com/blog/fishing-regulation-2019-fish-limits-sharks/
DEC requires that anglers use circle hooks when fishing for striped bass with bait.
- Non-offset (inline) circle hooks are required when fishing for striped bass using bait which is defined as any whole or part of a marine or aquatic organism or terrestrial invertebrate, live or dead. A non-offset or inline circle hook means the point and barb of the hook are in the same plane as the shank and the tip of the hook is turned perpendicularly back towards the shank.
- Circle hooks are not required when fishing with an artificial lure, whether or not they are tipped with bait as previously described. Some examples of artificial lure exemptions include pork rinds on bucktail jigs, eel skin plugs, tube and worm, and any man-made flies.
- Visit Best Practices for Saltwater Fishing for more information on circle hooks and fish handling tips that help improve survivability.
- Visit Striped Bass Cooperative Anglers Program to learn more about how recreational fishing data helps DEC better understand New York’s striped bass fishery.
- Visit our podcast and listen to George Scocca’s interview of NYSDEC officials
SPECIES | MINIMUM SIZE (1) (Total Length in Inches) |
DAILY POSSESSION LIMITS (Number of Fish) |
OPEN SEASONS |
---|---|---|---|
Winter flounder | 12 | 2 | April 1 – May 30 |
Striped bass: Hudson River (North of George Washington Bridge) |
Slot size: 18 – 28 (not less than 18″ nor greater than 28″) |
1 | April 1 – Nov 30 |
Striped bass: marine waters (South of George Washington Bridge) |
Slot size: 28 – 35 (not less than 28″ nor greater than 35″) |
1 | April 15 – Dec 15 |
Scup (Porgy) |
9.5 10.5 |
30 |
May 1 – Dec 31 |
Scup (Porgy) (2) Anglers aboard licensed party/charter boats |
10.5 | 40 | Sept 1 – Oct 31 |
Summer flounder (fluke) (4) | 18.5 | 4 | May 1 – Oct 1 |
Black Sea Bass | 16.5 | 3 6 |
June 23 – Aug 31 Sept 1 –Dec 31 |
Oyster toadfish | 10 | 3 | July 16 – May 14 |
Tautog (blackfish) Long Island Sound Region |
16 | 2 3 |
April 1 – April 30 Oct 11 – Dec 9 |
Tautog (blackfish) NY Bight Region |
16 | 2 4 |
April 1 – April 30 Oct 15 – Dec 22 |
American eel | 9 | 25 for individuals 50 for Anglers aboard licensed party/charter boats |
All year |
American eel (New York City: Harlem and East Rivers, Hudson River north to Troy Dam) |
9 – 14 for use as bait only, otherwise possession prohibited | 25 for use as bait only, otherwise possession prohibited | All year for use as bait only, otherwise possession prohibited |
Atlantic cod (4) | 22 | 10 | All year |
Atlantic menhaden | No size limit | 100 | All year |
Bluefish (including “snappers”) |
No Size Limit | 3 for individuals 5 for Anglers aboard licensed party/charter boats | All year |
Cobia | 37 | 2 | All year |
Haddock | 18 | No limit | All year |
Hickory shad | No size limit | 5 | All year |
King mackerel | 23 | 3 | All year |
Monkfish (goosefish) | 17 11″ tail length |
No limit | All year |
Pollock | 19 | No limit | All year |
Red drum | No size limit | No limit for fish less than 27″ TL Fish greater than 27″ TL shall not be possessed | All year |
Spanish mackerel | 14 | 15 | All year |
Weakfish | 16 10″ filleted (5) 12″ dressed (6) |
1 | All year |
Yellowtail flounder | 13 | No limit | All year |
Anadromous river herring (North of George Washington Bridge) |
No size limit | 10 per angler 50 per boat/day |
March 15 – June 15 |
Anadromous river herring (7) (South of George Washington Bridge) |
No possession | No possession allowed | No possession allowed |
American shad | No possession | No possession allowed | No possession allowed |
Atlantic sturgeon | Moratorium | No possession allowed | No possession allowed |
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