New York Saltwater Fishing Regulations 2023

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)
Shore Based Anglers
Vessel Based Anglers

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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