HEARING UPDATE • Shark News-DEC Proposes New Fishing Regulations For Shore/Surf Fishing Anglers

RECREATIONAL FISHING REGULATIONS FOR SHARKS IN STATE WATERS

Shark hearing update: In a recent shark hearing, fisherman united in an attempt to prevent the state from implementing new shark regulations that many rejected because it is seen as a direct infringement of our right as long islanders and responsible anglers to fish our shores for sharks as a summer time  activity

Many who spoke brought up excellent points such as a 12in leader can cause more harm to sharks because it will lead to longer fight times and break offs. Anglers also opposed the required hook size maximum, indicating that the J hook and Circle hook mandates will cause more harm to these critters than using a larger size hook. Many fishermen also supported education programs to teach new shark fishermen the right way to catch and release sharks in order to prevent mortality for protected fish.

This was a hearing that brought out avid anglers, supporting this sport and rejecting the clouded points of view, from recreational organizations that claim to represent large number of anglers.  “Because you have 5K likes on a facebook page does not mean you represent 5K anglers”

South shore beach and boat fishermen are continuing to catch Sharks! Check out the regulations. Some of these animals need to be released quickly and unharmed.

Surf Action was very interesting this past week. Sharks dominated a lot of the interest this week on beaches from Smith Point County Park  all the way to Fire island. Bunker on wire leadered hooks will catch these hard fighting monsters. However, Be aware of the regulations. Possession of some sharks are prohibited 

DEC proposed changes to recreational fishing regulations to improve the management and protection of sharks by establishing gear restrictions for recreational shore anglers to enhance law enforcement's ability to protect sharks and includes new handling and release methods for anglers to improve shark and angler safety. This proposed regulation seeks to further protect shark species that are currently illegal to take or possess under New York State regulation, referred to as "prohibited" shark species for recreational fishing. A complete list of the existing recreational shark fishing regulations is available on DEC's website.

Proposed gear restrictions specific to recreational shore anglers include the prohibition of:

• baited J-hooks exceeding a width of 7/8 inches and baited circle hooks exceeding 1 1/8 inches in width when measured at the widest inside dimension;
• the use of metal fishing leaders attached to baited hooks that exceed 12 inches in length;
• chumming within 600 feet of the shoreline except with mollusks and crustaceans;
• deploying baited hooks by means other than casting with rod and reel; and
• the use of artificial lures when taking sharks.

In addition, this rulemaking seeks to improve shark handling and release practices for all shore- and vessel-based anglers. The proposed rules clarify the requirement to immediately release all prohibited shark species and prohibits the removal from the water of any shark that will be released. The rulemaking also requires recreational anglers fishing for sharks to possess a device capable of cutting the leader or hook to remove fishing gear immediately without unnecessary harm, as well as requiring anglers to take every precaution to ensure the maximum probability of survival of any shark that will be released.

The proposed regulation (PDF) is available for public comment until Aug. 7, 2023. DEC will hold a virtual public hearing to accept public comment on Tuesday, Aug. 1, at 6 p.m. Information on how to submit written comments or participate in the hearing can be found on DEC's website.