Regulations '2023

 

For Updated DEC Regulation -Click Link http://www.dec.ny.gov/outdoor/7894.html

NYS DEC Survey:

When we started the regulation page, there were a handful of species of fish that were managed. (Bag limit , minimum size and season.) But today the amount of critters that have management restrictions can be overwhelming.

For many of the common species of fish in our waters, we’ve tried to compile a sheet (PDF) that you can take with you, as well as the website that lists many other types of fish that have management measures placed on catch requirements/restrictions.

Nevertheless, the state now wishes to impose a fee based saltwater license. Currently, if you wish to go saltwater fishing, it’s just the free registration for any angler 16 years of age or older. The New York State DEC is now conducting a survey requesting your feedback on a proposed fee based license. (Fishing tax)  Your opinion matters.  Take the 5 minute survey at  (click link)  https://arcg.is/0y5Ca1

 

The regulations in Federal waters (Federal waters are defined as 3-200 miles from shore) for Atlantic cod, effective August 14, are: 23” minimum size, 5 fish possession limit and an open season September 1 through May 31. The recreational season in federal waters is closed June 1 through August 31.

It will be some time before NYS regulations are consistent with this rule but anyone fishing in federal waters should be aware. READ MORE

Fish id Chart and Regulations '2023 (PDF) Download and print  

 Saltwater permits:

 

New York Saltwater FISHING REGISTRATION. (. . (631) 654-2311

If you are saltwater recreational fishing; You Need To Register.    This is a FREE registry.   Please be sure to follow all laws and regulations in the waters in which you are fishing. 

Anglers will need to provide their name, date of birth, address and telephone number, and will receive a registration number that will allow them to begin fishing immediately.  Exceptions include anglers who are under the age of 16.

Who Needs to Register

Anglers age 16 and older need to register if they are:

1. Fishing in the Marine and Coastal District, which includes all the waters of the Atlantic Ocean within three miles from the coast, and all other tidal waters within the state, including the Hudson River up to the Tappan Zee Bridge.

2. Fishing any water, such as the Hudson River, Delaware River, or Mohawk River and their tributaries, for "migratory fish from the sea" such as striped bass, hickory shad, blueback herring, alewife.

To purchase a license or register  online- click HERE.  

Or, Stop down at the shop and we'll sign you up. There's nothing worse than getting a ticket just because you went fishing. Need direction? Click Here

Fish id Chart and Regulations '2023 (PDF) 

Attached are lists of some the "Fun Fish Around Long Island." Most are edible and plentiful too. (PDF)
 

 

Ling may not be the most attractive fish in the sea but - as a member of the cod family - it can be made to be absolutely delicious! Caught off local wrecks. 1/0 Hook and clam bait will "do the trick"

 

Shark and Tuna Fishing? A Permit is Required: 

Click here for: Atlantic Bigeye, Albacore, Yellowfin and Skipjack Tuna Recreational Minimum Sizes

Click here for: Atlantic Bluefin Tuna Recreational Bag Limits

 Shark Identification Chart (PDF)    

 Tuna Guide (PDF)   

Permit Descriptions: All owners/operators of vessels in the U.S. Atlantic Ocean, Gulf of Mexico, and Caribbean must obtain a federal permit to recreationally or commercially fish for regulated Atlantic HMS (sharks, swordfish, tunas (bluefin, bigeye, albacore, yellowfin, and skipjack), and billfishes (recreational only; white and blue marlins, sailfish, and roundscale spearfish)

 Click Here To Register 

RECREATIONAL FISHING REGULATIONS FOR SHARKS IN STATE WATERS

The Atlantic Spanish mackerel is a migratory species of mackerels that swims to the Northern Gulf of Mexico in spring, returns to south Florida in the Eastern Gulf, and to Mexico in the Western Gulf in the fall. Wikipedia-EXCELLENT EATING

SIZE LIMIT: 14" - BAG LIMIT 15 - OPEN ALL YEAR

 

Fish Facts:  Bonito

Size Limit-Bag Limit-Season: No Restrictions.   If you are fishing from a pier or boat, you can catch them with Deadly Dick lures. Yes, they are good to eat and are a delicacy to some. A family it shares with is mackerel, tuna, and Spanish mackerel.

 

New York State has thousands of miles of shoreline that provide abundant crabbing opportunities (including the Hudson River). Catching crabs can be accomplished by using baited crab pots that are set and checked frequently. Be sure to review the Crab Pot Regulations (link leaves DEC's website) before setting your crab pots. Another method of crabbing is to simply use a baited hand line to lure crabs to you and a dip net to capture the crabs. Please clear your lines and dispose of them properly at the end of your trip to prevent unnecessary pollution in our waterways.

Cobia:
Minimum Size Limits:   37"
Possession Limits:  2 per day, per person
Seasons:  All year

In U.S. waters, cobia are most abundant from Virginia south through the Gulf of Mexico. Cobia migrate seasonally in the Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico. Along the Atlantic coast, they move south and offshore toward warmer waters during the late fall and winter. EXCELLENT EATING
Cobia | NOAA Fisheries

 

Poor eating. One of the most prized gamefish of fall fishing in the Northeast is the false albacore. Their explosive hits and drag-screaming runs are unmatchedby any other species in our waters. Lures to use are  Joe Baggs epoxy jig, Deadly Dick Lures, Charlie Graves Lures and Shimano Coltsniper Lures.

 

Oyster Toadfish 

 • Size Limit: 10”
 • Bag Limit: 3 Per Day
                                                           • Season: 7/16-5/14
Toadfish feed on sandworms, squid, and clam.  Although they are edible, oyster toadfish are rarely eaten because they are ugly and slimy.

 

Sea Robin:  Size, Bag, Season: No Restrictions.
Sea Robins feed on sandworms, squid, clam and will take lures too. Fun to catch and fine to eat.

 

Fish Facts

Stargazer (fish)
If you catch one of these critters... Be careful: The stargazers are a fish that have eyes on top of their heads.  They also have a large, upward-facing mouth on a large head. Stargazers are venomous; they have two large venomous spines situated behind their opercles and above their pectoral fins. This species may also cause electric shocks. They have been called "The meanest things in creation". 

Wikipedia

 

Hickory Shad:  • Size Limit: No Restrictions • Bag Limit: 5 • Season: All Year…Anglers catch hickory shad with small jigs, inline spinners, flies, and other lures

 

The Northern Puffer is known to most as the blowfish :
• Size Limit: No Restrictions • Bag Limit: No Restrictions,
• Season: All Year. Excellent eating!!
Blowfish feed on sandworms, squid, and clam.
"puffs up" into a ball in self-defense by inhaling air or water

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Triggerfish:  •Size Limit: None •Bag Limit: No Limit •Season: All Year.

Triggerfish feed on sandworms, squid, and clam. They have sharp teeth and a tough skin. Excellent eating.  Triggerfish are found around rocks and inlets.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

kingfish:  Limit: No Restrictions, Bag Limit: No Restrictions, Season: All Year.  Excellent eating!! Kingfish feed on sandworms, squid, and clam.