Important Notice to Marine Anglers

Tautog (blackfish) Season Begins

Tautog (blackfish): Long Island Sound Region
Size Limit : 16″
Possession Limit: 3 Fish
Season:  Oct 11 – Dec 9

Tautog (blackfish): New York Bight Region
Size: 16″
Possession Limit: 4 Fish
Season: Oct 15 – Dec 22

Tautog (blackfish) Graphic Courtesy of ASMFC

Summer Flounder (fluke) Season Ends

Summer Flounder season ends on October 15 for all anglers.

Summer Flound (fluke) Graphic Courtesy of ASMFC

As the 2025 saltwater fishing season continues, don’t forget to make sure that your New York Recreational Marine Fishing Registry is still valid – it’s free and required for all anglers 16 years and older. Also check the DEC’s website to stay up to date on current 2025 regulations, so we can enjoy the sport today while preserving it for tomorrow. You can register online or by phone at 866-933-2257 (option #2).

Join New York’s Striped Bass Cooperative Angler Program!

Striped bass (Morone saxatilis) are New York’s official saltwater fish and highly sought-after by recreational anglers in New York’s marine waters and the Hudson River. DEC is seeking participants to join the Striped Bass Cooperative Angler (SBCA) Program to help biologists understand and maintain a healthy striped bass population. Anglers help provide data on fish caught and can submit scale samples that are used for ageing their catch. Learn more from our new storymap and sign up for the Striped Bass Cooperative Angler Program.

In New York’s marine waters (south of the George Washington Bridge), the recreational slot limit is 28-31 inches, and the season is open April 15 through December 15. The recreational striped bass fishing season in the Hudson River (north of the George Washington Bridge) is open April 1 through Nov. 30 and the recreational slot limit is 23-28 inches. Anglers who fish for striped bass in the tidal Hudson River can learn more about the Hudson River Cooperative Anglers Program on DEC’s website.

Circle hooks are required when fishing for striped bass with bait. When fishing using a circle hook and a fish bites, avoid pulling up on the rod immediately. Instead, point the rod tip at the fish and reel quickly. When the line becomes tight, keep reeling for a few more seconds before raising the rod tip. When the rod is bent, turn the reel handle slow and steady to bring in the fish. Check DEC’s Best Practices for Saltwater Fishing for more information on responsible fishing and safe fish handling tips.