Black Sea Bass regulations in New York

· Saltwater · 2026 season

Is it a keeper? A black sea bass is a keeper today if it measures at least 16 inches, with a daily limit of 3.

Black Sea Bass size limit, season and daily limit

Where	Season	Size limit	Daily limit
NY Marine & Coastal District	May 16 – December 31	16 inch minimum	3 (May 16 – Aug 31); 6 (Sep 1 – Dec 31)

Exact NYSDEC wording

Season: May 16 - Aug 31 (3 fish); Sept 1 - Dec 31 (6 fish)
Size: 16"
Limit: 3 May 16 - Aug 31; 6 Sept 1 - Dec 31
statewide — as printed: “Black Sea Bass 16" 3 / 6 May 16 - Aug 31 / Sept 1 - Dec 31 (measured not including the tail filament)”

Source: NYSDEC, captured 2026-10-04 (2026 season).

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About the black sea bass

Species of fish

The black sea bass is a species of marine ray-finned fish, a sea bass from the subfamily Serraninae which is part of the family Serranidae, which also includes the groupers and anthias. It is found in the western Atlantic Ocean, where it is an important species for commercial and recreational fisheries.

Text from Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Regulations on this page come from NYSDEC, not Wikipedia.

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Frequently asked

What is the size limit for Black Sea Bass in New York?

16 inch minimum in New York state waters.

How many Black Sea Bass can you keep per day in New York?

3 (May 16 – Aug 31); 6 (Sep 1 – Dec 31).

When is Black Sea Bass season in New York?

May 16 – December 31.

Is my Black Sea Bass a keeper today?

A black sea bass is a keeper today if it measures at least 16 inches, with a daily limit of 3.