Black Sea Bass (also known as Sea Bass, Black Will) in New York. Minimum legal size, daily bag limit, possession limit — verified against the NYSDEC guide, 2026.
In New York, the minimum legal size for Black Sea Bass is 16 in and the daily bag limit is 3–6 per person (varies by open period — set annually). Season note: Open seasons and these size and bag limits are reviewed at least annually and can change in-season — always confirm the current New York rules before keeping fish.
Open seasons and these size and bag limits are reviewed at least annually and can change in-season — always confirm the current New York rules before keeping fish.
Statewide marine district (no Long Island Sound / NY Bight split for this species). NY state marine waters (within 3 nautical miles). A separate, larger FEDERAL black sea bass fishery exists in the EEZ (beyond 3 nm) under NOAA/MAFMC with its own annually-set season and size/bag limits that can differ from the state values.
These limits are pulled from the NYSDEC recreational saltwater fishing regulations. Last verified June 2026.
Always check the official guide before keeping any fish. Regulations change. New York State Department of Environmental Conservation updates its guide annually and occasionally mid-year. Fines for over-bag or undersized fish are significant.
New York requires no saltwater licence, but anglers aged 16 or older must enrol (free) in the Recreational Marine Fishing Registry. NY marine registry.
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