Know before you keep
Fishing regulations
New York's size limits, bag limits and seasons for the fish Jamaica Bay boats target, with what's open today.
Showing what's open on November 6, 2026.
| Species | Today | Minimum size | Limit | Season |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Striped bassInline circle hooks are required when fishing with bait. | Open | Slot: 28"–31" | 1 | April 15–Dec. 15 |
| Blackfish (tautog)NY Bight Region limits. Long Island Sound has its own tautog rules. | Open | 16" | 4 | April 1–30; Oct. 15–Dec. 22 |
| Black sea bass | Open | 16" | 6 | May 16–Dec. 31 |
| Porgy (scup) | Open | 11" on boats; 9.5" from shore | 30 | May 1–Dec. 31 |
| Bluefish | Open | No minimum | 5 (7 for-hire) | All year |
| Fluke (summer flounder)Fluke can't be filleted at sea. | Closed | 19" (to Aug. 1); 19.5" (from Aug. 2) | 3 | May 4–Oct. 15 |
| Atlantic cod | Open | 23" | 5 | Sept. 1–May 31 |
| Weakfish | Open | 16" | 1 | All year |
| Pollock | Open | 19" | No limit | All year |
From NYSDEC's saltwater regulations (rules last changed May 12, 2026; we checked them on November 4, 2026). This is a summary, not legal advice. Other states and federal waters have their own rules. Check NYSDEC before you keep a fish.
Before you go
Registry
Anglers 16 and older need New York's free Recreational Marine Fishing Registry, unless they're fishing aboard a licensed party or charter boat.
Big game
Tuna and sharks
Both need a federal NOAA Highly Migratory Species permit on top of the registry, and several sharks can't be kept at all.
At the park
Gateway after-hours access
Gateway National Recreation Area uses a fishing access pass for after-hours parking at designated Jamaica Bay lots. The park's fishing page lists which lots need it and when the pass is sold.
Crossing lines
Trips that leave the bay
Some Sheepshead Bay boats name Sandy Hook and the New Jersey shore among the places they fish. New Jersey sets its own limits. On a party boat, the captain knows which apply.