Question 1

Do I need a fishing license in New York?

Accepted Answer

Yes, most anglers age 16 and older need a valid New York fishing license to fish in freshwater or saltwater. Licenses are required for both residents and non-residents. You can purchase a license online through the NY DEC website, at license issuing agents, or by phone. Certain exemptions apply for children under 16, active military personnel fishing in their home state, and anglers with disabilities. Always carry your license while fishing and be prepared to show it to Environmental Conservation Officers.

Question 2

What types of fishing licenses are available in New York?

Accepted Answer

New York offers several license types: Annual Fishing License (valid for one year), 7-Day Fishing License (for short visits), 1-Day Fishing License (for occasional anglers), Lifetime Fishing License (one-time purchase for permanent residents), and Marine Registry (free for saltwater fishing only). Additional stamps and permits may be required for certain species like trout or sturgeon. Senior citizens (age 70+) can fish for free with proof of age and residency.

Question 3

Can I practice catch and release fishing in New York?

Accepted Answer

Yes, catch and release is encouraged and legal in New York for conservation purposes. When practicing catch and release, use barbless hooks or crimp down barbs, handle fish with wet hands, keep fish in water as much as possible, and release quickly. For species with size or season restrictions, you must immediately release any fish that doesn't meet legal requirements. Some waters have special catch and release only regulations. Check the NY Angler community for best practices and local tips.

Question 4

What are the penalties for fishing without a license?

Accepted Answer

Fishing without a required license in New York is a violation that can result in fines ranging from $0 to $250 for a first offense, plus mandatory surcharges. Repeat offenses carry higher penalties. Additional violations like exceeding bag limits, keeping undersized fish, or fishing during closed seasons can result in separate fines, license suspension, and confiscation of fishing equipment. Environmental Conservation Officers actively patrol fishing areas and check licenses regularly.

Question 5

What does 'bag limit' mean?

Accepted Answer

A bag limit is the maximum number of fish of a particular species you can legally keep in one day. For example, if the bag limit for bass is 5 per day, you cannot keep more than 5 bass in a 24-hour period. Bag limits apply per person, not per group. Once you reach your bag limit, you must stop harvesting that species for the day, though you can continue catch and release fishing. Possession limits may also apply, restricting how many fish you can have in your possession over multiple days.

Question 6

How do I measure fish for size limits?

Accepted Answer

Fish should be measured for total length from the tip of the snout (mouth closed) to the tip of the tail fin (tail pinched together). Lay the fish flat on a measuring board or ruler. For minimum size limits, the fish must meet or exceed the stated length. For maximum size limits (slot limits), the fish must be at or below the maximum length. If a fish is borderline, err on the side of caution and release it. Measuring devices are available at most tackle shops.

Question 7

Can I fish at night in New York?

Accepted Answer

Yes, night fishing is legal in New York for most species and locations. However, some specific waters may have time restrictions, particularly in state parks that close at dusk. Always check local regulations for the water body you plan to fish. Night fishing can be productive for species like walleye, catfish, and striped bass. Use proper lighting for safety, and be aware that some fishing methods (like spearfishing) may have time restrictions.

Question 8

What is a 'closed season' and why does it exist?

Accepted Answer

A closed season is a period when fishing for a particular species is prohibited to protect fish during critical life stages, typically spawning. For example, bass have a closed season in spring when they're nesting to ensure successful reproduction. During closed seasons, you must immediately release any fish of that species if accidentally caught. Closed seasons help maintain healthy fish populations and ensure sustainable fishing for future generations. Season dates vary by species and sometimes by location.

Question 9

Can I use live bait in New York?

Accepted Answer

Yes, live bait is legal in most New York waters. Common live baits include minnows, worms, leeches, and insects. However, there are important restrictions: you cannot use fish as bait in some trout waters, you cannot transport live fish between water bodies (to prevent invasive species spread), and you cannot use game fish as bait. Some waters have specific bait restrictions, so always check local regulations. Purchase bait from licensed dealers to ensure compliance.

Question 10

What should I do if I catch an undersized or out-of-season fish?

Accepted Answer

Immediately and carefully release any fish that doesn't meet size requirements or is caught during a closed season. Handle the fish as little as possible, keep it in the water if you can, remove the hook gently (cut the line if deeply hooked), and release it quickly. Do not attempt to keep undersized fish or fish caught out of season, as this is a violation that can result in fines. Using proper tackle and techniques can help reduce deep hooking and improve survival rates of released fish.

Question 11

Are there different rules for fishing from a boat vs. shore?

Accepted Answer

The basic fishing regulations (licenses, size limits, bag limits, seasons) apply equally whether fishing from shore or boat. However, boat anglers must also comply with boating regulations including registration, safety equipment requirements, and navigation rules. Some waters have boat launch restrictions or motor size limits. Each person on a boat needs their own fishing license and is subject to individual bag limits. Special regulations may apply to certain waters regarding boat access or fishing methods.

Question 12

Can I give my caught fish to someone else?

Accepted Answer

Yes, you can give legally caught fish to another person, but the fish still count toward your daily bag limit, not the recipient's. You cannot exceed your bag limit and then give fish away to circumvent the regulations. If transporting fish, keep documentation of where and when they were caught. Commercial sale of recreationally caught fish is illegal without proper commercial fishing licenses and permits. Fish must be kept in a condition that allows species identification.

Question 13

What are 'special regulations' waters?

Accepted Answer

Special regulations waters are specific lakes, rivers, or stream sections with rules that differ from statewide regulations. These may include different size limits, bag limits, season dates, or gear restrictions. Special regulations are implemented to protect unique fisheries, improve fishing quality, or manage specific conservation goals. Always check for special regulations before fishing a new water body. The NY DEC website and local fishing guides provide information on special regulations waters.

Question 14

Do I need a separate license for saltwater fishing?

Accepted Answer

New York requires either a paid fishing license or a free Marine Registry registration for saltwater fishing. If you already have a freshwater fishing license, it covers saltwater fishing too. If you only fish in saltwater, you can register for free through the Marine Registry instead of buying a license. Federal regulations also require HMS (Highly Migratory Species) permits for certain offshore species like tuna and sharks. Check both state and federal requirements before saltwater fishing.

Question 15

Where can I find the most current fishing regulations?

Accepted Answer

The official source for New York fishing regulations is the NY DEC website. Regulations are updated annually, typically in the spring. You can also find regulations in the printed fishing guide available at license agents, or use this website for quick reference. Join the NY Angler community to stay informed about regulation changes and emergency closures. When in doubt, contact the DEC or a local Environmental Conservation Officer for clarification.

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