Fishing Regulations Glossary
Understanding the terms used in NY fishing regulations
Fishing regulations use specific terminology that every angler should understand. This glossary defines the key terms you'll encounter when reading NY fishing rules. Knowing these terms helps you stay legal, protect fish populations, and enjoy your time on the water. For detailed species-specific regulations, visit our freshwater and saltwater regulation pages, or join the discussion at NY Angler.
The maximum number of fish of a specific species that an angler can legally keep in one day. Bag limits help maintain sustainable fish populations by preventing overharvesting.
Example:
If the bag limit for largemouth bass is 5, you can only keep 5 bass per day, regardless of how many you catch.
Another term for bag limit. The word 'creel' refers to a fishing basket traditionally used to hold caught fish. Creel limit and bag limit mean the same thing in fishing regulations.
Example:
A creel limit of 3 trout means you can keep up to 3 trout per day.
The minimum or maximum length a fish must be to be legally kept. Fish outside these measurements must be released. Size limits protect juvenile fish (allowing them to reproduce) and trophy fish (protecting breeding stock).
Example:
A 15-inch minimum size limit on striped bass means any bass under 15 inches must be released immediately.
A regulation that requires anglers to release fish within a specific size range, while allowing harvest of fish below or above that range. This protects prime breeding-age fish while allowing harvest of smaller and larger individuals.
Example:
A slot limit of 12 to 15 inches means you must release any fish between 12 and 15 inches, but can keep fish under 12 inches or over 15 inches (within bag limits).
The total number of fish you can have in your possession at any time, including fish at home, in your freezer, or being transported. Typically 2 to 3 times the daily bag limit.
Example:
If the daily bag limit is 5 and possession limit is 10, you can have up to 10 fish total at home, even if caught over multiple days.
The practice of releasing fish back into the water after catching them. Required by law for certain species, sizes, or during closed seasons. Proper catch and release techniques minimize harm to fish.
Example:
During the closed season for bass, all bass caught must be immediately released unharmed.
The time period when it is legal to fish for and keep a specific species. Outside of open season, the species may be caught but must be released immediately.
Example:
The open season for bass in NY runs from the third Saturday in June through November 30.
The time period when a species cannot be kept and must be released if caught. Closed seasons protect fish during spawning periods when they are most vulnerable.
Example:
Trout streams have a closed season from October 16 to March 31 to protect spawning fish.
The maximum number of fish of a species you can harvest in a single calendar day (midnight to midnight). Same as bag limit or creel limit.
Example:
The daily limit for walleye is 5 fish per day.
A combined bag limit that applies to multiple related species counted together. Common for trout species or panfish.
Example:
An aggregate limit of 5 trout means you can keep 5 total trout of any combination of species (brook, brown, rainbow).
The smallest length a fish can be to legally keep it. Fish below this size must be released. Protects juvenile fish until they have a chance to reproduce.
Example:
The minimum size for black sea bass is 15 inches, measured from nose to tail.
The largest length a fish can be to legally keep it. Fish above this size must be released. Protects large breeding fish that produce the most offspring.
Example:
Some trophy bass waters have a maximum size of 12 inches, requiring release of all larger fish.
The standard measurement for fish size, measured from the tip of the snout (mouth closed) to the tip of the tail fin in natural position. This is how size limits are enforced.
Example:
A bass measuring 14.5 inches total length does not meet a 15-inch minimum and must be released.
Fish species that cannot be harvested at any time due to conservation concerns. It is illegal to keep protected species; they must be released immediately if caught.
Example:
Atlantic sturgeon are a protected species in NY and must be released immediately if caught.
Waters with fishing rules that differ from statewide regulations. These areas may have stricter or more relaxed limits to manage specific fisheries.
Example:
Some Catskill streams have special regulations allowing only artificial lures and requiring catch and release of all trout.
To legally catch and keep a fish. Harvest is only allowed during open seasons, within size limits, and up to bag limits.
Example:
You may harvest up to 5 walleye per day during the open season.
Fishing with a rod, line, and hook. NY fishing regulations apply specifically to angling; other methods like netting or spearing have separate rules.
Example:
Angling is the most common recreational fishing method and requires a valid fishing license.
A permit required to fish in NY waters. Different licenses exist for residents, non-residents, and various age groups. Licenses fund fisheries management and conservation.
Example:
All anglers age 16 and older must have a valid NY fishing license to fish in state waters.
Need More Help?
Still have questions about fishing regulations? Use our AI assistant on the homepage to get instant answers about specific species, seasons, and limits. You can also join the community at NY Angler to ask experienced anglers about regulations and fishing techniques.