New York’s spring blackfish season kicks off on April 1, giving anglers a short but highly anticipated window to target tautog after the winter closure. The season runs through April 30, with a 2-fish daily limit and a 16-inch minimum size in both the Long Island Sound and New York Bight.
Early April typically finds tog stacked on nearshore structure, with rockpiles, wrecks and mussel beds in shallow water holding the bulk of the action. It’s a prime opportunity for sharpies to dial in bites close to home, whether fishing from private boats, party boats or even select shoreline access points.
While the limit is modest, the spring run is known for potential quality fish, and it offers a great way to get back on the water before fluke season and other spring fisheries ramp up. The fishery will close again at the end of April before reopening in the fall with higher bag limits.
