New York’s 2026 recreational black sea bass regulations are now officially in place, giving anglers expanded fishing opportunities for the upcoming season. Under the finalized rules, the season opened May 16 with a 16-inch minimum size limit and a three-fish daily bag limit through August 31. Beginning September 1, the daily possession limit will increase to six fish and remain in effect through December 31. The changes follow approval of more liberal coastwide recreational measures for 2026 and are expected to provide additional opportunities for both private and for-hire anglers across New York’s marine waters this season.
