Hot on the tail of news that New York’s fluke season has been officially approved, black sea bass regulations have been set for New York waters as well. The fishing season for sea biscuits will run from July 10 to December 31 with a 13-inch minimum size limit and an eight fish bag limit. These limits are better than previously thought since all East Coast states were originally required to take a 32 percent reduction in 2013 black sea bass harvest. Thankfully, an analysis of new data showed that only a 24-percent reduction is needed.
Scup fishing season will also see an improvement in terms of restrictrions in New York waters for 2013. The minimum size limit for porgies will now be ten inches. The creel limit will be 30 fish from May 1 to December 31 for all anglers. Party and charter boats will have a bonus of a 45 fish bag limit from September 1 to October 31.
The New York State DEC will shortly file an Emergency Rulemaking to formalize the changes for the 2013 season. Anglers should check DEC’s website for the most recent information on New York’s fishing limits. For questions on marine fishing, contact DEC’s Bureau of Marine Resources at 631-444-0430.
