Attention: New York DEC Announces New Gear Regulations and Enhanced Shark Handling Requirements for Marine Recreational Anglers:

Posted by John Mantione on

Two views of the tops of trees in different seasons

Summary announcement:

DEC Announces New Gear Regulations and Enhanced Shark Handling Requirements for Marine Recreational Anglers:

(1) This regulation applies to both vessel-based and shore-based anglers.
(2) This regulation applies to all shore anglers. A shore angler is as any person engaged in any type of fishing that does not take place aboard a vessel.

DEC’s rulemaking includes new shark handling requirements for all marine anglers to reduce stress and injury to captured sharks, improve the condition of sharks that are released, and further protect prohibited shark species while maintaining recreational opportunities for shore-based anglers targeting legal species. In addition, the new rules improve shark handling and release practices for all shore- and vessel-based anglers. The new rules require:

  • Immediate release of all prohibited shark species;
  • Anglers to keep any shark not being harvested in the water with its gills submerged. This rule does not apply to smooth dogfish and spiny dogfish;
  • Recreational shark anglers must have wire or bolt cutters immediately available to aid in the removal of tackle and the release of sharks not being harvested; and 
  • Anglers to take every precaution to ensure the maximum probability of survival of any shark that will be released.
  • SHARK ID CHART (PDF)

New gear restrictions specific to recreational shore anglers include the prohibition of:

  • Metal fishing leaders attached to baited hooks that exceed 18 inches in length;
  • Chumming within 600 feet of the shoreline (except with mollusks and crustaceans); and
  • Deploying baited hooks by means other than casting with rod and reel.

Recreational Shark Fishing Regulations

Regulations that are relevant to recreational shark fishing are summarized here. For minimum size and possession limits and for the full list of prohibited shark species, visit Recreational Saltwater Fishing Regulations

Full Press Release

State and Federal Permit Requirements

Just a reminder. All anglers 16yrs and older are required to register for saltwater fishing or purchase a license for freshwater fishing in New York State.

You need to register before saltwater fishing. It's easy and it's FREE for NYS residents and all visitors.  To fish our local lakes and ponds, a Freshwater License is required. Basically, a NYS resident, Freshwater License, is available to purchase for a days fishing ($5.00) a week ($12.00) or a season (one year from date of purchase for $25.00.-Senior [70 or older] $5.00. )  Additional discounts are available for active military, disabled vets and more...... Non-Resident Freshwater Fishing Licenses are also available for a fee from $10.00-$50.00. 


Stop down at  J & J Sports  and we'll issue you a licenses or marine registry. To purchase a license or register  online- click HERE.   There's nothing worse than getting a ticket just because you went fishing. Have a smart phone? Here's an idea:

It's a good idea to "snap a shot" of your license so it's always with you in case of loss or its destroyed.

Get Your Sporting Licenses or Register for Marine Fishing
Buy your sporting license online or
By Phone: 1-866-933-2257


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