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Common Ground News

Do you need a fishing license to fish Long Island Sound?

Author

Mia Phillips

Updated on March 15, 2026

Do you need a fishing license to fish Long Island Sound?

Do I need a license to fish on Long Island? In New York State there are different regulations for fishing in freshwater and in saltwater. Those fishing in freshwaters, such as lakes or rivers, do need to obtain a license before doing so, but those heading out to the ocean or the Long Island Sound only need to register.

Then, can you fish in Long Island Sound?

Saltwater (Marine) Fishing

With over 100 species of fish found in Long Island Sound, anglers can enjoy some of the very best striped bass, bluefish, summer flounder, scup, hickory shad, black sea bass and tautog fishing along the entire coast.

Also, do you need a license to fish in Suffolk County NY? New York State Fishing License required. All other Suffolk County Parks locations require that fisherman have only a NYS Fishing license. Additional Information: Pumpkinseed, largemouth bass, perch and bluegills can be found in freshwater lakes and ponds in Suffolk County.

Beside above, can you fish in NY without a license?

During Free Fishing Days/Weekends, anyone can fish the fresh waters of New York State and no fishing license is required!

Do you need a fishing license in Nassau County?

All anglers, 16 years of age and older, fishing for saltwater species in the marine and coastal district waters must register with the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation. Anglers will be issued a NYS license/registration card which must be carried while angling.

What fish are in season in Long Island?

Inshore Species
  • Striped Bass : May – November.
  • Fluke : May – September.
  • Black Sea Bass : May – December.
  • Blackfish : October – December.
  • Porgy : May – December.
  • Bluefish: May – November.
  • Weakfish : May – August.
  • Cod : November – January, July – September.

What is the best time to fish from shore?

Best time to shore fish

Dawn and dusk are usually pretty good all round times, with dawn being the better of the two (I can hear your groans from here at the thought of you getting up before dawn hehehe). For daytime fishing a rising tide and high tide are usually the best times for most fish.

What fish are local to Long Island?

There are a huge variety of local fish and shellfish to choose from. Local species include striped bass, scup, squid, tilefish, sea & bay scallops, fluke, flounder, lobsters, monkfish, bluefish, black sea bass, blackfish, clams, oysters and many more.

What fish are in the Long Island Sound in the winter?

“We're seeing cool-water species, including winter spawners such as grubby and winter flounder, become less abundant, and warm-water species like black sea bass that have historically been more predominant in the mid-Atlantic waters, similar to the Chesapeake Bay region, become more abundant,” said Millstone biologist

What fish are biting on Long Island?

Big porgies, ling, cod, and pollock are all biting well aboard the party boats. Opening day for winter flounder and reports are positive. Big schools of bunker moved into back bays all around the island this week. Gannets are following.

Are Long Island blowfish poisonous?

Unlike many other pufferfish species, the flesh of the northern puffer is not poisonous (its viscera can contain poison). They are commonly called sugar toads in the Chesapeake Bay region, where they are eaten as a delicacy. In much of the Northeast, the fish is known simply as "blowfish" or "chicken of the sea".

Are there pufferfish in Long Island Sound?

Also known as northern puffers, for a decade or more they were scarce, but in recent years they have been making a comeback, and are available in restaurants and fish markets from early spring through the fall. “I think of blowfish as Long Island frog legs,” says Stephan Bogardus, chef at North Fork Table & Inn.

What saltwater fish are in season in NY?

Enroll in the Recreational Marine Fishing Registry
SpeciesMinimum Size Limits (Total Length in Inches) (1)Open Seasons
Scup (Porgy)9All year
Scup (Porgy) (3) Anglers aboard licensed party/charter boats9Sept 1 - Oct 31
Summer flounder (fluke) (4)19May 4 - Sept 30
Black Sea Bass (5)15June 23 - Aug 31 Sept 1 - Dec 31

What is the penalty for fishing without a license in New York?

New York's penalty for fishing and hunting without a license varies from $0 to $250 and up to 15-day incarceration.

Do you need a fishing license to fish on private property in NY?

Fishing License Guidelines

You are required to present your license to any police officer, peace office, or the owner, lessee, or other person in control of the lands or waters on which you are fishing. A fishing license does not authorize you to trespass on private property.

How much does a NYS license cost?

Driver license and learner permit fees
Applicant's AgeClass D or DJClass M or MJ**
17½ to 18$89.25 / $98.25*$93.75 / $102.75*
18 to 18½$80.00 / $90.00*$85.00 / $95.00*
18½ to 21$76.75 - $80.00 $85.75 - $90.00*$81.25 - $85.00 $90.25 - $95.00*
21 and older$64.25 - $67.50 $73.25 - $77.50*$68.75 - $72.50 $77.75 - $82.50*

How much is a fishing license at Walmart in NY?

Prices of Fishing Licenses at Walmart, New York (NY)
Annual License resident fee for ages 16-69$25
Annual License resident fee for ages under 16 and over 70$5
Annual License non-resident fee$50
Lifetime License (for residents only)$28

Do you need a license for saltwater fishing in NY?

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.

Can you fish at Smithpoint Beach?

The Suffolk County Parks Department offers a Night Fishing Permit for fishermen interested in accessing Suffolk County Parks after dark (between 10pm to 6am). Night Fishing Permits are valid for the following Suffolk County Parks: Smith Point. Shinnecock East.

Where can you trout fish on Long Island?

The Carmans River showcases native brook trout, the only trout species native to Long Island.
  • Argyle Lake, Babylon.
  • Artist Lake, Middle Island.
  • Avon Manor Pond, Amityville.
  • Belmont Lake, North Babylon.
  • Blydenburgh Lake, Smithtown.
  • Canaan Lake, North Patchogue.
  • Deep Pond, Wading River.
  • Forge Pond, Calverton.

Can you fish in Lake Ronkonkoma?

Most of the shoreline of Lake Ronkonkoma is part of Lake Ronkonkoma County Park. Fishing from Suffolk County Park property is permitted, but a Suffolk County Green Key (leaves DEC website) is required. Additionally seasonal park fees may apply for parking in certain locations.

Where can I fish in Patchogue?

Fishing Spots Near Patchogue NY
  • Fire Island National Seashore. Patchogue, NY.
  • Connetquot River State Park Preserve. Oakdale, NY.
  • Heckscher State Park. East Islip, NY.
  • Caleb Smith State Park Preserve. Smithtown, NY.
  • Blydenburgh County Park.
  • Nissequogue River State Park.
  • Captree State Park.
  • Robert Moses State Park - Long Island.

How do I start a business in Nassau County?

Nassau NY Business Startup Checklist Overview:
  1. Create a Business Plan.
  2. Determine Legal Structure and Legal Formation.
  3. Obtain an EIN Number.
  4. Register for State Taxes and a State Tax ID.
  5. Apply for Local Business Licenses and Permits.
  6. Open a Business Bank Account.
  7. Set Up Accounting.
  8. Obtain Insurance.

How do I get a fishing license in Long Island?

State-issued Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) fishing and hunting permits are available at most town clerk offices, select bait and tackle shops, via 866-933-2257 or online at dec.ny.gov. Some permits, such as the Managed Land Access Permit, are available only online.

What is recreational marine fishing registration?

A recreational marine fishing registration entitles the holder who is sixteen years of age or older to take fish from the waters of the marine and coastal district and to take migratory fish of the sea from all waters of the state, except as provided in sections 13-0333 and 13-0335 of this title.

Where can I fish in Montauk?

5 Best Montauk Fishing Spots
  • Montauk Marine Basin. 426 West Lake Drive. Montauk, NY 11954.
  • Montauk Point State Park. Route 27. Montauk, NY 11954.
  • Camp Hero State Park. Montauk, New York 1195.
  • Theodore Roosevelt County Park. East Lake Dr. Montauk, NY 11796.
  • Shadmoor State Park. 50 South Fairview Ave.