In July, New York State Environmental Conservation Officers (ECOs) conducted a series of fishing compliance checks across Suffolk and Nassau Counties. These patrols resulted in numerous violations for keeping fish that were either undersized or caught out of season. Below are highlights from the DEC’s July 31, 2025 Environmental Conservation Police on Patrol report.
Sunken Meadow State Park – Undersized Stripers, Porgies, and Bluefish
On July 10, ECO Day responded to a tip about anglers keeping undersized fish at Sunken Meadow State Park in Smithtown. His inspection revealed multiple size violations, including undersized porgies and striped bass. One angler was also cited for exceeding the limit on bluefish and warned for using a seine net without a commercial permit.
Long Island Sound – Out-of-Season Tautog and Short Porgies
On July 11, ECOs partnered with Suffolk County law enforcement and the U.S. Coast Guard for a joint boat patrol in the Huntington and Smithtown area. A fishing compliance check near Eaton’s Neck uncovered two tautog caught out of season and seven undersized porgies aboard a recreational vessel. Two porgies were still alive and returned to the water. The vessel’s captain received two tickets for the violations.
Suffolk Boat Ramp – 94 Undersized Porgies Found in Barrels
On July 13, ECO DeRose inspected two boats arriving at a Suffolk County boat ramp, each with a large barrel onboard. His inspection revealed a combined total of 94 undersized porgies, plus one undersized summer flounder and one undersized black sea bass. All 10 anglers onboard were issued tickets, and the confiscated fish were donated to a wildlife rehabilitator to feed birds of prey.
Caumsett State Park – Illegal Tautog and Egg-Bearing Crab
On July 20, ECOs Francis and Pabes encountered a group of anglers at Fisherman’s Beach in Caumsett State Park attempting to hide a bag containing tautog caught during the closed season, along with assorted trash. A nearby bucket held a blue claw crab bearing eggs—an illegal catch in New York. One angler received two tickets for the violations.
For full details, read the DEC press release.
Up-to-date regulations can be found here: NY Saltwater Fishing Regulations.
