thresher shark being released in ocean

Recreational Shark Fishing

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State and Federal Permit Requirements

Shark Anglers

State Waters

(Shore to 3-miles offshore)

Federal Waters

(3 to 200 -miles offshore)

Permit RequirementDEC Recreational Marine Fishing NOAA Highly Migratory Species (HMS) Permit(1) 

(1)  All HMS permits are vessel-based permits. If you are fishing from an HMS-permitted vessel, you must comply with the permit requirements when fishing in both state and federal waters. For specific information about the rules associated with the HMS permit, please review the HMS Compliance Guide for Recreational Fishing.

Sharks that may be Retained

Anglers with a valid New York Recreational Marine Fishing Registry are permitted to catch & release, or harvest, non-prohibited shark species in New York State waters. Anglers must follow the shark fishing regulations described below, and anglers must also adhere to all minimum size and possession limits for sharks being harvested. 

Some examples of commonly encountered non-prohibited shark species found in New York State waters include Blue, Common Thresher, Spinner, Smooth Hammerhead, Atlantic Blacktip sharks, as well as Smooth Dogfish and Spiny Dogfish. 

For information about how to identify shark species, review the NOAA Fisheries Shark Identification Placard.

For more information about these species, visit the Sharks webpage.

Prohibited Sharks

It is illegal to pursue, capture, kill, or otherwise harass prohibited shark species in New York State waters. Do not fish for prohibited sharks. If captured, prohibited sharks must remain in the water and must be released immediately, without undue harm. These rules apply to all vessel-based and shore-based anglers.

Some examples of commonly encountered prohibited shark species found in New York State waters include Sandbar ("Brown"), Dusky, and Sand Tiger sharks. Other examples include White (“Great White”), Shortfin Mako, and Basking sharks. Visit Recreational Saltwater Fishing Regulations for the full list of prohibited shark species.

For information about how to identify prohibited shark species, review the NOAA Fisheries Prohibited Shark Identification Placard.

DEC has posted regulatory signs pertaining to prohibited sharks at many popular beach access sites throughout the Marine & Coastal District, see Prohibited Shark Regulation Sign (PDF). 

There are concerns about the conservation status of New York's prohibited shark species. For more information, visit the Sharks webpage. Prohibited shark species are particularly vulnerable due to a combination of factors which include:

  • Very slow growth and late maturity.
  • Long prenatal development periods.
  • Exceptionally low productivity rates.
  • Vulnerability to fishing gear at varying life stages.
  • Species may be experiencing overfishing. 
  • Species may be overfished.

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. 

Angling Stage

Regulations  

Preparation

It is unlawful for any person to chum from shore with anything other than mollusks or crustaceans. (3)

It is unlawful to pursue, capture, kill, or otherwise harass prohibited shark species in New York State waters. (1)(5)

Gear

Non-stainless steel non-offset circle hooks are required when using baited hooks for sharks. (1)(4)

It is unlawful for a shore angler to use a baited hook attached to a metal fishing leader that exceeds 18 inches total length. (2)(3)

It is unlawful for a shore angler to deploy baited hooks by any means other than casting with rod and reel. (2)(3)

Shark anglers must have wire or bolt cutters immediately available to aid in the removal of tackle and the release of sharks that are not being harvested. (1)(5)

Capture

It is unlawful to take sharks by any means other than rod and reel or handlines retrieved without mechanical means. (1)(5)

Handling

A shark that is not being harvested may not be removed from the water. The entire length of the shark must remain in the water with its gills submerged. (1)(5)

A shark that is not being harvested must be released without undue harm. Anglers are prohibited from engaging in any activities which may decrease the shark’s probability of survival after release. (1)(5)

Release

All prohibited shark species must be released immediately. (1)(5)

Harvest

Anglers must adhere to all minimum size and possession limits for sharks being harvested. (1)(5)

All sharks shall have heads, tails and fins attached naturally to the carcass through landing. (1)(5)

It is unlawful for any person to engage in finning, or to possess, sell, offer for sale, trade or distribute a shark fin. (1)(4)

It is unlawful for a recreational angler to sell, trade or barter sharks or shark pieces. (1)(5)

*Regulations were last changed on April 17, 2024, and are subject to change at any time.*

(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.
(3) As described in New York's Environmental Regulations - 6 NYCRR Section 40.1(b).
(4) As described in New York’s Environmental Conservation Law § 13-0338 (5).
(5) As described in New York's Environmental Regulations - 6 NYCRR Section 40.6(c).

Report violations by calling the DEC Law Enforcement Dispatch Center (24/7): 1-844-DEC-ECOS (1-844-332-3267). For information about other DEC law enforcement contacts, visit Environmental Conservation Officer Rosters.

Best Practices for Catch and Release of Sharks

Shark Survival: Why it’s important

Sharks are important for keeping our ocean healthy because they help to regulate and balance the marine food web. Catching and releasing sharks in a way that helps them survive is crucial for keeping their populations healthy and supporting a balanced ocean environment. 
 

More Information on Sharks

 

Angling Stage

Best Practices for Catch & Release of Sharks

Preparation

Learn how to identify shark species.

Learn the minimum size and possession limits for shark species.

Avoid shark fishing during poor environmental conditions (e.g., rough seas, very hot temperatures).

Keep a safe distance from bathers and bathing beaches when fishing.

Do not fish for sharks alone. Have a plan and ensure everyone knows their role in the release procedure prior to the fishing trip.

Gear

Crush barbs or use barbless hooks for faster hook removal.

Do not use treble hooks. Use a single, non-offset hook when fishing artificial lures for sharks.

Use heavy tackle to minimize fight time.

Have release tools ready and know how to use them.

Capture

Minimize fight time to reduce impacts to the shark.

Keep your line tight during the fight to avoid tail wrapping the shark.

Handling

Minimize handling of the shark.

Minimize handling time. 

Release

Treat unknown catches as a prohibited species and release them immediately. 

Prioritize for a quick release by either removing the hook, cutting the hook, or cutting the leader.

Use a long-handled de-hooking device to help with hook removal or bolt cutters to cut the hook.

If it is not possible to remove the hook, use wire cutters to cut the leader as close to the hook and as safely as the situation allows.

For additional information, view NOAA Fisheries Handling and Release of Sharks video.

Impacts of Improper Handling

Improperly handling sharks that will be released violates New York regulations and increases the likelihood of delayed and undocumented shark deaths post-release. 

  • Prolonged air exposure will reduce a shark’s oxygen availability for respiration.
  • A shark’s internal structure is made of cartilage. A shark’s organs are meant to be supported by the buoyancy of its body in the water. If out of the water for extended time, its organs could be crushed. This may inflict damage to organs, blood vessels, and connective tissue.
  • Dragging sharks out of the water or rolling sharks can lead to organ torsion or twisting of the organs.
  • Lifting or dragging sharks by the tail can lead to spinal injuries and distortions such as lordosis, kyphosis, and scoliosis.
  • Other physiological impacts to sharks which are improperly handled include:
    • Damage to gill tissue which is used for respiration.
    • Damage to the electroreception organs which are used for navigation and hunting.
    • Damage to the shark’s skin which is used to protect against infection.
    • Disruption in blood chemistry induced by stress.

Additionally, improperly handling sharks can put anglers and onlookers at risk of injury.

Contact for this Page

Division of Marine Resources
123 Kings Park Blvd. (Nissequogue River State Park)
Kings Park, NY 11754

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