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Great South Bay

  • Saltwater
  • Bay
Sq. miles
91
Boat Ramps
2
Access Points
0
Species
36

Great South Bay is a premier saltwater estuary and the largest shallow saltwater bay in New York State, spanning approximately 26 miles in length and 3 miles in width with a total area of 151 square miles. This vast, protected waterway lies between the south shore of Long Island and the barrier island of Fire Island, creating an immense and productive inshore fishery. With an average depth of just over 4 feet and a maximum depth around 20 feet, the bay's extensive shallow flats, deep channels, and tidal inlets support a diverse marine ecosystem. It is a traditional and highly popular fishing ground, known for its seasonal runs of several prized gamefish species that attract anglers from shore and by boat.

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Great South Bay. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

J & J Sports Inc.

J & J Sports Inc.

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Fishing supply shops

Fishing supply shops

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J&H Tackle

J&H Tackle

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Saltwaters Tackle

Saltwaters Tackle

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Nature's Trophies Bait & Tackle

Nature's Trophies Bait & Tackle

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Paulie's Tackle Shop

Paulie's Tackle Shop

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Smith Point Bait Beach & Tackle

Smith Point Bait Beach & Tackle

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Know where you can legally fish on Great South Bay

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

New York licenses and regulations

New York Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the weblink below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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New York Coastal & Inland Waters

New York's Marine and Coastal District covers the Atlantic Ocean within three miles of the coast and all tidal waters in the state, including the Hudson River up to the Tappan Zee Bridge. The free marine registry applies in those waters, while a paid freshwater fishing license is required for inland lakes, ponds, and rivers. Anglers fishing the Hudson River or other rivers for migratory fish of the sea such as striped bass also need the marine registry.

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New York Federal Waters & Offshore Rules

Beyond three nautical miles from shore, NOAA Fisheries and the New England and Mid-Atlantic Fishery Management Councils set the rules for federal waters out to 200 nautical miles. Anglers targeting tuna, billfish, swordfish, or sharks must also obtain a federal Atlantic Highly Migratory Species permit from NOAA Fisheries, separate from any state registration.

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New York Saltwater Fishing License

Saltwater anglers 16 and older must enroll in the free Recreational Marine Fishing Registry before fishing New York's marine and coastal district waters. NYSDEC runs the registry through its DECALS system. Anglers aboard a licensed party or charter boat are exempt from registering, as are those under 16.

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New York Saltwater Size & Bag Limits

Size and bag limits apply to marine species and can shift during the year. NYSDEC sets and updates these rules, and the current table for species including striped bass, summer flounder, black sea bass, bluefish, and tautog lives on the Recreational Saltwater Fishing Regulations page. Check it before every trip.

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New York Shellfish Closures & Advisories

No DEC permit is required to recreationally harvest clams, oysters, mussels, or scallops from state lands, but you may only harvest from areas DEC has certified as open. Areas close due to rainfall, boating activity, and other water-quality concerns, so check the DEC Public Shellfish Mapper for current closures before heading out. Local towns may also require their own permits and impose additional restrictions.

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Take Great South Bay with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Great South Bay to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Great South Bay to find where and when fish are biting for you.

Get the onWater Fish app

Free on iOS and Android

Tides, wind & water conditions (10 day forecast)

On open water, wind and tide matter as much as the weather. See the best times to fish Great South Bay and check the marine forecast before you launch.

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