Black Sea Bass
Black Sea Bass are aggressive saltwater bottom-dwellers found throughout New York's coastal waters from Long Island Sound to offshore canyons.
Scientific Name: Centropristis striata
They grow slowly to 2 feet and 9 pounds. Dominant males developing distinctive bright blue coloration and prominent head humps during spawning season.
Fishing in New York
Delaware River
East Branch Delaware River
Susquehanna River
Beaver Kill
Lackawanna River
Chenango River
Rondout Creek
Lehigh River
Tobyhanna Creek
West Branch Delaware River
What to know
Habitat Distribution
Preferring structured habitats like reefs, wrecks, oyster beds, rocky outcrops, and artificial structures. Abundant around areas like Montauk Point, Block Island waters, Long Island Sound, and offshore wrecks. Most concentrated in depths of 20-50 feet during spring and summer, moving to 50-100+ feet in fall and winter.Key Locations
Long Island Sound, offshore canyons, Montauk Point, Block Island waters, Long Island Sound, offshore wrecks, Block Island Sound, and various numbered wrecks.Specific Spots
Structured bottom around wrecks, reefs, rock piles, and drop-offs. In deeper fall/winter fishing, focus on offshore structure in 80-150 feet.Black Sea Bass FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Black Sea Bass in New York?
Diamond jigs, bucktails, or specialized knife jigs like Shimano Flat-Fall jigs. Rig bucktails and jigs with soft plastic teasers - B2 squids in white, pink, or chartreuse. Squid, clams, or crabs for bait. Cocahoe Minnows, Red Gill Rascals, or small curly-tail grubs on dropper loops above the main jig.
When is the best time to fish for Black Sea Bass in New York?
Prime fishing occurs from late May through December, with peak action in summer and fall months. Black Sea Bass season in New York runs from June 23-August 31 and September 1-December 31.
How do you catch Black Sea Bass in New York?
Most effective techniques include vertical jigging with diamond jigs, bucktails, or specialized knife jigs like Shimano Flat-Fall jigs that flutter horizontally on the drop. High-low bottom rigs with circle hooks.
What do Black Sea Bass eat?
Opportunistic predators feeding heavily on crabs (especially Cancer and rock crabs), shrimp, worms, small fish including anchovies and herring, clams, and various benthic invertebrates.
Where do Black Sea Bass live in New York?
Preferring structured habitats like reefs, wrecks, oyster beds, rocky outcrops, and artificial structures. Abundant around areas like Montauk Point, Block Island waters, Long Island Sound, and offshore wrecks. Most concentrated in depths of 20-50 feet during spring and summer, moving to 50-100+ feet in fall and winter.
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