New York state waters, out to 3 miles
Fish over 27" TL may not be possessed.
NY DEC 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Past 3 miles: federal waters Different rule
Harvest of red drum is prohibited in Atlantic federal waters (EEZ); state waters rules govern inshore.
NOAA GARFO / MAFMC 2026 · checked 2026-09-20
Often mistaken for
Black drumHas chin barbels, no tail spot. Tell them apartNot listed by New York: the default applies (No size limit, no bag limit).
Keep the wrong fish and its rule applies.
How to tell it
Black spot (sometimes several) at the tail base, coppery-bronze back, no chin barbels. More on the red drum page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Questions anglers ask4
What is the size limit for red drum in New York?
No minimum; max 27".
How many red drum can you keep in New York?
No limit under 27".
When is red drum season in New York?
Open year-round.
How current is this New York red drum rule?
Source: NY DEC 2026, last checked Sep 20, 2026. A watchman re-reads the agency's pages nightly. Rules change mid-season by proclamation; the official rulebook is the final word.
In the appPoint the camera at a red drum in New York and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
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