New York state waters, out to 3 miles
Minimum size stepped up to 19.5" on Aug 2, 2026; current minimum shown.
NY DEC 2026 · checked · the official rulebook is the final word
Past 3 miles: federal waters Different rule
Federal measures are waived — anglers in Mid-Atlantic federal waters follow the rules of the state where they land. Check your state's entry.
NOAA GARFO / MAFMC 2026 · checked 2026-09-20
Often mistaken for
Southern flounderNo eye-like spots, plain mottle. Tell them apartNot listed by New York: the default applies (No size limit, no bag limit).
Keep the wrong fish and its rule applies.
New York state record
NYSDEC Marine Recreational Angler Records · checked 2026-09-04
How to tell it
Left-facing flatfish with 5 or more dark eye-like spots, several near the tail. More on the summer flounder page: every state’s rule, the records, and how anglers catch it.
Questions anglers ask5
What is the size limit for summer flounder in New York?
19" (May 4-Aug 1), 19.5" (Aug 2-Oct 15). Measured as total length: snout to the tip of the tail, tail lobes squeezed together.
How many summer flounder can you keep in New York?
3.
When is summer flounder season in New York?
May 4 - Oct 15. As of Sep 21, 2026 it is open.
What is the New York record summer flounder?
22 lb 7 oz (1975).
How current is this New York summer flounder 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 summer flounder in New York and this rule is on the screen before you take the picture. No signal needed.
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