Black sea bass are a temperate reef finfish found in natural and artificial structured habitats. This study uses fish behavior, condition indices and enhanced production estimates to evaluate how oyster aquaculture cages serve as artificial reefs for black sea bass, relative to natural rock reefs at study sites in central Long Island Sound. We recorded underwater video on shellfish farms and a rock reef in Milford, CT to identify and quantify black sea bass behavior associated with oyster cages and boulders. We sampled juvenile black sea bass from farms and reefs in Clinton and Milford, CT to assess relative condition factor and energy density as measures of habitat quality. We used young-of-the-year abundance data to estimate fish production enhancement provided by shellfish farms. Black sea bass demonstrated more shelter and grouping behavior on cages as compared to boulders. Instances of courtship/reproduction, escape, foraging, and territorial behavior were similar across cage and boulder habitats. Measurements of relative condition factor and energy density in juvenile black sea bass showed no difference in physiological condition of fish on farms and reefs. Enhanced production of black sea bass was estimated based on the greater abundance of young-of-the-year fish associated with oyster aquaculture cage farms relative to the natural rock reef. Our results suggest that aquaculture gear provides valuable habitat and ecosystem services for black sea bass throughout their life history, similar to other man-made structures that are considered Essential Fish Habitat.