New York has over 29,000 acres of parkland for you to enjoy. However, one thing that is often forgotten is sport fishing in New York City. Surrounded by water, it has over 500 miles of shoreline which leads to some great opportunites for sport fishing in New York. Both salt fishing and freshwater fishing in NY are available here, with each borough having its own unique spots. From piers to beaches, there are many different water challenges to try while you are here.

Getting started: what you need to know

You will want to find out the rules and regulations about sport fishing in New York before just casting out anywhere. Fishing is allowed in areas under the jurisdiction of the Department of Parks and Recreation, except in open swimming areas or where specifically prohibited. All fish that are caught in freshwater must be released immediately, and you cannot use barbed hooks in these areas. Also, you cannot use traps to catch fish or other creatures.

If you would like to do some saltwater fishing in New York on the water, there are many charter boats for hire in the area. Many leave from Jamaica Bay, Gerritsen, Great Kills, and Long Island Sound to catch blues, fluke, stripers, porgies, and blackfish. Both day and night fishing are also available.

Take a trip out to the island

Long Island offers sport fishing, commercial fishing, and boating. This area is known for some of the best sport fishing on the east coast, with over 80 world fishing records set here since 1980! The salt waters around Long Island are ideal for flounder, mackerel, blackfish, weakfish, porgies, and fluke. Further out in the ocean, bluefish, shark, tuna, cod, and striped bass can be found.

Watch out below!

Anyone with a rod and some bait can fish for free off any public beach or pier. You can also rent a boat at most marinas. Otherwise you can charter a boat or hop on an open boat, which sail daily. To fish on lakes, ponds, and streams (freshwater fishing), a fishing license is required. Fishing on Long Island is fun and easy! Throw your tackle box and fishing pole in your cargo van rental, SUV rental or sports car rental and prepare for an afternoon of relaxation!

With over 500 miles of shoreline around New York, sport fishing in NYC is an often forgotten sport that you can enjoy. Jamaica Bay, Gerritsen, Great Kills, and Long Island Sound are some places to get started, or just throw a line over the pier and wait to see what you catch.

For more information, try http://www.fishny.com/ to find locations close to where you will be staying. They offer details about different regions and make suggestions for charters.