Outdoor Activities in New York - The NYC Fishing Experience

If you list the top ten fun activities to do in New York City, the chances that fishing will appear on the list is slim to none. New York City is known for its nightlife, bars and restaurants. Fishing in NYC? Not so much. But if you love fishing and it is an activity you enjoy, there are several NYC fishing locations you can visit this weekend.

You can go for fresh water or salt water fishing in NYC. Most of the time, you cannot keep fresh water fish and you have to release them back in the water but you may keep salt water fish.

You can go for fresh water fishing at several locations in New York City.

• Central Park lakes in Manhattan
• Prospect Park lakes in Brooklyn
• Crotona Lake and Van Cortland Lake in the Bronx
• Meadow Lake, Willow Lake and Baisley Park Pond in Queens
• Clove Lake, Silver Lake, and Wolfe's Pond in Staten Island.

If you are going for saltwater fishing, then you can fish on boats on salt water bodies near the city such as Jamaica Bay, Great Kills or Long Island Sound.

There are some NYC fishing rules you need to keep in mind and be aware of prior to fishing anywhere in or around NYC. Most NYC fishing areas prohibit the use nets and you can only use rods. You can't also use food for bait and you need to use barbless hooks. Bent hooks and spinning are not allowed. You need a fishing license when fishing waters of the Marine District. Usually, 15 pounds is the minimum breaking strain line for carp/cats.

New York City is known for its skyscrapers not for its nature centers; with the exception of Central Park. Escaping the concrete jungle within the city limit is important to unwind and relax. So be responsible and follow New York City regulations that protect and make marine life healthy for fishing. Remember that we need to upkeep and preserve the few nature centers we have in New York City for everyone including future generations.

So now that you know where to fish in NYC, go ahead and enjoy an afternoon of fishing this weekend. It will be a relaxing escape from the frantic pace of New York City life.