Fishing with Kids in New York City

Parents looking to unplug their kids from their Nintendos and plug them back into nature might want to look at several free fishing programs that are available throughout several Manhattan parks. Tease programs give kids a chance to get up close and personal with New York City by offering fun educational opportunities to explore the waters around this urban island.

Big City Fishing
Hudson River Park at Pier 46 (West and Charles Street) has become an oasis of nature and tranquility. From June through Labor Day, anyone 15 years old and younger can try to catch a saltwater fish in this park. All fishing is catch and release meaning the fish must be returned back to the Hudson. Also, casting is not permitted to prevent hooking a cyclist or a cab though one can drop one's line into the Hudson. In addition to learning how to fish from the piers, the program also teaches participants about the Hudson River estuary. Those who are interested can view plankton through a microscope, examine life specimens caught in the Hudson, and other marine activities. Also, formal instruction as well as all the needed supplies (rod, reel, bait) are provided. The program is offered from 10am to 4:30pm weather permitting. Log on to the Hudson River Park's website for additional information. http://www.hudsonriverpark.org/education/big_city_fishing.asp

Go Fish
For another saltwater fishing opportunity, the Battery City Parks Conservancy offers a Go Fish program that includes catch and release fishing along with music and other family friendly activities. All fishing gear is included in this program, along with friendly assistance and coaching, as well as any other program supplies. To find out the dates for the next Go Fish program log on to the BCPC's website. http://www.bpcparks.org

Dana Discovery Center
Freshwater enthusiasts can go to the Dana Discovery Center, Central Park's environmental education center, which is located on the north shore of the Harlem Meer at 110th Street between Lenox Avenue and Fifth Avenue. Adults over 17 with a valid picture ID can reserve a bamboo fishing pole for a child

from mid-April to mid-October. Tuesday through Sunday, from 11 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. The poles must be must be returned by 4:00 p.m. Bait (corn kernels) are provided gratis with the poles. While this freshwater lake was stocked with white bass, the majority of fish caught are bluegills, though one may find the occasional carp or other warmwater species.

www.centralpark.com/pages/attractions/discovery-center.html