Surfcasting in New York City on a Fly

The Hudson River, whose delta formed the island of Manhattan, is one of the primary spawning grounds for striped bass. Weather permitting, expect the spring run of stripers to begin in mid-April and continue throughout June. During this time, flyrodders have an excellent opportunity to land a bluefish or a weakfish as well. Starting in late summer, Bonita and false albacore move into the area.

One of the premier places on the East Coast for surfcasting is Gateway National Recreation Area located in Jamaica Bay (Floyd Bennett Field, Canarsie Pier, Breezy Point, and Ft. Tilden), Staten Island (Ft. Wadsworth, Miller Field and Great Kills Park), and Sandy Hook, New Jersey. All of these areas offer excellent access to flats and jetties. Call 718-318-4300 or log on to www.nps.gov/gate/index.htm for information on obtaining the necessary parking permits.

Other New York City hot spots include Randall's Island, the lighthouse at the north end of Roosevelt Island; Little Neck Bay in Queens; and Orchard Beach in the Bronx. Also, flyfishers can access a variety of Staten Island beaches, including South Beach, Midland Beach, Wolf's Pond Park & Beach, Conference House Park, and Alice Austen Park.

While fishing from piers or casting over fences can present quite a challenge to a flyrodder, fishing is permitted in select areas along the Hudson River including near the George Washington Bridge, West 96th Street to West 79th Street, Pier 45 and Pier 25, as well as Wagner Park in Battery Park City. Also one can fish in the East River at Gantry State Park in Long Island City or Gracie Mansion at East 91st Street in Manhattan. Favorite places to cast one's line in Brooklyn include Bayside (Pier 69), Coney Island, and Red Hook. Also, Staten Island is home to a number of fishing piers including Lemon Creek Pier, St. George's Pier and Ocean Breeze Pier.

Most saltwater anglers choose a 9- or 10-weight rod with either a Lefty's Deceiver or a Clouser Minnow. While most flyfishers practice catch and release, anyone, who wants to take a fish home should check with the New York City Department of Environmental Protection for the latest regulations. Also, one must be sure to inquire with the New York State Department of Health for any fish consumption advisories before eating their catch.

For a list of saltwater fishing guides endorsed by the Coastal Conservation Association, New York Chapter log on to www.ccany.org.