Free Fishing Days And Other Fishing News

Fishing Season has arrived!  Please take a moment to check out some information I received about the upcoming free fishing weekend and other fishing events throughout the season. As many of you may have already heard, fishing for salt water species this year is free of charge, but you must sign up on the Marine Fishing Registry.  I’ve posted information about that as well. If you want to fish for freshwater fish, you can obtain a license at the Town Clerk’s Office at 10 Maple Avenue in New City.  Children under 16 do not require their own license and may fish accompanied by a license holder. If you are new to the sport and just want to try it out, read on about free fishing opportunities this summer.

According to a Press Release by the New York State Department of Environmental Conservation, each year, the last full weekend in June is designated as Free Fishing Days in New York State. During those two days, anyone can fish New York State waters, and no fishing license is required. This event started in 1991 to allow all people the opportunity to sample the incredible fishing New York State has to offer. Since no license is required, it is the perfect time to take a friend or relative fishing. In 2011, New York State's Free Fishing Days are Saturday and Sunday, June 25 & 26.

In addition to the June Free Fishing Days weekend, there are a number of "Free Fishing Events" held in various locations across the state. Free Fishing Events are DEC sponsored events (such as family fishing clinics) where participants can learn about fish identification, fishing equipment and techniques, fisheries management, angling ethics and aquatic ecology. Each of DEC's nine regions can sponsor up to four free fishing events per year. Most free fishing events occur during the period from April through October. For a listing of currently posted events, please view the table, but be sure to check back periodically to see if additional events have been added.

So, first time anglers, as well as those who have drifted away from the sport, should take advantage of this opportunity to see how much fun fishing can be. For more information about Free Fishing Days, contact your DEC Regional Fisheries Office. Information about Freshwater Fishing Regulations can be found here.

Free Fishing Licenses

The following individuals are eligible for a free fishing license and may obtain a license at any license issuing outlet including the Clarkstown Town Clerk’s Office:

• Citizen residents who are blind.
• Active members of the U.S. Armed Forces who provide proof that they are New York State residents stationed outside of New York and will be on leave or furlough in NY for under 30 days. For more information, visit Sporting Licenses Under the Patriot Plan.
• Resident patients at U.S. Veterans Administration hospitals or facilities can obtain a free fishing license through their hospital or facility.
  • Native Americans who are members of the Shinnecock and Poospatuck tribes or the Six Nations residing on reservations in New York State may obtain a free fishing license by contacting their reservation or the DEC License Sales Office at (518) 402-8843.

Recreational Marine Fishing Registry

                      On March 31, 2011, the New York State Legislature established a no-fee recreational marine fishing registry to take the place of the recreational marine fishing license previously implemented in October 2009. The new no-fee registry was signed with a “sunset clause,” set to expire December 31, 2013. This means that the recreational marine fishing license and fees will return in 2014 unless the law is further amended or repealed. If you plan on fishing for marine species, please register online, or by telephone at 1-866-933-2257. Registration can also be completed by visiting your local licensing location. Information about Saltwater Fishing Regulations, including size, season and bag limits can be found here.

Rockland County offers many locations to enjoy the great outdoors.  I encourage everyone to get out and enjoy the season.  Come down to Town Hall, get your fishing license and head out for a fun day of fishing with the entire family!