Great news...we are surrounded by water.  Fishing opportunties abound!!!  And is there anything better than seeing the look on your children's faces when they hook a huge one (or more likely a 1/4 lb bluegill...ha!).  For saltwater options you can try fishing piers, surfcasting or jumping on an open charter boat.  There are plenty of ponds on the island stocked with bass, bluegill, crappie an other freshwater species.  Be advised...you WILL need a liscense for both freshwater and saltwater fishing (open boats will provide the liscense for you). 

 

Here are a couple of options to get you headed in the right direction.

 

Editor's note: As the intent of this site it to provide general information we will keep specific recommendations confined to the blog.  In fact - my first post will be on this very subject!

 

Freshwater Options -

 

You probably haven't noticed but there actually are freshwater ponds and lakes (in the loosest definition of the word) all around you.  From Lake Ronkonkoma to Hempstead Lake to a hundred small ponds stocked with freshwater fish.  You can introduce your kids to the sport of fishing all across Long Island.  What we like in particular is the relative ease of getting to, and fishing in, these freshwater options.  Additionally we like your chances a lot better at a pond than trying your luck at a beach/pier.  If there are bluegill in the water they are probably biting (at least your kids will get to see the bobber go under the water).  Here is a link to many (but not all) of the local freshwater spots.  Also, check out my blog from time to time for specific recommendations.  Here is the first one...enjoy!

 

Fishing Piers -

 

While Long Island doesn't have the monster piers associated with the California Coast, there are plenty of nicely built structures well suited for saltwater fishing.   Here are a few:

 

Jones Beach Fishing Pier - Probably the largest and most well known of the South Bay fishing piers, Jones Beach is a large pier with an attached bait and tackle shop.  A good place to get started.

 

Captree Fishing Pier- Two separate wooden piers located just to the east of the Captree Fleet.  A bait and tackle shop is located on premesis.  Nice place to relax and fish.

 

Norm J Levy Park and Preserve - This park is home to a very nice fishing pier that stretchs out into Merrick Bay.  Park your car in the main lot.  Staff members will take you to the pier via golf car.  Give them a call when you are done and the will return to pick you up.  Easy peasy!  No bait and tackle store in the park...make sure to bring with you everything you need.

 

Green Island - This pier definitely falls into the harder to find category, it is located on the Wantaugh Parkway in the Great South Bay.  Pull off before crossing the final bridge taking you to Jones Beach.  Park you car and walk to the pier under the bridge.  Nicely built with no amenities, so make sure to bring water, food, chairs, bait, etc.

 

Open Party Boats -

 

Pretty much every harbor on the island has an open boat or two.  The Captree Fishing Fleet is home to the largest collection of boats.  Reservations are not usually required but it's best to call ahead.  If you don't mind making the schlep Orient Point has some great options.

 

Check out this post for some first hand accounts of open boat fishing.