Hempstead, NY - July 31st, 2013 - The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and the State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation are sponsoring a Summer Family Freshwater Fishing Clinic on Saturday, August 3 at MacDonald Pond at Hempstead Lake State Park from 10 a.m. - 2 p.m. This event will introduce the sport of fishing to young people and teach them how to enjoy one of the most popular outdoor activities in our state and nation.
To further encourage fishing in New York State, Governor Cuomo signed legislation last year expanding the opportunity for free fishing clinics, allowing more New Yorkers to experience fishing for the first time by enabling DEC to increase the number of free clinics that can be held throughout the state. The Free Fishing Days program began in 1991 to allow all people the opportunity to sample the incredible fishing New York State has to offer. New York's sport fishing industry generates an estimated $1.8 billion in economic activity annually, supporting nearly 32,000 jobs.
No fishing license is required for this event. Fishing rods will be supplied by I FISH NY and bait supplied by State Parks for clinic participants at no cost. The event will start with education stations including fish identification, regulations and angler ethics, and aquatic ecology. Open fishing will follow.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Note that admission is free, but there is an $8 fee for vehicle parking.
NY's Open for Hunting and Fishing initiative includes the streamlining of hunting and fishing licensing and reducing license fees, improved access for fishing at various sites across the state, stocking as much as 900,000 pounds of fish raised at DEC hatcheries, and increasing hunting opportunities in various regions.
For additional information on the clinic and to pre-register, contact DEC's I FISH NY program at (631) 444-0283, or email IfishNY@gw.dec.state.ny.us. For information about freshwater fishing on Long Island, contact DEC's Bureau of Fisheries at (631) 444-0280 or visit the website.
What: Summer Family Freshwater Fishing Clinic
Where: MacDonald Pond at Hempstead Lake State Park
When: Saturday, August 3, 2013
Time: 10 a.m. - 2 p.m.
Who: NYS Department of Environmental Conservation, NYS Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation
Details: Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Free loaner fishing rods and bait, supplied by I FISH NY, will be available for use at the clinic. The event will start with education stations including fish identification, regulations and angler ethics, and aquatic ecology. Open fishing will follow.
Cost: $8 for parking; free with Empire Passport
Sponsor: DEC I FISH NY program
Contact: I FISH NY at (631) 444-0283 or IfishNY@gw.dec.state.ny.us