Free saltwater fishing clinic scheduled for August

A free saltwater fishing clinic is coming to Riverhead this summer.

The clinic will be held at Ammermann Riverfront Park Aug. 18, a collaborative effort from the Department of Environmental Conservation’s I FISH NY program and the Riverhead Town Recreation Department. 

The clinic, which will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m., will provide information on saltwater fish species, fishing regulations and casting techniques. I FISH NY will loan fishing rods and bait, free of cost.

“Saltwater fishing clinics help families discover the abundant natural resources available throughout the region and create opportunities they may not have known existed otherwise,” DEC Regional Director Peter A. Scully said in a press release.

Space is limited, so call I FISH NY at (631) 444-0283 to pre-register. Participants do not need to be registered with the Recreational Marine Fishing Registry for the event.

The Free Fishing Program began granting people the opportunity to enjoy fishing, no license required, in 1991. New York State has designated Saturday, June 28 and Sunday, June 29 as Free Fishing Days this summer. More free fishing opportunities can be found online.

These events are part of the NY is Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative, which is an effort to boost tourism and improve recreational opportunities for sportsmen and women. Under this initiative, fishing access has improved, hunting opportunities have increased, and fishing and hunting licenses became streamlined, according to the DEC.

“Under Governor Cuomo’s NY is Open for Fishing and Hunting Initiative, the popularity of fishing clinics continue to grow throughout Long Island,” Mr. Scully said.

For more information about the I FISH NY program visit their website.

For more information about saltwater fishing, call the Bureau of Marine Resources at (631) 444-0430 or visit the DEC website.